Why Do Dogs Like To Chew Sticks So Much?

Chasing sticks and then chewing them with pleasure is becoming a popular hobby for many dogs. But why is this so? Here is the answer.

Many dogs think that they have an innate passion for sticks: they want to get them, just carry them with them, play with them. Or just chew it.

Is your dog too? This could be because he likes the taste, smell, or texture of the sticks – or both. By the way, puppies and young dogs are especially fond of chewing sticks.

Dentist Kirk Herrmann explains this to Dogster magazine: “Young dogs chew it more often because they are more playful – or when their teeth are teething.” Nutrient deficiencies or other health problems can also be triggers. But this is quite rare.

Dogs Can Be Seriously Injured by Chewing on a Stick

Regardless of the reason, your dog likes to chew on sticks or twigs: it can definitely be a health hazard. Because sticks crack quickly and can injure the throat and pharynx. Sometimes dogs suffer from severe blood loss as a result. It becomes even more dangerous with damage to the trachea or esophagus.

A stick can even completely pierce a dog’s mouth, as a case from Saxony showed last year. Injuries to the teeth or tongue are also common. If stick pieces enter the stomach, they can cause digestive problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. In addition, the debris can damage the intestines or rectum as it leaves the body. In the worst case, chewing sticks can even be fatal.

Give Toys Instead of Sticks

Therefore, veterinarians advise you to monitor your dog when he is playing with a stick. However, the best way to prevent this is to discourage your dog from looking for a stick, or instead give him a more suitable toy that won’t hurt him.

Veterinarians advise dogs not to chew on objects that you cannot press with your fingernail or that the animal might accidentally swallow.

If your dog chews on a stick, you should watch it carefully to check for any injuries in the mouth. You should sit down and immediately notice the following symptoms:

• Vomit
• Bloody feces
• Diarrhea
• Straining during bowel movements
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

If you notice any of these signs, tooth trauma, or mouth sores, you should definitely take your dog to the vet just in case!