Is it dangerous to let my 3.5 mth old puppy chew wooden sticks that he finds in the yard?

Question

These are not little twigs, but larger sticks. I gave him chew toys, kongs, etc, but he really likes the sticks?

Answer 1

Remember that anything that can splinter, wood - even some dog chews can splinter - and can possibly damage their intestines. You puppy is chewing to begin with to massage its gums and to exercise its jaws. If you give your puppy Nylabones or any other non-splintering chews, remember to always monitor them while they chew so they don't chew off big hunks or splinter the chew and swallow the splintered pieces. Never give any dog any bones. There are bones for dogs to chew but never leave them alone with them. All bones can splinter and possibly damage their intestines or throats or mouths.

Answer 2

Yes it is possible. I'm sorry to make this comparation, but it's like teenage girls who get their period aged 12 - that way, they can get pregmnant aged 12 if they don't do protected sex. In dogs, there is no protected or dis-protected sex, it's a question of spaying\neuter. Everyone should do so. The dog population is overrating and we cannot be here getting our dogs pregmnant for fun while the dogs in the shelters get killed every second. Dogs from smaller breeds mature more quickly. It is possible that your dog gets her first heat cycle at 6 months old. Once she has her heat cycle, she's mature and fertile and CAN get pregmnant. Meanwhile, your dog begins producing sperm and CAN get her pregmnant. So it's perfectly possible. And yes, it IS POSSIBLE TO END THE PREGNANCY. But hurry. Go to the vet. Your vet can do an "emergency spay", similar to abortation these days, and remove your dog's uterus. That will stop her from having puppies. PS. If you have a male and a female un-neutered\un-spayed in your house, this was going to end up hapenning.

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry too much about it - all puppies chew on sticks. Just make sure what bush/tree it came from -- anything poisonous or in question, get rid of it. Puppies LOVE to chew on apple wood - Vet told me it is sweet to them. Every time we trimmed the tree, we would save lg pieces for the dog.

Answer 4

I have the same problem with my young puppy. She takes sticks and carries them around. We asked the vet and he said there is nothing you can do about it except try and give the dog other types of safe bones to chew on. I hope your dog stops!

Answer 5

It can be. If the wood is dry it can splinter and pierce his mouth, throat, or other parts of his digestive system. Best thing is to get out there and clean those sticks up and keep on giving him the chew toys.

Answer 6

My 4 year old dog always chews on sticks and wood of any kind. As long as he just chews them and doesnt swallow it he will be fine. My dog chews it and spits it out.

Answer 7

YES! Pieces can be swallowed and get stuck anywhere along the digestive tract and cause blockages that could result in death. Try putting cheese or p'nut butter in the kongs, or natural bones(these are the rock hard, baked ones in the store)

Answer 8

*Yeah we don't let my dog chew on wooden sticks, because like bones...pieces or slivers can get lodged in their intestines and either clog them and cause infection and possible death. And the slivers can even tear their intestines and cut them up pretty badly, then you will have massive vet bills.

*Also I have heard lately that certain dog chew toys/bones are not safe either, because of intestinal problems.

.You can always ask your vet too for a professional opinion. :):)

Answer 9

You should be very careful about that. I had a puppy that choked on a stick from the yard and died. You should really try and break that habit with you dog.

Answer 10

Very dangerous! I have a three month old rat terrier, shi tzu and when ever i take her out side she's always bringing in pine cones, sticks, and rocks. I just tell her no in a real firm voice and take what she has away from her.