PDSA warns all dog owners of the dangers of sticks

The charity’s warning comes after a one-year-old dog needed emergency treatment after biting onto a stick that he grabbed while playing with his owner.

English Bull Terrier Cross Scooby received treatment at Portsmouth PDSA Pet Hospital when disaster struck whilst enjoying time in the garden with his owner, Louise. 

Louise said: “We were playing together in the garden, and Scooby loves to jump up. All of a sudden, Scooby jumped up to snatch the stick and disaster happened.” The stick got stuck in the roof of Scooby’s mouth.  

Louise continued: “Blood started pouring from his mouth and began to pool on the floor. He didn't even yelp or cry out in pain, he just went quiet and withdrawn. I scooped him up and took him inside straight away.” 

While the bleeding appeared to come to a stop, Louise was very concerned and contacted the team at PDSA for help. 

Scooby had a lucky escape and was able to go home with an anti-inflammatory pain relief injection and further medication. He returned home to his family and made a full recovery. 

Following the incident, Louise stops Scooby from playing with sticks and keeps an eye out for any in the garden. 

PDSA warns dog owners about the hidden dangers of playing with sticks

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing spoke on the dangers of sticks: “Chasing and playing with sticks might seem like lots of fun for your dog, but many owners are unaware of the horrible injuries they can cause.

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“Sticks can impale your dog if they get lodged in the ground after being thrown or cause nasty cuts in the mouth and throat which can bleed a lot, as well as longer term problems from splinters.  

“In the worst-case scenario, should a stick impale your dog, the injury could be fatal. 

“It’s difficult to watch our dogs all the time but we should try to encourage them to play with pet friendly toys instead.”