[Crimsonwolf]

Okay maybe not the best title for this thread but oh well.

I've started my 11 year old golden on a high fiber, low calorie diet to help manage his weight. Seeing as how this diet calls for an increased amount of fiber, is it okay to allow him to chew on sticks? He's been trained not to do it very often and he's very good about it but when offered the oppertunity he gladely takes it. I know he doesn't actually eat the sticks but some pieces do get swallowed (not intentionally of course) and I thought this could make a very small addition to his fiber intake.

I should also note that he's not terribly overweight or obese, he's actually just a couple pounds above his breeds' average weight but since he had one of his hind legs amputated his vet advised us to have him loose ten pounds to take some of the stress off the remaining leg. So if anyone has some good weight loss tips they would greatly be appreciated.

[JayBarnes]

I'm anxious to see the answer to this question as well. My Husky (8 months old) is like a beaver. He loves chewing twigs, tree limbs, etc. He's not overweight or anything but I too would like to know how this affects his health.

[Cheetah]

I had a co-worker whose sheltie ate 3 inches of a stick and had to have it surgically removed... cost abot $3,000. Even if a dog doesn't mean to, he can ingest large pieces of sticks. I wouldn't recommend it.

[Don152]

My bud's dog likes to eat wood chips.. dangerous! so she asked the vet what do and he suggested feeding her carrots to satisfy the urge. Seems to help some.