Throwing Sticks for Your Pet to Fetch may be Dangerous

While dogs may be enjoying the game, a team of veterinary experts say that throwing sticks for your pets to fetch is dangerous and should be banned.

Experts at the Veterinary Association and Kennel Club said that sharp sticks can prove to be dangerous to dogs as they can pierce their mouth, throat or internal organs. They suggested that dog owners should instead use other toys to play the game with their pets.

Their stance has been supported by Australia, British and New Zealand veterinary associations.

"Sticks, as with any other material thrown for a dog, will always carry a small risk of injury, whether through excessive force should the object hit the dog or equally through the potential for long sharp objects, like sticks, to penetrate the mouth, in particular should the dog lunge at the object to catch it", the president of New Zealand Veterinary Association, Cath Watson said.

Source: Medindia