Why Throwing Sticks for Dogs Might Be More Dangerous Than You Think

There’s nothing quite like seeing a dog bound through a field, tail up, eyes locked on a stick sailing through the air. It’s one of those classic scenes we associate with carefree dog ownership — the kind of wholesome moment you see in adverts or family films. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: throwing sticks for dogs isn’t just a harmless pastime. It can be dangerous, and in some cases, life-altering.

At Paws Academy, we see the aftermath more often than we’d like. Dogs arriving with injuries that could have been prevented, owners distraught and feeling guilty. It’s a subject we’re passionate about because prevention is always better than a rush to the emergency vet. So let’s talk about why sticks aren’t as safe as they seem, what the risks really are, and how to keep your dog active and engaged without putting their health on the line.

Why Sticks Seem Harmless — But Aren’t

Most dogs naturally love chasing and chewing things, and sticks are everywhere. They’re free, easy to throw, and to most people they just look like another toy. But unlike purpose-built dog toys, sticks weren’t made with safety in mind. They’re unpredictable, brittle, and can splinter in ways that lead to real harm.

One of the most common injuries we see from stick play is a puncture wound. A dog running full pelt after a thrown stick can catch it wrong, or the stick might land awkwardly and point upright in the ground. In those cases, if the dog doesn’t slow down in time, the stick can impale their mouth, throat, or even deeper. These injuries are painful, often traumatic, and can be fatal if major vessels or organs are hit.

Even when the injury doesn’t appear serious on the surface, it can still be a major problem. Splinters from sticks can lodge in the tongue, gums, or throat. If swallowed, fragments can make their way into the oesophagus or stomach, where they might cause perforations or blockages. These kinds of issues often go unnoticed at first, only becoming obvious once infection or internal damage starts to take hold.

And then there’s the bacteria. Sticks that have been lying around outside, especially in damp or muddy areas, are often covered in bacteria or fungi. A small wound in the mouth might seem like nothing, but if bacteria gets in, it can lead to infections that spread fast. Some dogs develop abscesses, others systemic infections that need aggressive treatment. It’s not just about the physical damage — it’s about what can follow.

But My Dog Loves It

We hear this a lot, and we completely understand. Dogs do love chasing sticks. For some, it’s part of a lifelong routine. You might feel like you’re taking away something they adore. But what we try to highlight is that it’s not about banning play. It’s about replacing one kind of play with another — something just as fun, but a lot safer.

Dogs can adapt quickly when given the chance. The key is in how you transition and how you make the new playtime just as exciting, if not more so.

Safer Ways to Play

If sticks are off the table, what do you use instead? There are plenty of dog-safe alternatives on the market, though not all toys are created equal. Look for soft rubber or foam toys that are light, durable, and gentle on teeth. These are designed specifically for canine mouths and reduce the risk of cuts, splinters or impact injuries.

Floating toys are a great option for dogs who love swimming or beach days. Unlike soggy sticks that break apart in water, these toys hold their shape and are easy for dogs to see and retrieve.

Rope toys can be useful for dogs who like to chew, though we’d recommend using them under supervision. Some dogs manage to unravel and swallow threads, which can cause blockages. The key with all toys is regular inspection. If it’s starting to fray, tear, or lose bits, replace it.

Ultimately, the best toy is one that’s interactive — not just something your dog plays with alone, but part of a game you’re involved in too. That connection matters just as much as the activity itself.

The Ball Launcher Isn’t Always Better

Some owners, upon realising sticks aren’t the safest option, switch straight to ball launchers. It makes sense on the surface. The launcher keeps your hands clean, the ball flies far, and your dog gets a solid run. But even ball launchers come with their own set of risks.

We’ve worked with many dogs who developed repetitive strain injuries from overusing launchers. The problem is in the mechanics — the balls are thrown faster and further than most people can manage by hand, which means dogs are pushed harder and often play for longer without adequate breaks. Over time, this can put serious stress on the joints, especially in growing dogs or those predisposed to issues like hip dysplasia or arthritis.

What’s more, some dogs become so fixated on the game that they ignore pain, overheating, or fatigue. We’ve seen dogs with torn ligaments or stress fractures who kept running because the ball was still flying. Obsessive behaviour isn’t just a training challenge, it can lead to long-term damage.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up fetch entirely. But moderation and balance are crucial. Sessions should be short, supervised, and ideally interspersed with other kinds of play or rest.

Rethinking What Play Looks Like

When we talk about reducing stick throwing or limiting fetch, it’s easy to assume we’re anti-fun. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We love seeing dogs play. But we’re also realistic about what that play should look like to be sustainable and safe over the long term.

Adding variety is one of the best ways to keep dogs mentally and physically healthy. Instead of focusing solely on high-energy games, try scent work, trick training, or even short bursts of agility. These types of activities use different muscles — both mental and physical — and help avoid burnout or overuse injuries.

Supervised free running, especially in secure areas, is another great option. Let your dog explore at their own pace, sniff, walk, trot, and occasionally run if they feel like it. Not everything needs to be high speed or high intensity to be enriching.

Even within your regular fetch routine, building in breaks and rotating toys can make a big difference. If your dog is particularly intense, use those moments to reinforce calm behaviours — rewarding them for sitting patiently, waiting, or walking to heel between games.

What If My Dog Won’t Give Up Sticks?

Some dogs are absolutely stick-obsessed. You might be out for a walk and before you know it, they’ve found one. In these cases, the goal isn’t to stop them entirely on day one, but to gradually shift the focus.

Start by redirecting them with something even more exciting — maybe a squeaky toy or a high-value treat. Use your training cues like “drop it” and reward the behaviour you want. Over time, most dogs learn that there are better options, especially when those options lead to a game or a reward.

Try to keep safe toys easily accessible, both at home and on walks. That way you’re not caught out when your dog finds a stick and there’s nothing else to swap it with. And remember, progress might be slow at first, but consistency is everything.

Why This Matters

Injuries from stick play or overenthusiastic ball chasing might not be daily occurrences, but when they happen, they’re often serious. Worse still, the cumulative effect of unsafe play can quietly wear down a dog’s body until they’re in pain or needing surgery, often years before you’d expect.

Safe, thoughtful play isn’t about limiting your dog’s fun. It’s about preserving their ability to run, play, and enjoy life for as long as possible. It’s about quality and longevity — and ensuring those joyful moments you love aren’t cut short.

Need Help Creating a Safer Routine?

If you’re unsure how to transition your dog away from sticks, or you’ve already noticed signs of obsession or discomfort during play, we can help. At Paws Academy, we specialise in behaviour-led dog training that’s practical, supportive, and grounded in real-world experience.

We work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds — and we offer virtual consultations as well as in-person sessions in select locations. So wherever you are, expert advice and guidance is just a click away.

Whether you need help with toy choice, recall, teaching “drop it”, or simply want to build better, safer routines, we’re here for you.

Reach out to us today and let’s build a play plan that works — for you and your dog.