Are Bully Sticks Digestible? Everything you need to know to keep your dog safe.
Dogs are natural chewers. They need to chew on things to relieve stress, boredom, and anxiety. This is especially true for puppies who like to put everything in their mouth. But not all chews are created equal. Some things are safe for dogs to chew on, while others can be dangerous.
WHAT ARE BULLY STICKS?
Bully sticks are a natural dog chew made from dried bull pizzle. They are an excellent way to help keep dogs’ teeth healthy and clean, but many dog owners are concerned about their digestibility.
Related: The Truth About Odor-Free Bully Sticks
A Note About Digestibility
Dog food alone is only around 80% digestible. So keep this in mind as we talk about the digestibility of bully sticks in comparison.
THE BENEFITS OF LETTING YOUR DOG CHEW ON A BULLY STICK
Dogs need to chew on things to relieve stress, boredom, and anxiety. This is especially true for puppies who are teething and need something to help soothe their gums. Bully sticks are a natural dog chew and an excellent way to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Bully sticks are also packed with nutrients that are good for your pup.
Are you looking for a safe, natural chew for your pup? Natural Cravings USA has a variety of great chews for every dog.
ARE BULLY STICKS DIGESTIBLE IF SWALLOWED?
Yes, bully sticks are naturally digestible. However, there’s more to it than that. If your dog has gastrointestinal problems, they may struggle with digesting pieces of a bully stick. Furthermore, if your dog swallowed a large part of a bully stick, it may cause some problems for your pup.
If your dog swallows a large broken chunk of a bully stick, it could get stuck in their throat or intestines and cause an obstruction and is a choking hazard. This is a severe condition that would require surgery to fix.
Ensure that your dog is supervised while playing with a bully stick and have fresh, clean water for them.
WHAT TO DO IF MY DOG SWALLOWED A BULLY STICK
Dogs can chew on a bully stick safely. However, if your dog swallows a piece of these natural chews, it’s important to call your vet. Depending on how big the piece that was consumed, you will most likely need to closely watch your dog over the next few days. If your pup starts to vomit, has diarrhea, or seems to be in pain, you will need to take them to the vet ASAP.
Most bully sticks are overall a safe and natural way for dogs to relieve stress and boredom, but if your dog easily breaks off pieces, it can become a choking hazard, and you may need to get them another type of toy to chew on.
Check Your Puppy’s Airway
Bully sticks are a safe puppy chew. However, if your puppy swallows a chunk of a bully stick, you should immediately check its throat and airway. If the piece is too big, it could get stuck and cause your pup to choke. Puppies are especially prone to choking on bully sticks because their trachea, or windpipe, is smaller than adult dogs. If your puppy swallows a piece of a bully stick, you may need to act quickly to ensure they are safe.
Related: Puppy 101 l Everything you need to know
Contact Your Vet
If you believe your dog has swallowed a bully stick, you should contact your vet. Bully sticks can be digestible, but they can also cause blockages if swallowed whole. A trip to your vet will tell you more and determine what needs to be done next.
HOW DO I PREVENT MY DOG FROM SWALLOWING A BULLY STICK
If your dog is prone to swallowing objects, it’s essential to take precautions when giving them bully sticks. One way to prevent your dog from eating a bully stick is to get the correctly sized chew. Having a natural chew that’s the right size will make it more difficult for them to swallow the entire stick. There are also some bully stick holder toys that you can buy.
Finally, always supervise your dog while chewing on a bully stick and take it away if they start to show signs that they are going to swallow it or when it gets too small.
Some power chewers can easily break worn bully sticks, so regularly inspect your dog’s chews. If you see any sharp edges or thin spots, throw the chew away and get a new one. Keep your dog safe and always supervise when they are chewing on anything.
HOW LONG SHOULD A DOG CHEW ON A BULLY STICK
There is no one answer about how long a dog should chew on a bully stick, and it largely depends on your dog’s size and how aggressive a chewer they are. A good rule of thumb is to start with 5-10 minutes and work your way up from there. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, you will have to watch closely at first to see how they do with the chew.
Related: When You Need to Take A Bully Stick Away From Your Dog
WHAT SIZE BULLY STICK SHOULD I GIVE MY DOG?
Pet parents should keep their dog’s size in mind when picking out the perfect dog chews. It is important to give your dog the proper-sized bully stick to prevent them from swallowing it. Bully sticks come in different sizes, so be sure to get the right one for your dog. Smaller dogs will need a thinner bully stick, while larger dogs can handle a thicker one. If you are split between two sizes, err on the side of caution and get a larger size. That way, they are less likely to swallow it.
Related: Natural Cravings Size Guide
CONCLUSION
Bully sticks are a great alternative to rawhide chews because they are digestible and made of all-natural ingredients. However, just like with any other chew toy, it is essential to supervise your dog while chewing on a bully stick. Be sure to get the proper size for your dog, and throw away the chew if it gets too small or starts to fray. With a bit of supervision, your dog can enjoy their bully stick, and you can rest assured knowing they are not swallowing anything they shouldn’t be.
Pick up the perfect sized bully stick for your dog today! Shop Natural Cravings USA.