Why do dogs like sticks, and are they bad to chew on?

There are a few things which are truly inseparable in life, but a dog and their stick are one of them. Most dogs love to chew on sticks, and it doesn’t matter if it’s twice their size, either - they will try and conquer it!

But why do dogs like sticks? Is it safe for them to chew on them, and are there any risks involved? Here, we discuss why dogs love sticks, answer "is it ok for dogs to chew on sticks" and share a few safety pointers.

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Why do dogs like sticks?

Dogs like sticks because they appeal to their senses. The texture, smell, taste, and stress relief from chewing all combine to make sticks an all around fun time for dogs.

You can think of it as a mental and physical outlet - dogs get a feel-good sensation from chewing. The rough, coarse texture of sticks means they’re satisfying for dogs to chew on.

Sticks have a strong smell of the earth and outdoors, too, which appeals to the sharp nose of most dogs. Overall, sticks offer an ideal mix of mental and sensory stimulation.

Why do dogs fetch sticks?

Dogs like fetching as it is a natural behaviour for them, plus many associate sticks with good feelings due to positive reinforcement given by their owners.

Certain breeds, like Retrievers, will have a very strong instinct to fetch sticks, given their history as gundogs to find and bring back game.

For most dogs, they’ve had a good time fetching sticks at some point, and it’s been reinforced multiple times.

Why do dogs eat sticks?

Most of the time, a dog eating a stick is an accident. But sometimes, a dog will eat it on purpose, particularly if they’re dealing with a deeper behavioural or health problem.

There’s a condition in dogs called pica, which means persistent eating of non-edible items, like plastic, rocks, and sticks. Usually, pica implies there’s an underlying health issue, so you should definitely chat to your vet if you notice it.

Other reasons for eating sticks may include conditions like anaemia, digestive problems, hunger, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying behaviour problems like anxiety or boredom.

As you can see, there are lots of reasons why dogs may eat sticks. Please see your vet if it seems like your dog’s stick-eating obsession is more than an accident.

Is it safe for dogs to chew on sticks?

So, is it bad for dogs to chew on sticks?

It’s certainly not ideal. Stick ingestion can carry risks, from minor issues like cuts and splinters to serious ones, like choking and blockages.

Potential hazards include:

• Choking

• Damage to the teeth or soft tissues in the mouth

• Intestinal blockages

• Splinters

• Toxicity

If your dog has chewed on a stick and is showing any of the following symptoms then you should call a vet:

• A bad odour from the mouth

• Bleeding from the mouth

• Excessive drooling

• Lethargy

• Pawing or rubbing at their face

• Reduced appetite

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

Sticks aren’t risk-free. It’s better to use a ball or another toy for your dog’s enrichment and play instead.

What about big sticks? Are they safer?

Big sticks are still dangerous, even if you feel like your smaller dog can’t cause much damage to them. They can still cause splinters, cuts, and blockages.

Are some sticks toxic?

Toxicity is another potential risk a dog can face when chewing on sticks. Some tree bark is toxic to dogs. In the UK, the following trees can produce troubling symptoms for dogs:

• Black cherry

• Elderberry

• Walnut

• Yew

Additionally, take care if you’re near farmland or you can see that the trees have been cut back or maintained recently. There’s a very slim chance they may be treated with harmful pesticides or chemicals.

Our guide on poisons discusses more.

Why does my dog bark at sticks?

This is an odd behaviour some dogs do, and there are a few reasons for it, like:

• Attention-seeking and a desire to play

• Communicating excitement

• Learned behaviour, especially if they usually play fetch after barking

• Prey drive and resource guarding (basically mimicking catching prey)

Are there any safe sticks for dogs?

No, not really. All sticks carry a risk of splintering or problematic ingestion.

Is my dog's stick obsession a problem?

It can be. On the one hand, dogs have chewed sticks forever. It’s a key part of their identity for a reason. On the other hand, modern veterinary science has proven chewing and playing with sticks carries risks.

Rebecca MacMillan MRCVS says:

"The biggest issue vets see is stick injuries, caused when an owner throws a stick for their dog. Injury can occur if the stick hits the ground end on and the dog continues running at it, impaling themself upon the other end at speed with an open mouth.

Pieces of stick can break off during this impact, lodging themselves in the soft tissue of the throat or neck. These types of injuries can be incredibly frustrating and complicated to resolve.

This is because it can be tricky to find and retrieve every splinter of foreign material, even with advanced imaging like CT scans. Pet parents should therefore not encourage their dogs to chase, chew or play with sticks’’

Some dogs can become truly obsessed with sticks. If your pet refuses to drop them, and becomes aggressive when you try to take the stick, then you should speak to a pet behaviourist about how to best tackle the issue before it escalates further.

How to manage a dog’s stick obsession: a guide

Teaching the “drop it” and “leave it” commands can help. But you’ll need to balance this with positive reinforcement and introducing play with other things. It’s not enough for your dog just to drop the stick; they need to build a connection between walks, play, and fetch with a different item.

You essentially need to distract your dog with the “leave it” or “drop it” command, redirect their attention with something that isn’t a stick, and carry on with whatever you were both doing.

It’s why we think bringing some stick alternatives on your walk is a must, like dog-friendly chew toys, stick-shaped chew toys, and playing supervised fetch with them. Eventually, your dog will associate these alternatives with play more than sticks.

Removing sticks from your garden and avoiding places with lots of sticks during this training phase, like forests, is important.

What are the best and safest alternatives to sticks?

It depends on your dog’s chewing style. Some nibble, some chew with power, others destroy what they can ASAP.

Research which toys suit each chewing style, and pick an alternative that your dog will likely enjoy. For example, some options for each chewing style can include:

• The "Nibbler" (a small dog that chews for comfort): Soft dental chews, puzzle toys.

• The "Power Chewer" (a dog that can destroy anything): Durable rubber toys.

• The "Forager" (a Springer Spaniel who always wants to be hunting and chewing on something): Snuffle mats, treat dispensers.

Other options include vet-recommended edible chews and dental treats or DIY alternatives from your pantry, like a suitably-sized raw carrot.

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What to do if your dog swallows a stick

Swallowing a stick is serious. It’s one of the most dangerous injuries that can happen from stick chewing. We recommend seeing a vet immediately, particularly if you notice symptoms like:

• Appetite loss

• Excessive drooling

• Lethargy

• Pawing at the mouth

• Vomiting

What to expect at the vet's office

Your vet will start by examining your dog. This will include checking their mouth, assessing their heart rate and feeling their abdomen. Very small pieces of stick may pass through their system without issue, but if your vet has concerns about your dog, they could suggest further tests.

Some dogs might need to have a more thorough oral exam under sedation, especially if they are showing symptoms like drooling or bleeding from their mouth. This will allow your vet to better assess for potential tissue trauma or dental issues following stick chewing.

Alternatively they may suggest diagnostic imaging like x-rays or an ultrasound scan if they think your pet has swallowed a large amount of a stick or even a whole one.

Exploratory surgery may be required in some cases, especially if an intestinal blockage is suspected. Your vet will talk you through their diagnostic and treatment plan.

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