Have you caught your dog chewing on a bully stick and wondered if it's safe to swallow? You’re likely reading this because your dog has swallowed a bully stick, and you need to know what to do next.
My Dog Swallowed a Bully Stick By Accident
Giving the best chewy treats to our dogs and seeing them enjoy them is one of the best feelings a pet owner or a fur parent may experience. However, if your dog has swallowed a bully stick, it’s important to act quickly and know the right steps to take.
While bully sticks are a popular and generally safe chew treat, swallowing large pieces or whole sticks can pose serious health risks. If you’re a first-time pet owner, we’ll walk you through the quick basics about the benefits and safety tips of these treats.
What Are Bully Sticks?
First things first, bully sticks are a popular chewy treat for dogs made from the pizzle, or penis, of a bull. These natural chews are favored by many pet owners for their various benefits and appeal to dogs, including the following:
- They are high in protein.
- They are low in fat.
- It helps with the maintenance of healthy teeth.
- It keeps your dogs entertained.
Why Chewing on Bully Sticks Can Be Dangerous for Dogs?
Larger dogs, dogs with strong jaws, and avid chewers might bite off big chunks or swallow entire chews. Although the chews themselves are not particularly sharp, broken pieces can leave jagged edges that might cause internal injuries.
Swallowed pieces can sometimes pierce the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to perforation. This is a medical emergency, and your dog will need immediate veterinary care. If untreated, this can lead to septic peritonitis, a severe condition that can be fatal. The chew might not even pass through the throat if it becomes lodged as the dog tries to swallow it. It can be difficult to spot if it’s stuck further back and out of view.
Bully sticks are designed to be safely consumed by dogs if eaten in small pieces over time. Problems arise if a dog eats a large quantity at once, such as consuming an entire packet in one sitting. There are no toxic or poisonous substances in the chews. The risk comes from the shape of the whole chew or larger sections, which can become choking hazards, cause blockages in the intestines, or even lead to perforations.
Some dogs might consume a whole bully stick and show no adverse symptoms. The digestive process begins as soon as the dog starts chewing, so even a large piece might be digested properly before causing any issues.
My Puppy Swallowed a Bully Stick: Help!
Puppies love to chew on everything, including bully sticks, which can be dangerous if swallowed whole. If your puppy has swallowed a bully stick, look out for signs and contact your vet immediately. Let’s help you learn more about the signs to look out for and the best preventive measures and practices in case your cute little pup swallows its irresistible treat.
Signs That Your Puppy Has Eaten a Bully Stick
It can be hard to tell if your puppy has swallowed a bully stick, but choking, gagging, and trouble breathing are key signs. Other signs of distress include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If you see these, contact your vet right away.
How to Prevent Your Puppy from Swallowing a Bully Stick
Preventing your puppy from swallowing a bully stick is easier than you might think. Choose the right size bully stick for your puppy to avoid choking hazards or blockages. Always supervise your puppy while they're chewing.
How to Treat Your Puppy Who Has Eaten a Bully Stick
If your dog eats a bully stick, the first thing to do is watch them closely. Dogs can often break down bully sticks because their stomachs can handle that kind of stuff. So, even if the bully stick is big or whole, it might just pass through without any problems.
But, if the bully stick seems to be making your dog uncomfortable or if it gets stuck, you'll need to take them to the vet. The vet might use a tool called an endoscope. It’s a small tube with a camera that goes down your dog’s throat to see inside their stomach and intestines. If they find the stick, they can use another tool to grab and remove it.
If the bully stick is too far down or if it has caused any damage inside, the vet might have to do surgery. They will then carefully remove the stick and fix any damage.
Conclusion
If your dog swallows a bully stick, it's crucial to monitor them closely and seek veterinary help if needed. Bully sticks can often be digested, but if there are any signs of discomfort or obstruction, professional care is essential. Always choose high-quality and safe bully sticks to minimize risks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do bully sticks dissolve in a dog's stomach?
No, bully sticks do not dissolve in a dog's stomach. They are made of natural ingredients and are designed to be slowly digested by your dog's digestive system. However, if your dog swallows a large piece of a bully stick, it could cause a blockage in their intestines.
Can a bully stick cause a blockage in a dog?
Yes, a bully stick can cause a blockage in a dog if they swallow a large piece of it. Signs of a blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If you suspect that your dog has swallowed a large piece of a bully stick, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What happens if a dog swallows a chew stick?
If your dog swallows a chew stick, it will likely pass through their digestive system without any issues. However, if your dog swallows a large piece of a chew stick, it could cause a blockage in their intestines. Signs of a blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If you suspect that your dog has swallowed a large piece of a chew stick, contact your veterinarian immediately.
