dog BEHAVIOUR

Sticks and Stones
By Marti Hopson, DVM

Cooper, Jack Russell

Chewing can be a nasty habit
Many dogs love to chew sticks, and, for the most part, this should not cause problems. However, there is the risk of a stomach or intestinal blockage from eating too much wood (which would require surgery). There are also reports of choking, and pieces of stick getting stuck in the spaces between teeth. Sticks can also cause splinters in the gums, resulting in infection and pain.

Consider the following:

• Some dogs do not differentiate between sticks and wooden furniture/objects in your house. Nipping this habit in the bud might save your home.
• If your dog is chewing sticks, make sure they are not the sort that splinter easily. Be sure your pup is not actually eating the wood and that the stick is not rotten.
• Playing fetch with sticks can be a dangerous game. Your dog could break a tooth, or worse. There are rare reports of dogs impaling themselves on sticks when running or playing fetch. The stick can cause a wound to the mouth, esophagus or chest.
• Make sure to train a firm “drop it” command. You should not have to chase your dog to retrieve the stick.
• Do not allow your dog to chew sticks without supervision.
• Examine your dog’s mouth frequently, looking for splinters in the gums, lacerations or bleeding and broken teeth.

The same pointers should be considered if your dog is chewing rocks (never a good idea!) or any other material. Rocks can easily break teeth, and some dogs eat them. Frequent eating of strange objects is a disorder known as pica, and may be a compulsive habit. If you can’t get your dog to stop eating odd items, seek veterinary help. Some new training tools might be all you need. However, a basket muzzle can be used so that your dog cannot pick up and eat strange things.
There are lots of proper chew toys and treats available. Provide these safe alternatives to your dog. Remember that no product is 100 percent safe for the most voracious of chewers, so always use common sense and supervise your pet when introducing a new chew toy.