Should We Stop Throwing Sticks For Our Dogs?

Is it dangerous for dogs to fetch sticks?

17:09 21 January 2016

Dogs are at risk of suffering from “horrific injuries” while playing fetch with sticks, Sean Wensley,

the president of the British Veterinary Association has warned. Vets said that this simple pastime can cause painful injuries that range from tongue splinters to the piercing of vital organs.

 

Mr. Wensley said: "We don't want people to stop owners from playing and exercising with their dogs. We just want them to know they can protect their pets by using safe dog toys."

 

The warning surprised some dog owners including presenter Ben Fogle, who owns Labradors Maggi and Storm. He wrote on Twitter:  "We've been warned not to throw sticks for our dogs to prevent injury? I've thrown sticks for 35 yrs without a problem. Have sticks changed?"

 

Meanwhile, A vet practice in Sandbach, Cheshire agrees with British Veterinary Association, saying that it handles about 20 cases of stick-related injuries a year. Vet Cameron Muir said: "It's a risky business throwing sticks. We often have to put dogs under anaesthetic to remove splinters, and sometimes have them in for repeat surgeries."

 

On the other hand, specialist hospitals that see the most serious cases receive two to three referrals per month. PDSA, a vet charity, says that it sees stick-related injuries across its 51 hospitals on a weekly basis.