Beware of Sticks: How Outdoor Fun Can Turn Dangerous For Dogs

Whether it's a game of fetch, a hike through the woods, or your dog dashing through a brush pile in the yard, sticks are everywhere, and they can seem like an innocent part of your dog’s outdoor fun. However, sticks pose serious, often underestimated, risks that can lead to painful and even life-threatening injuries for your pet.

Odin’s Scary Encounter

Odin, a 5-year-old English Springer Spaniel, was out playing in his backyard when things took a dramatic turn. His family heard him cry out and found Odin with a 12-inch stick impaled in his chest. Thankfully, Odin’s family acted fast and rushed him to DoveLewis, where he underwent emergency surgery. He’s now home and doing great, but his story highlights a danger that many of us don’t realize exists.

Stick-Related Risks

Many pet owners associate sticks with fetch, but the risks extend far beyond that game. Here are some dangers to consider:

• Mouth Impalement: Dogs can easily impale themselves on sticks while running with them or while playing fetch, leading to severe mouth and throat injuries.
• Hiking Hazards: Navigating wooded trails exposes dogs to fallen branches, which can cause puncture wounds or internal injuries if a dog trips, slips, or runs into a branch.
• Brush Piles: Dogs love to explore, especially in their backyard. However, charging into thick brush can lead to accidents with sharp or broken branches hidden underneath.
• Splinter Risks: Sticks can splinter easily, creating sharp shards that can injure a dog's mouth, throat, or digestive tract if swallowed.
• Choking Hazards: Small or broken pieces of sticks can pose choking risks, especially if a dog tries to chew on or swallow them.
• Infections: Injuries from sticks can lead to infections, especially if not treated quickly. Wounds can become infected if dirt or debris is introduced.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Injured by a Stick

If your dog suffers a stick injury, it’s essential to act quickly:

1. Assess the Injury: If the stick is embedded in your dog, DO NOT try to remove it yourself as it could cause more damage.
2. Seek Emergency Care: Get your dog to an emergency animal hospital like DoveLewis immediately, just like Odin’s family did. Swift medical attention can make all the difference.
3. Stay Calm: Your dog will likely be frightened and in pain, so keeping calm and reassuring your pet will help until you get to the vet.

Prevention Tips

To keep your dog safe during outdoor adventures:

• Choose Safe Toys: Soft flexible frisbees, ball launchers, or rubber stick toys are safer alternatives for pets.
• Watch for Hazards: Keep an eye on where your dog is running, especially in wooded areas, and clean up any brush in your yard to avoid injury.
• Leash in Dense Areas: Using a leash in thick brush helps you guide your dog away from potential dangers.

Keeping Playtime Safe

At the end of the day, our dogs depend on us to keep them safe, even during the simplest activities like playing fetch. Choosing safer toys and being mindful of stick-related risks can help prevent injuries and ensure our pets stay healthy and happy. Let’s make their outdoor adventures as safe as they are fun!