Dog owners warned throwing sticks for dogs can lead to 'horrific injuries'

Throwing sticks for a dog can lead to "horrific injuries" according to vets Credit: Thomas Peter/Reuters

Dog owners have been warned to stop throwing sticks for their dogs to fetch as it can lead to "horrific injuries" for the animal.

The most common injury occurs when a dog tries to pick up a stick at speed which can force it down their gullet or under their tongue, the president of the British Veterinary Association in Scotland Grace Webster told the Times.

The vet said alternatives to sticks should be used instead, such as:

  • Rubber sticks which can be bought from pet shops

  • Sports balls such as tennis balls

  • Frisbees

The warning comes after a collie called Maya got a 10cm stick stuck in her throat, puncturing her tongue and displacing her larynx. The veterinary centre in Glasgow which treated Maya has reported a rise in the number of dogs with injuries from sticks.

Former president of the British Veterinary Association Robin Hargreaves has previously campaigned for owners to be advised against throwing sticks.