Stick tossing game: is it safe for a dog?

Classic scene – the owner has fun playing with his beloved pet, throwing a stick to him. But throwing a stick to a dog is not always safe.

However, there are plenty of durable and safe alternatives to pet sticks that a four-legged friend can safely play with in the yard or park.

How to replace the game with a stick for a dog?

Dog Stick: Safety

While there is nothing to fear in the game itself, sticks can create unnecessary risks. They tend to break and crack, which can lead to punctures, infections, gum rot, and obstructions in the dog’s mouth or throat.

American Kennel Club (AKC) Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein explains: “A dog playing with a stick seems harmless enough…But dogs have been brought to my appointment with wood chips stuck in their palate and throat, or with deep penetrating wounds in their mouths, inflicted with fragments of a stick.

According to the AKC, if a pet touches its mouth with a paw while playing with a stick, this may be a sign that it is in pain. However, some animals may not show signs of injury. If the dog touches its mouth with its paw, behaves strangely, or shows other signs that indicate that it is in pain, stop the game immediately and take it to the veterinarian for examination.

Safer Alternatives

Sticks may be unsafe, but this does not mean that you can not play with your pet in his favorite game. There are many safer and, in some cases, inexpensive alternatives.

You can buy a dog toy made of durable rubber. Leather and tennis balls should be avoided. Also, you should not give a four-legged pet a toy that can get stuck in its mouth or throat.

It is best to make a toy with your own hands, using items that you have at home. You can make a durable toy out of old jeans or towels that your dog will happily fetch and chew on safely.

The pride that a pet feels when he finds and brings a stick thrown to him in the street is truly delightful. Throwing is a great activity for the owner and pet, but it’s important to make it a safe activity.

There are many safe and inexpensive alternatives to sticks that will last longer and make playing even more exciting. Making a toy with your own hands from household items or choosing it at the pet store with your dog, you can ensure your pet is completely safe during the game.