Chewing on sticks

[Baymom]

I was wondering if chewing on sticks should be discouraged. Our girl (2 1/2 year old ALD) LOVES sticks and is always on the lookout for the perfect one to sit and enjoy. I don't see a problem with this but my husband feels it's potentially dangerous. Could injure her mouth with a splinter, bad for her teeth, etc. When he took her in to get her teeth cleaned, the asked the vet about it. My husband said the vet also felt chewing sticks was to be discouraged, but honestly, it brings her so much joy, I hate to stop her. Thoughts? Is it really so bad, or was it just one vet's opinion? Thanks.

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

I remember on the Doggie Dan site talking about this.  He had a new puppy and was gathering up "toys".  These things included a cardboard box, rope, leather, squeaky toys, and many sticks of different types.  So I guess he thought this wasn't a problem.  I found a "stick" at Petco that I bought for Zoey when she wanted to chew on wood.  It is a very strong hardwood that doesn't splinter.  I had some of the same concerns about swallowing pieces.  I also didn't want to clean up her chewing mess when she brought it inside.  lol

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with your DH and the vet; in addition to being dangerous- a piece could become lodged in her throat, a piece could be ingested and cause an obstruction- many common plants and shrubs are poisonous to dogs. There are all kinds of safe alternative chew objects, and when outdoors, I think it's healthier to encourage physical activities rather than lying around chewing on something. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes, I suppose it could be dangerous but I have removed so many things from the chew list that l let my dogs chew on sticks all the time. They bite off pieces and spit them out. They've done this for years.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD used to be partial to lilac branches, lol. 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Winnie is partial to Hydrangea branches! Lol

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

My dogs aren't interested in sticks, but my friend's dogs always chew on them without any problems. Chewing on sticks would worry me, so I would dissuade it.  

[Dolly Dykhouse]

Henry is a big fan of sticks too along with all of his chew toys...they get about 14 seconds of attention before he moves on to the next item LOL. We have a huge park in back of us that is rimmed with 60'+ pine trees that drop pieces into our backyard and he is always picking them up and running with them trying to get me to play chase just to get them out of his mouth.

Lately his two favorite play things have been an empty tennis ball container and an empty Gatorade bottle. They are so lightweight that they fly around allowing him to chase them. Like toddlers, you can have expensive toys and their favorites turn out to be free items you have lying around!

[Baymom]

Thanks for all the input!!