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Facial Wounds
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If the stick is small enough to fit into your pup's mouth, there is always the possibility that it may become wedged inside, causing serious pain. If it is lodged straight up and down, it may penetrate the soft tissue in your dog's mouth, creating painful tears in the tongue, soft palette or nasal passage. If it is lodged sideways, the stick may make it all the way into your dog's esophagus, causing serious harm that will require a trip to veterinarian.
Splintering
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Since pine wood is so soft, it tends to splinter more than other woods might. If your dog is chewing away at a larger stick, there is always the possibility that it could bite off and swallow a large chunk of this wood. If this splintered wood makes it way into the esophagus, stomach or intestines, it may puncture holes in your dog's internal organs, including the lungs and the heart. This can lead to life-threatening complications later in your dog's life.
Infections
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When your dog is chewing on a piece of pine he found in the neighbor's yard, chances are low that it is a pristine specimen. More often than not, these sticks carry infectious organisms. When your dog swallows a bit of wood, these infectious organisms make their way into its body as well. In many cases, this can lead to the formation of an abscess. If internal abscesses are caused by small splinters, they are very difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. Some dogs simply end up living with splinters and abscesses in their bodies for the rest of their lives.
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What Are the Dangers of a Dog Chewing on Pine Wood?
Dogs tend to choose disintegrating pieces of wood they find in the yard over the nice new toys their owners bought them. While some owners find this behavior annoying, it can also be a dangerous habit. Whether your dog is bored, teething or simply prefers sticks to balls, this is a habit that should be stopped. Pine, in particular, poses a serious threat since it is a soft wood. There can be several consequences if your dog chews on pine wood.