Vets warn that throwing sticks can injure dogs

Wednesday 03 February 2016

Local vets say too many owners are getting the wrong end of the stick when it comes to playing with their dogs and they are having to treat a number of injured pooches.

They say you should buy your dog a proper toy which is much safer than throwing a stick for it to chase.

Jersey Village vets Partner Adele Trott said: “We see a number of injuries. We see dogs with cuts, dogs being impaled on sticks trying to catch them with contaminated wounds and these injuries are horrible.

“We hear people say ‘Can’t dogs just be dogs’ but these injuries are preventable.

“We had a dog that had to be fed through a tube for two months because the injuries were so extensive and we had to bypass the oesophagus because it couldn’t swallow.”

The issue was raised nationally earlier this week when the head of the British Veterinary Association in Scotland warned of the dangers of playing fetch with pieces of wood.

Dr Trott said there are lots of safe toys available like rubber safe sticks and frisbees but it’s important to choose the right sized toy for your dog to play with.

She said: “Choose one that’s appropriate, a big German Shepherd for example could get a small toy lodged in its throat so you need to consider what you are throwing.”

States Vet Linda Lowseck said: “Dog owners and walkers should give careful consideration to objects they throw for their dogs because while clearly dogs enjoy the game, unfortunately, they can be injured and I knew of one which died after being thrown a tennis ball which lodged in the back of his throat when he jumped to catch it.

“Some dogs like to pick up or chase stones which again, is not recommended because it this can cause damage to teeth.”