As dogs are evolved from wolves, it is a normal animal instinct for them to search and hunt.Dogs also engage in stick chewing behavior. As long as they chew and spit out shreds, it is safe.Chewing sticks is also a trait dogs have retained even as they evolved and became domesticated. Before a variety of dog toys came into existence, dogs had to play and entertain themselves with sticks. It is also natural for dogs to explore the world, and no matter the size, dogs tend to pick sticks to their preference. Every time you let your pet play in a park, you might notice that he will pick up similar sticks all the time. Sticks are nature’s toys made for dogs. Even with all the toys now available, dogs today will always love to play with sticks. They might even carry sticks back home, which is due to their instinctual habit of retrieving things.If some pieces from big sticks are swallowed it can be dangerous. Not only can the splinters cause sore gums or damage the esophagus of a dog but some trees might also have toxins that can upset a dog’s stomach and you will need to visit the vet. There are, however, a few trees out there that are safe to chew on. As long as your dog is only holding onto the stick and carrying it around, it is safe. It is not just a golden retriever that is a master of retrieving sticks but all other dogs display this behavior too! Let’s look at more facts about dogs and sticks.If you enjoyed reading these facts about why do dogs like sticks so much, then make sure to read some more interesting facts that answer why do dogs like socks and why do dogs like squeaky toys here at Kidadl.Why do dogs like to carry, pick up, and play with sticks?Dogs love sticks, and carry, pick up, play, and chew sticks because of instincts, teething, sore gums, or dental pain.A dog may pick up a stick even if there are other toys to play fetch with. There is more than one reason behind this. Be it a soft and safe chew toy or a big stick lying around in the park, they both look the same to your pet. So, they pick up a stick, chew, and tear them apart. A dog chews the sticks due to its natural hunting instincts; a trait retained from its ancestors. The dog also fetches the stick and brings it to you to show off its hunting and gathering skills. The stick might resemble the shape of a bone, and we all know how much a dog loves bones! A bone’s texture, taste, and nutrients appeal to a dog. When dogs do not have an actual bone, they start chewing sticks. Sticks can have a crunchy, dry, crumbly texture or soft and fresh green texture with a musky and earthy taste. As dogs explore their world with smell, they can find sticks with smells they prefer. They might carry sticks around to transfer smells to others.Dogs hold onto a stick or a toy to learn more about it, which is mouth exploration. So, you can find your dog often picking up anything they find interesting. A teething puppy or a dog with sore gums increasingly feels the need to chew on things. Also, chewing during teething or at other times relieves your dog’s stress. It is believed that dogs chew and eat sticks and other organic matter if they are feeling nutritionally deficient.Why do certain dogs prefer sticks to other toys?Some dogs prefer sticks to other toys because sticks stand out to a dog as they can be more interesting than any other toy for their taste, smell, and size.Sticks are a great alternative for bones. However, dogs can differentiate between a bone and a stick because sticks have their own texture and taste. There are quite a few things about sticks that appeal to dogs. Your dog might carry sticks around instead of a toy because they might just be bored of the toy. A stick, on the other hand, has a certain taste, and smell, and might be chewable. Many dogs prefer a stick for licking, chewing, and even eating and the texture of a stick is more natural than chew toys. A stick can be even more appealing if it has previously been in another dog’s mouth. A decaying stick that has fallen of from a branch that has fungus and bacteria growing on it may also interest your dog. Whenever you try to get a stick out of your dog’s mouth, they associate it with grabbing attention and might start carrying or chewing a stick.Is it OK for dogs to eat sticks?No, it is not OK for dogs to eat sticks.Your dog carrying around a stick in its mouth is completely fine. A dog keeps its mouth healthy by chewing but it should not be a stick that it chews on. Long, dry sticks can break into smaller pieces, or splinters on the stick can easily pass through your dog’s GI tract. This can cause an obstruction which is a life-threatening condition and you will need to immediately visit a vet. Sticks from trees like pear, apple, or any other fruit can be dangerous as they contain toxins that can upset your dog’s stomach. in addition, sticks from trees like black locusts, red oak, black walnut, Azaleas, and many more have poison in them. If the size of the stick is small enough to fit your dog’s mouth it can potentially get stuck. The stuck piece can cause ruptures and tears on the inside of your dog’s mouth. Small pieces could also get stuck in between your dog’s teeth or gums. If larger pieces are swallowed, it can cause asphyxiation or choking.So, in order to keep your dog healthy and toxin-free, it is best not to let them chew a stick. Keeping away from sticks can avoid gum, teeth and mouth injuries, infections, and other long-term injuries.How can your dog safely play with sticks?It could be said that there is probably no safe way of playing with sticks as dogs primarily hold items in their mouths.All through your dog’s playtime or walks make sure to monitor your dog. It is also necessary to read signals your dog is trying to convey. A dog can eat sticks due to a number of underlying conditions like mineral or vitamin deficiencies, low blood cell count, dental problems, and anemia. Anemia happens due to a reduced amount of red blood cells, which can lead to pica (dogs feed on non-edible things). Other conditions caused by anemia include leukemia and intestinal bleeding. Also, your dog might not be getting enough nutrients from commercial foods with preservatives. Your dog might be hungry and might be eating their food as well as the food of other dogs in your house, cleaning out their bowls, and then resorting to chewing sticks to reduce feelings of hunger. Observe any changes in behavior like hunger, stress, anxiety, boredom, neediness, or fear. To fight these feelings your dog might be chewing on sticks. As long it is only a fetch game it is safe, but do not let your pet chew them.Early training and commands like ‘drop it’ or ’leave it’ are very useful. So, make sure to start early training so the puppy knows what’s best for them. Of course, there are also safe alternative sticks toys you can use to play with your dogs. If you can encourage playtime with dog toys instead of fetching sticks, it can be beneficial for your dog. Some toys that are safer than sticks are rubber balls and bones, floating toys, and puzzles.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestion for why do dogs like sticks so much? then why not take a look at why do dogs like to be pet or bloodhound facts?
As dogs are evolved from wolves, it is a normal animal instinct for them to search and hunt.
