KONG Safestix is a fetch and tug toy designed as a safer alternative to wooden sticks. The flexible rubber construction with rounded ends reduces the risk of mouth and throat injuries that real sticks routinely cause.

Wooden sticks are one of the more common emergency-vet visits for active dogs — splinters, jaw injuries, throat punctures. Safestix is shaped like a stick but made from KONG's flexible rubber, with rounded ends that won't cause the same injuries. It floats, which extends play to water, and the construction is durable enough for repeated fetch and tug sessions. It's marketed as a play toy, not an aggressive-chew toy.

KONG's Safestix is a sensible swap for dogs that habitually pick up sticks on walks. The flexibility also makes it more comfortable to hold during tug games. Available in Large and Medium.