Can I throw sticks for my dog?

But what many owners don’t realise is that a seemingly innocent game can lead to severe injury and hefty vet bills if it involves playing with sticks.

Back in 2017 the British Veterinary Association conducted a survey which reported 3 out of 4 vets had treated dogs for stick-related injuries in the previous year.

When a fetch game of chasing a stick goes wrong, it might only cause a minor issue such as a splinter stuck in the tongue but even that will still be pretty painful for your canine friend. Far worse however, stick-throwing can and does cause life-threatening injuries. Sticks can splinter or fracture as they hit the ground, which can pierce soft tissue in the throat or vital organs when your dog grabs hold of it.

Vets have reported serious injuries where dogs have been impaled through the chest or abdomen by a stick hitting the ground at an angle and sticking in mud or loose soil and the dog in their enthusiasm to chase, running into it. This is an injury that can often be life-threatening, and even if survivable, will likely require an operation to repair the damage.

Even allowing your dog to have a good chew on a dirty stick can cause bacterial infections and abscesses if they inadvertently swallow a sharp splinter causing an injury to the mouth or throat.

It’s not always clear straight away that your dog may have been injured after your fun game together. It could be weeks before a nasty bacterial infection takes hold.

Some signs to be aware of include:

• Swelling in the face and neck
• Blood in the saliva
• Reluctance to eat or drink

If you suspect your dog has a stick injury or shows any of these signs, take them to your vet as soon as possible, as it could be life-threatening.

The good news is these horrible injuries can be avoided by leaving sticks alone - and it doesn’t mean you have to give up your dog’s favourite game. There are many dog-friendly alternatives for you and your dog to enjoy games together – including rubber fake sticks.

As an Agria Pet Insurance customer, you can speak to a vet completely free whenever you have a question or concern about your pet’s health. Simply download the Agria App for free 24/7 video calls; giving you expert advice to help keep your pet happy and healthy.

Last reviewed by expert behaviourist Carolyn Menteith on 7 July 2024.