Why Do Dogs Eat Sticks and How to Keep Them Safe

Dogs eating sticks is not as strange as it may sound. In fact, it’s a pretty common behavior for these fur buddies. And while some people may think it’s weird or even dangerous, there’s actually no need to worry.

Dogs are natural chewers. So when they see a stick, their first instinct is often to just start chewing on it. There are a lot of other reasons why dogs exhibit this behavior.

So, if you are wondering why do dogs eat sticks, then let’s dig into it and find out more about this behavior.

Why do dogs eat sticks?

Dogs have been known to eat all sorts of things, from the odd sock to, well, sticks. But why do they do it? Let’s take a look at five possible explanations.

1. They’re curious creatures

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. They’re always exploring their surroundings and trying new things. So when they see a stick, they can’t help but want to check it out. And what better way to do that than by taking a good ol’ bite out of it?

2. It’s a great way to relieve boredom

If a dog is bored, he may start chewing on things as a way to relieve that boredom. This is especially true if he doesn’t have any toys to play with. Why not make a game out of chewing on a stick?

3. It feels good

Dogs have strong jaws and powerful teeth. Chewing on a stick can feel pretty darn good for them, especially if it’s a good, sturdy one. It’s like a doggy massage for their gums!

4. They’re trying to get your attention

If your dog is chewing on a stick and you keep scolding him, he may just be doing it to get your attention. They might also bring you chewed sticks as a gift!

5. They’re hungry

Finally, it could simply be that your dog is just plain old hungry. He may see the stick as a potential food source, especially if he’s not getting enough to eat.

Is it okay for my dog to eat sticks?

Most dogs love to chew on sticks, and it can certainly be a fun activity for them. However, there are some risks associated with chewing on sticks that you should be aware of.

Sticks can splinter and break off in your dog’s mouth, which can cause cuts and other injuries.

Additionally, if your dog swallows a stick, it could get stuck in their digestive tract, leading to serious health problems.

So, while chewing on sticks is generally safe for dogs, it’s important to supervise them and make sure they’re not swallowing any pieces.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s safety, you can always provide them with alternative DIY dog toys that are specifically designed for dogs.

How do I get my dog to stop eating sticks?

1. Keep them busy with interactive toys:

If your dog is eating sticks out of boredom, then providing them with some interactive toys can help keep their attention away from the tempting sticks.

Some good options include Kongs stuffed with treats, puzzle toys, and flirt poles.

2. Teach them the “leave it” command:

This is a basic obedience command that can be very useful in situations like this. To teach your dog the “leave it” command, start by showing them a treat in your hand and saying “leave it.” When they take their eyes off the treat and look at you, give them the treat.

Repeat this process until they are consistently looking at you when you say “leave it.” Once they have mastered this, you can start using the command when they are trying to eat a stick.

3. Put them on a leash:

If your dog is constantly eating sticks despite your best efforts, putting them on a leash may be necessary.

This way you can keep them away from areas where there are sticks and make sure they don’t have access to them.

4. Keep an eye on them:

It’s important to be vigilant when your dog is outside, especially if there are sticks around. If you see them picking up a stick, immediately call their name and give the “leave it” command. If they drop the stick, praise them and give them a treat.

5. Talk to your veterinarian:

In some cases, the reason your dog is eating sticks may be due to a medical condition. If you think this may be the case, talk to your veterinarian and they can help you figure out what’s going on and how to best deal with it.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Five possible explanations for why dogs eat sticks and five ways on how to keep a check on this behavior. . Do you think your dog falls into one of these categories? Or is there another reason entirely? Let us know in the comments!