Why does my dog eat sticks all the time? Essential Tips

Should I take sticks away from my dog?

Yes. But not without trading for them. See the training section above for more info.

What Should I Do if My Dog Does Eat a Stick?

It’s a good idea to call the vet anytime you notice your dog eating a stick. In many cases, your vet will give you a “wait and see” order, but he or she may also think it is important that you bring your pooch in immediately.

Why does my dog eat sticks all the time?

While you’re waiting and monitoring your dog, keep an eye out for specific symptoms:

  • Obvious discomfort
  • Pain
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Vomiting
  • Straining to poop
  • Diarrhea
  • Behaving oddly
  • Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to do so. Even if the stick went down without causing an injury, that doesn’t mean it’ll come back up smoothly too. By forcing your dog to vomit you could accidentally create a bigger problem.

    Plus, many at home “induce vomiting” techniques are dangerous.

    How Do I Keep My Dog From Eating Wood?

    The key to keeping your dog from eating wood, as with anything you don’t want them to ingest, is to keep it away from them. Understandably, keeping wood away can be more difficult, given your environment, especially if you live near a forest or wooded area.

    Go out in your yard or wherever your dog is allowed to roam and pick up all the sticks, logs, and other pieces of wood you can find. You don’t need to do a perfect job, but the more you clear out, the better. If you have a firewood pile, it’s essential to cover it up to prevent your dog from accessing it. You might need to tie down the wood cover or tarp to keep your dog from getting to the wood.

    11 Reasons Why Dogs Love Chewing On Sticks