Should Your Dog Swallow Wood? Let's Talk About It...

There is no debate...

Your dog should NOT swallow wood. We are not medical experts by any means, but we can say if it's not food they shouldn't eat it.

With any bone, chew, or toy, swallowing big chunks can lead to blockages in the digestive tract. And while that doesn't seem like a big deal, it is. It can be life threatening. Especially with plastic and rubber.

But, even with wood being softer and more porous, you want to be extremely cautious as you give it to your dog.

Dogs love wood. There is no doubt about it. Chewing releases endorphins. It helps curb anxiety. Let's face it, dogs have been domesticated to live in our world. And there is a lot of stress that can come with it.

So if they are chewing destructively, or trying to swallow pieces of non-food based items, we must ask what is the cause behind it. Every dog comes from a different background. Mumble for example was severely emaciated – practically starved to death. So anything that resembles food he would scarf down. And we needed to be extremely cautious with it.

Some rescued dogs have been through severely traumatic situations. Some don't get enough exercise for their overall well-being. And throwing down an "indestructible" chew as their only form of entertainment just won't cut it.

We're not here to criticize, shame, or the like. We are here to uplift all dogs and their human companions. So if you don't feel safe giving them a wood chew, it's best to avoid it all together. Or try it once, but with very close supervision.

If a dog tries to swallow pieces of something that is not food, correct them kindly. They need guidance and structure. Yes it takes time and patience, however ultimately it is worth it as it amplifies the joy we can have with our companions.

Anything your dog chews on will end up in their body. Plastic, rubber, or something else. It's difficult to deny they are not consuming small particles. Tiny bits (less than the size of a grain of rice) of the wood pulp will be inadvertently swallowed and that is usually okay. These fibers soften with their salvia and typically pass through the digestive system like if they were eating grass.

But if they attempt to swallow anything more than that and you cannot correct the behavior, it's best to choose a different chew to avoid the risk of injury and for their overall well being.