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Dog jammed stick in throat, painful, refusing food. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 26 lbs

My miniature bulldog was playing with a stick and jammed it down her throat pretty hard. She keeps whimpering and yelping when she moves or when her neck is touched. There was no signs of blood we could see externally, but she is acting like she is in a lot of pain. She keeps walking with her head down and is refusing food which is strange for her. What could be wrong and should I be concerned? What should I do and will she be okay?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

Hello and thank you for your post. From your description, it is definitely possible that the stick caused some trauma and now Piper is painful from this. I would get her seen by a vet as soon as you can to make sure nothing is lodged in the back of the mouth. If she is refusing food then she certainly might have something stuck or a splinter that you cannot see causing discomfort. She may have also just strained her jaw with the stick getting lodged in her mouth. I hope piper gets well soon and hope this is just a strain and nothing more. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.

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    Answered By Amy Poole, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm so sorry Piper had trouble with a stick. I would first be concerned that all or parts of the stick are still in her throat. Sticks, if swallowed, can cause abrasions in the mouth and esophagus that can be painful. They also can potentially get stuck in the throat or even between the teeth and need to be removed under sedation. If she is acting like she is in a lot of pain to you, that is very concerning and I would strongly recommend you take her in to your vet to be evaluated. She may need pain medication and/or potentially medication to coat any abrasions that my be in her throat. She also could have injured her neck during the ordeal and your vet may be able to pin point the source of pain and treat it appropriately. She may need soft food for a few days as well, as that may be easier her to eat while her mouth/throat is recovering. I hope she is feeling better soon!

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