Is It OK for a Dog to Eat Sticks?

Chewing sticks is something dogs just do. There’s something about the texture, the taste, the satisfying snap between their teeth — it’s basically irresistible to them. And if your dog finds the perfect stick, you better believe they’re carrying it around like a trophy. For a dog to eat sticks, though? That’s not good.

While chewing sticks is super common and rooted in their instincts, this can come with risks if your dog ends up swallowing chunks. There are a host of issues they may encounter, including obstruction, tooth damage, splinters, and GI issues. The good news is that there are many other safe alternatives to these woody “treats” to keep your dog safe.

Can dogs eat sticks?

No, dogs should not eat sticks: They are unsafe and pose serious health risks. Sticks can cause all kinds of issues, from mouth and gum injuries to choking and intestinal blockages. Wood can also splinter, and those small, sharp bits can tear a dog’s intestines or stomach or get lodged in their gums. And splinters can migrate, too. They can travel deeper into the head or neck, leading to an abscess (basically, a painful pocket of infection trapped under the skin). It’s as nasty as it sounds — and often requires surgical intervention

“Dogs that chew on small pieces of mulch or sticks can develop gum irritation from splinters that embed in the oral cavity. Large pieces of mulch, or large volumes of ingested material, can also result in gastrointestinal obstruction, which may require surgery,” Dr. Ashley Crane, a veterinarian at Hudson Veterinary Hospital, says.

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Can dogs digest sticks?

Here’s another reason why it isn’t safe for dogs to eat sticks: Swallowed pieces of sticks are not digestible. The wood just moves through their system (if you’re lucky) and can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to pass. 

Why do dogs eat sticks?

Let’s start with the simplest reason: Sometimes dogs eat sticks by accident while they’re chewing. You’ve probably seen your dog outside going to town on a stick. But have you ever watched them to make sure they actually spit it out? Not all dogs do this (or do it well), and that’s a problem. Here are a few common reasons why dogs love to chew, and sometimes eat, sticks.

Instinct to explore

Dogs rely on their eyes and noses to make sense of the world, but they also use their mouths for this (what else are you supposed to do when you don’t have thumbs?). Mouthy exploration is most intense during puppyhood, which is why you’ll likely see them chewing on sticks, toys, furniture legs, or even attempting to rip up your carpet. It’s how they figure out what stuff is, how it feels, what it tastes like, what’s OK to chew on, and what’s fair game to eat.

Teething

Puppies have those razor-sharp baby teeth, and they go through a long teething phase between six weeks and six months of age. A puppy’s chewing helps relieve the discomfort and pressure on their gums, and the firm texture can be soothing. The problem is that while puppies use sticks to relieve teething aches, it’s not uncommon for them to accidentally swallow bits of wood.

Fun

Everyone needs a little fun. If your dog doesn’t have access to a mix of toys or fresh textures to explore, it’s no surprise they go looking for entertainment in the form of a stick. It’s just sitting right there, and it scratches the mental stimulation itch. Not every dog is great at spitting things out. So, it’s easy for a dog to accidentally swallow something they shouldn’t during their play.

Pica

Pica is a medical condition where dogs feel compelled to eat things that aren’t food, such as rocks, wood chips, or even socks. Sometimes it’s linked to a nutritional deficiency, but other times it’s just how a dog is wired. If your dog has a thing for gobbling up inedible stuff — especially sticks or mulch — and you’ve ruled out boredom, teething, or play, it’s worth checking in with your vet.

When eating sticks can be a concern

It’s generally not safe to let your dog chew on sticks. So, rather than just hoping for the best, try to be vigilant in protecting them. Provide them with dog-safe alternative mental enrichment, give them plenty of exercise, and use training to guide them towards more appropriate activities.

If your dog has been chewing on sticks, always err on the side of caution and consult your vet with concerns. Monitor your dog’s behavior for the following signs.

• Is this a new behavior? Has your dog suddenly started eating more sticks or wood than usual? Maybe they used to just chew and spit it out, but now they’re actually swallowing it? That shift could be a sign that something’s off.

• Is it excessive? Some dogs — especially puppies — go a little overboard and treat mulch or wood chips like a snack. If they’re eating large amounts, it can lead to a stomach full of stuff that doesn’t belong there — and that’s a fast track to an obstruction.

• Are there digestive issues? Keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. A change in your dog’s bathroom habits could be a sign they’re not passing something easily.

• Are they still interested in food? If your pet’s food tastes, eating habits, or drinking patterns change, it might be time for a vet visit.

• Are they coughing or gagging? If your dog is acting like something’s stuck in their throat, it could be a sign that a piece of wood or a stick is lodged somewhere it shouldn’t be. This kind of discomfort should definitely be checked out by a vet, especially if it’s persistent.

• Do they have mouth sensitivity? If, after chewing sticks, your dog seems to be avoiding chewing, winces when they bite down, or is excessively licking their lips, this could be a sign that something’s causing pain in their mouth, like sharp splinters. This can also indicate other serious issues, such as broken teeth or gum damage, so keep an eye out for these signs.

If your dog ate a stick or accidentally swallowed one, it’s important to seek emergency vet care immediately. Large sticks can become lodged in or rupture their internal digestive tract.

Commonly asked questions

Are there pet-safe alternative stick chews?

Yes, some dog-safe alternatives to sticks include pig ears and bully sticks. These are easier to digest, they pose less of a risk of cracking a tooth, and generally soften as they’re chewed. Dental chews and yak cheese can be helpful, too, but for some power chewers, they may pose risks of their own. Avoid more dangerous chews such as rawhides, plastic bones, and antlers.

How can I provide my dog with alternative mental stimulation?

If you think boredom is behind your dog’s stick-eating habit, adding more mental stimulation might be the fix. Dog behaviorists often recommend puzzle toys, snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, rippable toys, removable-stuffed plushies, and faux-fur critter toys — anything that engages your dog’s brain.

You can also take it up a notch by setting up activity stations at home. Try a digging box, a kiddie pool, scent-based “smelling walks,” or a DIY treat scavenger hunt. With the latter, you hide treats or favorite toys around the house or yard and let your dog use their nose to track them down. It’s simple, fun, and seriously satisfying for most dogs.

How to discourage your dog from eating sticks?

Using redirection is the best method to discourage your dog from eating sticks. When you spot them chewing on something they shouldn’t, offer them a more appealing alternative to trade. Use cues such as “leave it” to help them learn to leave sticks alone. Puppy-proof your yard as best as you can to remove temptation.

Can sticks be toxic to dogs?

Yes, some species of trees are toxic to dogs. Depending on the tree, the leaves, bark, or fruit (or all parts) may be toxic. Check with the ASPCA or the Pet Poison Helpline to determine if the plants in your yard are toxic. Always take your dog to the vet immediately if you have concerns about their health or questions about their care.

References

Brooks, James, and Shinya Yamamoto. “Dog Stick Chewing” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 11, 13 Jan. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.577100. 

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M Dev. “Hudson Veterinary Hospital.” Hudson Veterinary Hospital, 14 Jan. 2022, www.hudsonveterinaryhospital.com/is-it-bad-for-my-dog-to-eat-mulch.

Megan M. “Dog Eating Mulch: Is It Dangerous? | Brown Veterinary Hospital.” Brown Veterinary Hospital, 20 June 2024, brownvethospital.com/blog/dog-eating-mulch.

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