Why Do Dogs Like Sticks?

If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably witnessed your dog going crazy over a stick they found lying around. Yes, it’s no surprise that many of our canine companions have a fascination for playing and chewing on sticks. But what makes sticks so irresistible to our furry friends?

In this article, we’ll be talking about the science behind dogs’ stick obsession, what it reveals about their instincts, the hidden health risks, and safer alternatives for play.

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Content:

1. Why Do Dogs Eat Sticks
2. Is It OK for Dogs to Chew on Sticks
3. How to Stop My Dog from Eating Sticks
4. Conclusion

Why Do Dogs Eat Sticks

There are several possible reasons why dogs like sticks.

Some dogs, like Retrievers, Pointers, and Setters, were bred to carry things. “Chewing sticks can fulfill that instinct,” says Dr. Michelle Lugones of Best Friends Animal Society.

Meanwhile, they may also enjoy the challenge and weight of big sticks.

And for puppies, it’s all about curiosity. “They explore the world with their mouths,” says Dr. Alison Gerken.

Dogs love sticks for more than just fun! They’re easy to play with, perfect for bonding, and even used as tools. Some dogs use it to show affection, relieve stress, and even clean teeth.

“But why does my dog eat sticks?”, you might ask. For one thing, sticks look like bones. And while dogs may be omnivores, they have an instinct to chase bones. Raw marrow bones are packed with nutrients and rich flavor, and satisfy their urge to chew. Plus, they help clean teeth and strengthen jaws. When bones aren't around, sticks become the next best thing for them. With their similar shape and texture, certain branches feel just as fun and fulfilling to gnaw on.

Because we want to know everything that our dogs put into their mouths, a good quality pet camera such as the Petcube Cam 360 is a handy tool to have at home. With the camera’s features such as a sharp 1080p HD live streaming video, 110° wide-angle full-room coverage view, and 8x digital zoom, you’ll be able to monitor your dog 24/7.

Is It OK for Dogs to Chew on Sticks

“Why do dogs chew on sticks?” “Is it okay for dogs to chew on sticks?” “Can dogs eat sticks?” - These are just some of the questions that may be running through your mind.

Dogs love chewing on sticks, but while they look like they’re having a lot of fun, it's not as harmless as it seems. Chewing wood can splinter, injuring their mouth, gums, or teeth. Also, swallowing pieces could lead to serious issues like digestive blockages or even a perforated stomach. Some sticks, especially from toxic trees or chemically treated wood, pose even greater risks. And even if your yard is safe, you don’t know where that random stick might’ve come from.

In a Reddit thread, a Redditor commented that while chewing sticks may have benefits for dogs, it can be risky. He shared that many active dogs have died prematurely due to ingesting pieces of sticks, resulting in stomach blockages or ulcers.

Because of the risks, finding alternatives may help keep your pup safe and happy.

How to Stop My Dog from Eating Sticks

Dogs love to chew, but sticks aren’t the safest option. Try these smart strategies to redirect the habit:

• Watch closely - Be diligent and prevent your dog from eating sticks by intervening before chewing starts.
• Swap for treats - Trade sticks for high-quality snacks that are good for your dog.
• Use brain games - Mental stimulation, like trick training or puzzles, can curb boredom chewing.
• Exercise first - A tired dog is less likely to chew out of excess energy.
• Address anxiety - Identify stress triggers and talk to your vet if needed.
• Consult your vet - Rule out medical issues like pica.

Remember that prevention and redirection leads to safer chewing. If your dog grabs a stick, stay calm and offer a tasty treat or toy to trade instead. You may also teach the command “leave it” to prevent future stick-chomping.

A reliable pet tracker such as the Petcube GPS Tracker is a great gadget to keep tabs on your dog to help make sure that they’re safe and not wandering off or picking up things that they shouldn’t.

Conclusion

While dogs may always be drawn to the thrill of a stick, keeping them safe doesn’t mean taking away their fun. With redirection, the right toys/treats, plenty of playtime, and a little training, your dog can still safely chew, chase, and explore while having fun!