For many dog guardians, a game of fetch with a stick seems like harmless fun. After all, dogs love to chase, chew, and carry them – sticks are free, plentiful and appear perfect for play. However, this seemingly natural activity can pose serious, even life-threatening, risks
1. Risk of severe injury
One of the biggest dangers of throwing sticks is the risk of injury. As a dog chases after a thrown stick, it may land at an awkward angle, causing the dog to run into it at full speed. This can result in puncture wounds to the mouth, throat or chest, leading to severe pain, infection, and in some cases, life-threatening injuries. As these two stories clearly demonstrate.
M.Hayler, Sussex
My dog Pippa loved collecting sticks on every walk, a common trait among dogs, especially Golden Retrievers. Fetch was her favourite until one day, it went horribly wrong. Instead of landing flat, the stick arrowed into the ground just as she leapt to catch it. She came down hard, driving it straight down her throat. The damage was severe – the vet warned that sticks should never be thrown for exactly this reason. She was actually really lucky to survive.
M.Richardson, Doncaster
Charlie came close to death after impaling himself on a stick during a game of fetch. He suffered a punctured lung and broken rib when the stick ripped through his chest after it reared up from the ground when he jumped on it – missing his heart by just half an inch.
Mark said: “It seems the most natural thing in the world – but, as we’ve learned, letting your dog play with a stick can have terrible consequences. Please, if you’re thinking of throwing a stick for your dog, think again. Seeing Charlie in the pain he was in that night was just horrific – I wouldn’t want anyone else or any other dog to have to suffer that.”
2. Splinters & internal damage
Even a seemingly sturdy stick can break apart, leaving behind sharp splinters. These can embed in your dog’s gums, tongue, or throat, causing pain and potential infection. If swallowed, wood fragments can also perforate the digestive tract, leading to internal bleeding or blockages that require urgent veterinary care.
3. Choking hazards
Sticks that are too large or break mid-play can become serious choking hazards. Jagged edges can get lodged in a dog’s throat, while smaller fragments may be swallowed, increasing the risk of intestinal obstruction.
4. Long-term health risks
Regular exposure to sticks can result in long-term dental damage, such as cracked or broken teeth. Additionally, certain types of wood are toxic to dogs if ingested, adding yet another layer of risk.
5. What do vets say?
One report into acute “stick injuries” in dogs revealed just how common they are. Academics from the Royal Veterinary College found dogs suffer as many injuries playing fetch as they do on Britain’s roads*.
Vets frequently treat dogs for stick-related injuries, from minor mouth lacerations to life-threatening impalements. Most professionals strongly advise against using sticks for fetch, emphasising that the risks far outweigh the convenience.
*Source: Vets Now
If you suspect your dog has been injured by a stick conatct your vet immediately.
Final thoughts
Playing fetch is a great way to keep your dog active and mentally stimulated, but safety should always come first. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly alternatives that offer the same excitement without the dangers. Here are a few ideas…
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