Stick Injuries

Lots of our dogs’ love to carry a stick, catch a stick, and chew a stick. Some will even actively find their own when exercising off the lead on a walk! The majority of the time, this is harmless fun but occasionally accidents can happen. Stick injuries in dogs can be serious.

The British Veterinary Association stated in 2016 that throwing sticks for dogs is potentially life-threatening.

How can a stick harm my dog?

Occasionally, a section of twig can get lodged across the hard palate (this is the roof of the mouth), between the upper molar teeth. This will cause distress, with the dog pawing at their mouths. If a dog has run at speed to catch a stick and in effect ‘run onto a stick’, then there is potential for sections of stick or twig to penetrate deeper into the mouth, neck or throat. If bits of stick are left in the deeper areas, this can lead to abscesses forming. This can be particularly tricky to treat, and surgery is often indicated.

Dogs also chew sticks, which can lead to ingesting part of the stick. This can cause serious issues such as penetrating the stomach wall, obstruction, and infections. Your dog can become seriously ill and need medical treatment.

Ball Injuries

Most dogs love to run out and fetch a ball for their owner and some might even leap up for a Frisbee, but there are growing concerns about how damaging such games could be for your dog.

The scientific evidence for the dangers of fetch is increasing and indicates that repetitively running after a ball and leaping into the air for a toy can lead to joint problems or other injuries. But that does not mean fetch games should stop altogether. Many dogs are natural retrievers and love bringing objects back to their owner. There are ways to play fetch that are safe and fun for your dog.

Why is ball throwing potentially detrimental to my dog?

While occasionally playing fetch with a ball is not likely to cause lasting harm to a dog, repetitively chasing a ball day in and day out can have consequences, both to a dog's physical health and to their mental wellbeing. The top four reasons why constant ball throwing could be detrimental to your dog are:

1. Physical injuries and joint problems caused by rushing out to grab the ball (i.e.. shoulder, neck and spine injuries)

2. Health issues due to over-exertion while ball chasing (i.e.. exercise-induced collapse, heat stroke)

3. Dogs becoming too aroused from ball chasing, resulting in hyperactivity or obsessive behaviours

4. Balls getting caught in the dogs throat as they jump to catch the ball

We advise not to use ball flingers and do not throw balls up in the air for your dog to catch.

For more information and advice on how to make a safer exercise plan for your dog, visit https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/modifying-exercise-routines/

If this article has raised any concerns about your pet, please call us on 01665 252250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk.