Is it ok for dogs to chew on sticks?

[Cats49]

My dog has just carried back a large stick from her walk (my son took her out). We don't throw them for her but is it ok to let her chew them in the garden? She seems to love this but not sure if there are any dangers?
She is 17 months old and still seems to like chewing things (luckily confined to things she is allowed now mostly, apart from important letter posted through letter box the other day!)

[minimu1]

No

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

I think it's generally not recommended; dogs can swallow quite large splinters and choke/perforate gut. But I'm no expert.

[Cats49]

Ok thanks - will confiscate her stick!

[fuzzysnout]

No - take a look at this website to see why
www.colliecorner.com/stick-to-toys/

[Cats49]

Thank you fuzzysnout - just seen your post. I knew of the dangers of throwing sticks but had not realised that even chewing them could lead to serious damage. I will circulate this link to people I know with dogs.
Many thanks

[PipCarrier]

My dog chewed a stick when he was younger and got part of it wedged in the roof of his mouth. I didn't notice for a few days by which time the gum had started to seal over it and it was infected. He ended up having to have it removed by surgery and antibiotics, all was fine in the end but it wasn't nice and it was costly too.

Like you I had heard the dangers of throwing sticks but hadn't imagined this. You do have to keep a really close eye on them as this was just a stick he pulled off of a tree in my garden.

[whatever17]

My dog does this all the time - I thought it was OK - will remove from mouth now.

[Melly19MummyToBe]

My MIL lets her dog eat wood. They have an open fire so they have a big tub full of chunks of wood and the dog likes to steal chunks and chew them up. They know exactly what could happen but they don't do anything about it because if you try to take something off storm he will start growling at you and if you carry on trying to take it from him he will end up trying to take a chunk out of your hand. They usually bribe him with treats. Sending him the message that eating wood is a good thing to do.