If you've ever owned a dog, chances are you risked horrifically injuring it without even realising.
The Australian Veterinary Association has condemned stick fetching, saying it can cause "horrific injuries", including choking, infection and internal bleeding.
The Daily Telegraph reports that British Veterinary Association president Robin Hargreaves said owners should "never throw sticks".
"Even if you do it now, never do it again," he said, apparently not kidding. "It is a violent incident that causes real damage. We have horrendous problems. Imagine ramming a toothbrush into the end of your mouth, except it is spiky."
RSPCA chief veterinarian Magdoline Awad said one dog a month is admitted to emergency for stick-related injuries in Australia, and are sometimes euthanised as a result.
University of Sydey Veterinary Science Professor Paul McGreevy conceded that fetching was important to a dog's well-being, but has implored owners to use rubber bones, frisbees, balls or rope instead.
Consider yourself warned, and feel free to retroactively blame yourself for that time Fido died because of an unexplained splinter.
