Last Updated: 18/02/2026
Is it Safe for Dogs to Play with Sticks?
Think twice before tossing that branch. While fetching sticks is a classic canine pastime, it carries hidden risks of impaling injuries and obstructions. Discover why sticks are a vet's nightmare and find safer, durable alternatives for your dog.
Author: Dr Lacey Kelly BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
The image of a dog triumphantly carrying a large branch is a staple of morning walks, but for veterinarians, it often signals an emergency waiting to happen. While it seems like nature's perfect toy, the humble stick is responsible for a high volume of preventable injuries in clinics across Australia. From painful splinters to life-threatening internal punctures, the risks associated with wood often outweigh the fun of the game. Understanding these dangers is the first step in keeping your best friend safe during outdoor adventures.
Why veterinarians recommend against using sticks
Unfortunately stick injuries and illness caused by sticks is seen far too commonly in veterinary clinics. There are numerous ways in which sticks can cause harm to your dog.
As dogs excitedly chase after the thrown stick they often come to a sudden stop before the bouncing stick does, resulting in high velocity punctures to the mouth, tongue and back of the throat. Even bumping into something while running with the stick in their mouth can cause serious injury.
If you consider how much pain and discomfort a splinter causes us, you can understand how painful this can be for your furry friend. The small stick fragments can migrate through tissue and muscle to dangerous locations, resulting in serious illness. The bacteria within the wood splinters can even lead to recurrent abscesses.
These injuries often require a full anaesthetic, CT, endoscopy and surgery to remove all the pieces of stick. Additionally, as wood does not show up on Xray it can often be a long and difficult process to work out what has caused these clinical signs to then provide the appropriate treatment.
The hidden dangers of chewing on sticks
Unfortunately chewing sticks is no better. When chewed, the sticks break into sharp little shards that can easily stab into and get stuck in the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and intestinal tract. These shards are often covered in bacteria resulting in serious infections. Consumption of these shards can also lead to obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, requiring surgical or endoscopic removal.
The dangers of toxic wood and branches
Some branches and sticks can also come from poisonous plants, resulting in toxicities when chewed and licked.
Risks of sticks to your dog:
- Impaling injuries (commonly the mouth, face, chest, and abdomen)
- Dental injuries and infections
- Stick ingestion leading to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, and sepsis
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Choking/obstruction of throat
- Recurrent abscesses
- Serious infections
Recognising the signs of a stick injury
In some cases, pet parents aren't even aware that their dog has sustained a stick injury. During the adrenaline-fuelled excitement of a walk, a dog might emit a small, sharp yelp and then immediately continue playing as if nothing happened. However, once the excitement fades and the area begins to swell or become painful, the symptoms start to emerge.
If you suspect your dog has had a run-in with a stick, keep a close eye out for these clinical signs:
- Excessive drooling or hypersalivation: This is often a sign of oral pain or an inability to swallow correctly.
- Pawing at the face or mouth: Much like us with a toothache, dogs will often try to rub at the source of the discomfort.
- Reluctance to eat or "dropping" food: Your dog may approach their bowl with interest but back away or struggle to chew.
- Blood-tinged saliva: Small amounts of blood in their water bowl or on their toys can indicate a puncture in the gums or throat.
- Bad breath (halitosis): If a piece of wood remains lodged for more than a day or two, it can cause a rapid bacterial infection with a distinct, foul odour.
- Difficulty breathing or a sudden cough: This can occur if a fragment has lodged near the larynx or is causing significant swelling in the neck.
- Lumps or swellings: If a splinter has migrated through the tissue, it can cause a firm, painful lump to appear under the jaw or along the neck.
If your dog shows any of these signs following a trip to the park, a vet check is essential to ensure no hidden fragments are left behind to cause further damage.
Safe alternatives to sticks for fetch and chewing
Just because sticks aren't safe, doesn't mean you have to stop playing fetch with your furry pal. There are plenty of safe, inexpensive, and longer-lasting alternatives that won't get you in a "sticky" situation. Making the switch is less about stopping the fun and more about upgrading the equipment.
Redirecting attention from sticks to safe toys is the best plan of action. For many dogs, a stick is simply a "toy of opportunity" found at the park. By consistently offering a superior alternative, you can break the habit and reduce the risk of injury.
To make the transition seamless, try these practical tips:
- Be prepared: Keeping a couple of lightweight fetch toys in your car or tucked into your walking coat ensures you always have a high-value "swap" ready the moment your dog finds a branch.
- The "Trade Up" method: If your dog picks up a stick, don't chase them - this often turns it into a game of keep-away, increasing the risk of them tripping and hurting themselves. Instead, offer a treat or their favourite toy to encourage them to drop the stick voluntarily.
- Choose "stick-shaped" alternatives: Some dogs specifically love the way a stick feels in their mouth. Modern pet toy brands offer durable, BPA-free rubber branches and "faux wood" chews that mimic the texture and shape of a real stick without the risk of splintering.
- Focus on visibility: Unlike a brown stick that can get lost in the grass, bright orange or blue toys are easier for your dog to track, making the game more engaging and reducing the chance of them accidentally lunging onto a sharp, hidden branch.
By staying one step ahead and always having a safe toy on hand, you can ensure that your daily walks remain the highlight of your dog's day - safely.
FAQs
While the "perfect" stick might be easy to find at the local park, the potential for surgery, infection, or internal injury makes it a risky choice for any pet. By swapping out brittle branches for vet-approved fetch toys, you can satisfy your dog's natural instincts without the "sticky" medical consequences. Staying prepared with a safe toy in your car or pocket ensures that every walk remains a joyful, injury-free experience.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 18 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Lacey Kelly BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Lacey graduated from the University of Queensland in 2016 and has worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East QLD. Dr Lacey. She holds a special passion for pain management, small animal internal medicine, critical care, and senior support. Her favourite part of being a vet is helping clients make the best evidence-based choices for their pets and forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
