Why Do Dogs Like Sticks?

Picture this: you’re out on a walk, your pup is sniffing around, minding their business, and then boom — they spot a stick. Not just any stick. The stick. Suddenly, they’re trotting around like they just won a prize, and there’s no way they’re leaving without it.

At A Pup Above, we see this all the time. It might seem odd that your dog treats a simple stick as a prized possession, but they’re onto something. Interested in discovering more? We’ve got you covered. 

Read on to get the down low on all things dog and stick.

So, Why Do Dogs Like Sticks?

Dogs have their quirks — belly rubs, chasing squirrels, and, yes, stealing your spot on the couch. But sticks? They seem to hold a special place in the Canine Hall of Fame. While their obsession might seem random, there are actually a few good reasons dogs can’t resist them.

They Feel Good To Chew

Sticks have the perfect texture — firm, but not too hard — which makes them super satisfying to gnaw on. It’s like a natural chew toy they found all by themselves, and that makes it even more exciting.

They Smell Like the Outdoors

Dogs experience the world through their nose, and sticks smell like everything they love — dirt, trees, maybe even a little bit of whatever animal brushed past it last. That mix of scents makes sticks way more interesting than the toys sitting in their basket at home.

It’s an Instinct Thing

Dogs have a natural urge to chew, fetch, and carry things, and sticks tap into all of that at once. Wild canines gnaw on bones, wood, and other natural objects to keep their teeth strong, and even though your pup has a cozy life, that instinct is still there.

They’re Fun to Carry Around

There’s something about holding a big stick in their mouth that just feels right to a dog. It gives them a little sense of pride — like they’re carrying something important. And if the stick is bigger than they are? Even better.

They’re Everywhere

Unlike their favorite chew toys that always seem to disappear under the couch, sticks are everywhere. Every walk, every backyard play session — nature’s just handing them out for free.

Is It Safe for Dogs To Chew Sticks?

We talked about why dogs love sticks, but are they actually safe? Well, it depends. Some dogs are gentle with them, happily carrying them around or giving them a light chew, while others treat them like a DIY snack — which can lead to trouble.

Like most things, moderation and supervision are key. A little casual chewing? Probably fine. But if your dog is breaking off chunks, swallowing pieces, or gnawing aggressively, that’s when sticks become risky.

What Are the Benefits of Chewing (or Carrying) a Stick?

So your dog snagged a stick — should you let them keep it? It turns out that there are a couple of pretty cool benefits to letting your dog chomp on that stick they just can't seem to let go of.

Keeps Them Active

Chewing on a stick isn’t just a lazy pastime — it gets their whole body involved. They’re gripping it, shifting it around, and putting those jaw muscles to work. Some dogs even toss it in the air, pounce on it, or do a full-body wiggle while they chew. It’s low-key exercise, and they don’t even realize it.

They're Calming

Chewing gives dogs something to focus on, and that kind of repetitive motion can be really soothing. Whether they’re winding down after a walk or just need something to keep their paws busy, gnawing on a stick can help them settle and feel more at ease.

Boosts Their Mood

Dogs don’t just chew for fun — it keeps their brains busy. Think about it; they shift it around, test different spots, and break it down piece by piece. That kind of focus keeps them engaged, gives them something to do, and helps them burn off some mental energy.

Sneaky Dental Cleaning

While sticks are no substitute for proper dental care, they can help scrape away some of the plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. It’s a bit like a natural toothbrush — though make sure to follow up with real dental care to keep those pearly whites healthy. 

What Are the Potential Dangers of Stick Chewing for Dogs?

Remember how we talked about sticks being safe for dogs in moderation? While that’s true, there are some potential dangers to keep in mind. Not every stick is a harmless chew toy, and depending on how your dog interacts with it, things can go from fun to risky pretty fast. 

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Splinters and Sharp Edges: Some sticks break apart easily, leaving behind sharp pieces that can cut your dog’s mouth, gums, or throat. If swallowed, they can cause irritation or even internal damage.
• Choking Hazard: If your dog bites off a big chunk, there’s a chance it could get stuck in their throat, making it hard to breathe. That’s an emergency no one wants.
• Dental Damage: Some sticks are too hard, and if your dog chomps down the wrong way, it could lead to cracked teeth or other painful dental issues.
• Toxic Trees: Not all wood is safe. Trees like cherry, walnut, yew, and oak contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs. If you don’t know what kind of tree the stick came from, it’s best to play it safe.

Letting your dog have a stick every now and then isn’t the worst thing, but choosing the right stick makes all the difference.

What Should I Do if My Dog Swallows Part of the Stick?

Even with supervision, dogs can get carried away and swallow pieces of a stick. If that happens, don’t panic — but do keep an eye on them. 

The first thing to check for is choking. If your dog is coughing, gagging, pawing at their mouth, or struggling to breathe, you may need to help dislodge the piece immediately or rush to the vet.

If they swallowed a small piece without choking, monitor for signs of trouble over the next 24 to 48 hours. Watch for vomiting, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, or signs of pain, like whining or restlessness. 

If anything seems off, call your vet. Never try to induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to, as sharp pieces could cause more harm on the way back up. If your pup seems fine, the stick may pass naturally — but keep an eye on their poop to be sure. 

What Are Other Alternatives to Sticks for Healthier Chewing?

If your dog needs something to chew, there are way better options than a random stick from the yard. 

Try these instead:

• Rubber chew toys: Some are even shaped like sticks, but they won’t splinter or break apart.
• Dental chews: Keep their mouth busy and help clean their teeth at the same time.
• Rawhide-free chews: Options like antlers or durable nylon chews last way longer than a stick and won’t leave a mess.

Want to distract them with something actually good for them? Give them a bowl of our sous-vide, human-grade meals instead. With flavors like Texas Beef Stew and Chicka Chicka Bow Wow, they’ll be too busy licking their bowl clean to even think about gnawing on those crunchy tree twigs.

Conclusion

So, why do dogs like sticks? Well, there are plenty of reasons. They’re fun to carry, satisfying to chew, and just seem important to dogs. And while a casual stick obsession isn’t the worst thing, it’s not always the safest, either. Splinters, choking hazards, and toxic woods are all things to watch out for.

The good news? There are way better options for chewing — ones that won’t send you on an emergency vet visit. 

And if you really want to give your pup something worth obsessing over, swap the stick for a bowl of our sous-vide, human-grade meals. Way tastier, way safer, and guaranteed to keep them happy (no splinters included).

Sources:

6 stinking cool facts about dog noses | PBS

Why Do Dogs Like Sticks? How to Give Your Dog a Stick Safely | MasterClass

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Dogs | ASPCA

Dog Choking: What to Do & Heimlich Maneuver For Dogs | AKC