A veterinary professional is urging dog owners to stop throwing sticks for their pets after highlighting the life-threatening risks involved. Jade, a registered veterinary nurse with a popular TikTok following under the handle @jade.the.vet.nurs, has used her platform to raise awareness about the hazards of this common habit.
Jade, who cares for three dogs and three tortoises, has garnered over a million likes for her educational posts on animal care. In her latest video, she explained the potential dangers that come with tossing sticks during walks.
“When a stick is thrown, it can get lodged in the ground,” she said. “If your dog is running at high speed and attempts to catch it, they could impale themselves on the stick if it’s stuck. I’ve seen this before, and it was fatal.”
Jade recounted a tragic incident in which a stick pierced a dog’s mouth and reached its brain, causing an immediate fatal injury. She also highlighted the risk of splintering, which can lead to pieces of the stick becoming lodged in a dog’s mouth, esophagus, or stomach.
“It’s just not worth the risk. Sticks are dangerous, and I cringe when I see people throwing them for their dogs,” she added.
The Blue Cross, a leading animal welfare organization, has also issued a warning, emphasizing that injuries from sticks can range from minor to life-threatening, whether the dog is fetching the stick or chewing on it.
Jade’s message is clear: dog owners should opt for safer alternatives to keep their pets entertained and out of harm’s way.
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