can dogs play with tree branches?

Answer 1

Mine do all the time.

Answer 2

I am a reputable animal healer and a multiple dog owner for many years.

The correct answer to your question, I am afraid, is better NOT. To start with, some trees are toxic. It will not kill your dog, but it sure does it no good, chewing it for any length of time. Apple trees and willows are amongst the safest.

Another reason is that the dog could get injured, depending on the size and shape of the branch. Let me give you an example:

A young lady rescued a dog, it was her first dog and she adored it. She and her boyfriend were taking it to the park where they were throwing it sticks and the dog greatly enjoyed chasing and catching them. This was going on for some time, when on one occasion... the dog actually pounced with his open mouth on the stick which was hitting the ground in vertical position, and the stick perforated the dog's roof of the mouth and throat. The dog needed immediate lifesaving emergency operation during which the vet had to make several incisions into the tissue of the roof of the mouth in order to stretch it sufficiently to close the gaping hole ripped into the dog's mouth. It was a long operation, cost hundreds of pounds, and took weeks to heal. Not to say about the pain that the dog went through.

Throwing large enough rubber balls is much safer. But it is important that the ball is LARGE enough, as a small ball can get also stuck in a dog's mouth and may block its breathing passages. On another occasion a large labrador nearly suffocated with a ball that was designed for smaller dogs.

Games are important for dogs, but there is alawys the need to be careful, as accidents can happen, and it is better to be cautious than sorry.

Answer 3

Branch's are the most natural toy for a dog to chew on and play with. I live in the woods with 7 dogs all playing with sticks and the only problem is when the sticks are on the bigger side, I worry of another dog getting their eye poked out. Thank goodness it hasn't happened yet. My Border Collie gets a little crazy at times. :)

Answer 4

The traditional stick throwing activity is perfectly fine with dogs. Most dogs instinctly think its a good idea just get into the habit of making sure the stick the dog picks up isn't contaminated with non-natural liquids or that type thing. Also, check that it isn't going to splinter easily this may cause a severe problem if the dogs mouth or paws were splintered up by just a simple game of fetch.

Answer 5

We owned two Rottweilers and our 140 pound male named Max use to love to reach up in the trees and grab rather thick branches and snap them off, he would drag them around and then chew on them, I never worried about this but did check his teeth and gums on a regular schedule to make sure there were no splinters or pieces caught in his mouth, our female Eva never did this although she would play tug o' war with him with the branches. I suggest if your dog does this to keep an eye on them while they are doing this and check their teeth on a regular basis.

Answer 6

Bigger dogs can actually play with tree branches. If you've got a smaller dog, use sticks instead.

Answer 7

Well, of course they can...my Lab/hound mix Sandy used to carry huge chunks of cut firewood around..he thought that was the greatest thing..I have yet to really figure out why. :) Just make sure you check the gums and teeth for splinters..and keep an eye on the dog while he's playing..They seem to love wood!

Answer 8

i take myne to the river and thats all he ever wants to do... infact one time he had one so big that he moved it and the other end hit him.. then he didnt play with it anymore, lol.

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

They could but I think what they enjoy most is humping tree trunks.