Q:  My 6-month-old Golden Retriever seems to think that wood, in the form of branches and twigs, is at the top of the food pyramid. Should I ignore his stick-chewing and hope it goes away as he matures, or try to modify his taste for wood now?


A:  Strange, isn't it, how many of our dogs enjoy chewing wood, when "This tastes like sawdust" is a huge insult in the context of human food?

The answer to your question is "It depends." Many dogs enjoy an occasional Arbor Day chew session with no harm done. But wood chewing can be dangerous in both small and big ways. A splinter in the gum or wedged between the teeth can not only hurt like the dickens but also lead to infection. And a sharp piece of wood could punch a hole in your dog's digestive tract if he swallows it.

Even if your pup is drawn to sticks because he's teething, the habit is likely to hang on now that he's learned it. Waiting for him to grow out of it probably won't work.

If he is chewing gently and methodically, and if he spits out the broken-off pieces as he chews, I would cautiously give the okay to letting him chew. But always supervise closely! And if you see any signs of pain such as drooling or pawing at the mouth, or any swelling — indeed, if you see any unusual signs after a chew session — consult your vet right away.