Common activity dog owners do with their pet could go ‘fatally wrong’ – says vet nurse

A veterinary nurse has explained that a very common activity between dogs and their owners can actually be very unsafe and in extreme cases, even fatal – therefore she's suggested an alternative

A veterinary nurse has issued a stark warning to dog owners about a common pastime with their pets. Jade took to TikTok to share her advice, highlighting the potential health dangers of the seemingly innocent game of fetch with a stick. “When you throw a stick it can get stuck in the ground – and when your dog runs towards it at high speed and tries to snatch it, sometimes they can run over it and end up impaling themselves through the roof of their mouth,” the veterinary nurse warned.

She revealed that she has unfortunately witnessed such tragic incidents before, where the injury resulted in the immediate death of the dog. “The stick went straight through the roof of the dog's mouth and straight into it's brain and it died immediately,” Jade recounted with visible distress.

Jade mentioned that she knew of similar unfortunate incidents happening “a few other times”. She also highlighted additional risks associated with playing fetch with a stick.

“Sticks can also splinter and those splinters can get stuck in your dog's mouth or even the oesophagus or stomach,” Jade cautioned. “Overall, sticks just aren't a good thing to play with and I just cringe when I see people throwing them to their dog.”

Reacting to Jade's video, one TikTok user shared their own regrettable experience. “That happened when I threw a stick for a Collie, he was in the vets overnight, I felt so so awful,” they confessed.

Another individual posted: “My dog isn't allowed sticks and he knows it. As soon as he sees one he eats it so fast as if he's never been fed and sticks are a nourishing food source!” A third person added: “Wow, I never knew this. I used to throw sticks for my dog all the time.”

Whilst a fourth TikTok user exclaimed: “I never give my dogs sticks or bones.”

Backing up Jade's advice, American Kennel Club advises: “Stick-shaped dog toys are great alternatives to real-life wooden sticks. Try a ‘stick' chew toy that combines non-toxic material with real wood, or go for a bacon-flavored chew toy shaped like a stick.

“If your dog likes to play fetch with sticks, try a dog-safe fetch toy that is made of durable plastic. These dog toys have all the fun of real sticks without splinters and mess.”

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, added: “Many times people would bring their dogs into the emergency clinic because they were at the park and a stick literally impaled the dog at the back of its mouth. While the stick was long gone, a huge laceration remained.”