A cynologist explained the dangers of a dog playing with a stick

Many dogs love to play with a stick and chew on it. In the street, the game of opportunism with this object is almost the most popular among dog breeders. Vladimir Golubev, president of the Russian Cynological Federation, told Izvestia on February 15 whether it is safe to chew on a wooden stick.

"The popular stick game can cause poisoning, allergies and injuries. If the stick you found on the street has been chewed before by other animals or has harmful substances on it, the pet can catch an infection or get poisoned. In addition, chewing can plant splinters in the dog's face and mouth. There are many specialized safe toys that are suitable for chewing, it is better to give preference to them", - advised the expert.

The Russian Cynological Federation explained that in the process of chewing the stick, the dog can plant a splinter in the mouth and on the muzzle. The owner may not immediately notice it. If inflammation starts, there is a risk of infection. In this case, only a veterinarian can help. In addition, if the dog chooses a stick disproportionate to his mouth, it can lead to jaw trauma. In addition, a pet can accidentally injure itself while playing, for example, by catching the stick on another object or bumping into it.

It also noted that there are pets that chew their toys into small pieces. In the process of chewing the stick, the dog may swallow the chewed pieces. Once left in the stomach, they can provoke vomiting, gastritis and upset stomach. In the worst case scenario, intestinal blockage can occur. In this case, the dog will need emergency veterinary care.

In addition, according to the kinologist, a stick lying on the ground may contain harmful substances, such as residues of reagents, automotive fluids, lawn treatment products and more. Chewing on such a stick can cause poisoning and other gastrointestinal problems.

Even if the stick is plucked from a tree, there is no guarantee that the plant has not been treated against insects before. Means that are used for this purpose can cause serious poisoning in the pet.

In addition, the Russian Cynological Federation specified that the sticks found on the street could have been chewed by stray dogs or rodents before. There is no guarantee that these animals are healthy. Playing with such a stick can cause various infections. In addition, it can be contaminated with helminth eggs, contact with it will cause helminthiasis in the dog.

There are many alternatives to wooden sticks. The cynologist advised to take tennis balls, discs for throwing, ropes, kong or any other toy for a walk. So that the game did not end in injury or other health problems, you need to be careful about the choice of toys and always watch your pet on a walk.

Earlier, on January 22, Golubev told Izvestia that if a pet becomes less active in winter, it does not need to increase the amount of food, in some cases such dogs, on the contrary, it is cut back. Owners of animals that live in an aviary will most likely need to revise their diet.