If you've got a dog, you'll know that they absolutely love chasing sticks, balls, stones and pretty much anything that you throw for them.
But did you know that vets actually advise against throwing sticks to your pooch?
Turns out, doing so can lead to some pretty serious health risks that you absolutely wouldn't want for your fur baby.
Are sticks safe for dogs?
Over on TikTok, veterinary nurse @jade.the.vet.nurs shared a post explaining why it's actually pretty dangerous to let your dog play with sticks in this way.
"This is a reminder to never throw sticks for your dogs," she said.
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"When you throw a stick, it can get stuck in the ground, and when your dog runs towards it at a high speed and tries to catch it in their mouth, if it's stuck in the ground first and your dog runs over it, they can actually end up impaling themselves through the roof of their mouth.
"I have seen this before. It was fatal.
"The stick went straight through the roof of the dog’s mouth, and it went straight into his brain and the dog died immediately."
Jade continued: "I have heard of this happening quite a few times and not only that, but sticks can splinter and then the splinters can get stuck in your dog‘s mouth, in dogs oesophagus and in their stomach.
"Overall sticks just aren't a good thing to play with and I just cringe when I see people throw sticks for the dogs."
Blue Cross adds that sticks can injure your dog in numerous ways, including:
- splinters in your dog’s gums
- choking on bits of the stick
- obstruction in the bowel
- eye injuries
- wounds on your dog’s body
- bacterial infections
- the stick impaling your dog’s body
Why do dogs like sticks?
Blue Cross explain that dogs like sticks because they are 'multi sensory'.
They said: "They have new smells, taste interesting, and have different bumps and grooves on them that make them fun to chew.
"However, although a stick seems like a good way of offering an outlet for their sore gums, it is best not to give your dog any as it can make it easy for them to fall into the bad habit of chewing sticks for the rest of their life."
What can be used instead of a stick?
Blue Cross explain there are a number of alternatives to choose from, including a ball (choose one that's big enough for your dog to avoid a choking risk); rope toy or even a rubber toy that resembles a stick.
Lucy Devine