I’m not sure if any of my readers have dogs but this advice needs to be given to everyone out there. EVERYONE!
Please, please don’t let your dog fetch sticks. There are so many other things you can throw that are much safer. Balls, rubber things (of course large enough that the dog can’t swallow it) and other toys. Sticks cause horrendous injuries. The stick impales itself into the ground and with the dog running enthusiastically, usually seconds behind the stick dog will grab at the stick with its mouth and there you go – big fat laceration at the back of the soft palate close to the oesophagus so the poor dog can’t swallow properly or straight through the hard palate and into the nasal passage.
Another thing – we can’t reach in there to stitch things up! We don’t have robot arms or instruments capable of going down throats to suture. So we usually leave things to heal by 2nd intention which takes a few weeks to heal – major concern is secondary infection or the other option is to refer you to a specialist.
I know how tempting it might be – you’re at the park & you’ve forgotten to bring his/her favourite ball and he/she is itching to play. Don’t pick up that stick to throw. It isn’t worth it.
I’m a reader of yours who has a dog. Thank you very much for the advice. Although I do know about the dangers of sticks+dogs, I still occasionally (against reason) throw a stick for her to chase. I will be much more careful about this in the future.. Thanks again!