Bully sticks are fun and seamlessly digestible treats for dogs. Bully sticks do not cause any splinters, and because of their enticing flavor and smell, dogs tend to love them. However, puppies can grow profoundly attached to bully sticks, and you may find it challenging to take them away from your puppy.
Along with discussing ways for you to take away a bully stick from your puppy, we will be discussing the benefits and side effects of giving your dog bully sticks.
Table of Contents
How To Take Bully Stick Away From Puppy?
When trying to take a bully stick away from a puppy, one should use the same approach you would when taking a toy away from them. You could use the “drop it” command if they guard it, allowing you to take it away. Or you could redirect their attention with a more valuable toy or treat.
What Are Bully Sticks Side Effects?
It is worth noting that although bully sticks are a popular treat for dogs, they come with their own set of risks and health side effects. To understand the side effects of bully sticks, you should first understand that bully sticks cannot be used as a meal replacement for dogs. Although bully sticks are high in protein and generally carry about 9 to 22 calories, they cannot be used as a meal.
While this is true, you should also note that you should reduce the number of snacks you give your dog on days when they chew on bully sticks. A side effect of bully sticks can be weight gain if their diets are not monitored. Another side effect of bully sticks is bacteria. Some bully sticks are not appropriately prepared, which can lead to bacteria and cause your dog to vomit and experience diarrhea.
Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Are The Benefits Of Bully Sticks For My Dog?
When made correctly, bully sticks can be seamlessly digestible and do not contain any toxins harmful to your dog. Bully sticks are high in protein, so they boost your dog’s overall and fur coat health. Since they are not made of bone, bully sticks do not carry the risk of splinters which may cause your dog pain and discomfort.
When dogs chew on bully sticks, they essentially clean their mouths. The surface of bully sticks removes the plaque off your dog’s teeth, reducing the risk of your dog developing bacteria that can result in a condition called endocarditis.
Are Bully Sticks Safe For Puppies?
Yes, bully sticks are safe for puppies. Unlike other chew snacks like bones that cause splinters, bully sticks are much safer for puppies to chew on. However, since puppies are young and still developing, you should try to limit the time they spend chewing.
You should limit your dog’s chewing time to one session of approximately 10 minutes, ensuring that your dog does not damage their gums and teeth.
What To Do With Bully Stick Nubs?
If you do not want to keep the bully stick nubs, you can safely dispose of them by throwing them away. However, if you do not want to throw them away and enjoy your full money’s worth, you could soak the nubs in water to soften them.
Once they are softened, you can cut them into smaller pieces for your dog to eat without choking. Whether you choose to discard them or further utilize them, ensure that you keep them in a safe location where your dog does not have access to them.
When Should I Take My Bully Stick Off My Puppy?
One of the most significant risks of bully sticks for dogs is that they can be choking hazards. Hence, as a general guide, you should take a bully stick away from your puppy once it is at a size that cannot be swallowed safely. Nobody knows your dog as well as you do; therefore, you should note what type of eater your dog is.
If your dog is a patient eater that will chew on their treats for quite some time before swallowing them, you could potentially allow them to enjoy the bully stick as is. However, if your dog tends to swallow anything in sight, then we recommend taking the bully stick away from them once it reaches a swallowable size.
What Happens If My Puppy Swallows A Bully Stick?
Even though bully sticks are renowned for being highly digestible, they should still be consumed in manageable quantities, or else your dog could choke on them. If your dog has swallowed a bully stick, you should remain calm and take them to the veterinarian. If you cannot get to the vet, you should call them and ask them about the steps you should take.
How Do You Get The Bully Stick Off A Puppy?
Using a bully stick holder is easy to take a bully stick away from your puppy. These holders prevent your puppy from eating beyond a certain point and thus reduce the risk of choking on their bully sticks. The bully stick holders also make it easy to pick up the bully stick.
- SAFETY FIRST: The Bow Wow Buddy is a durable, easy-to-use, veterinarian-vetted, and...
- CHOOSE YOUR SIZE: Be sure to select the right size Bow Wow Buddy and bully sticks based on...
Last update on 2024-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your dog is guarding their bully stick, you can use another treat or one of its favorite toys to redirect its attention. Then you can simply take the bully stick away from them.
How Often Should Puppies Have Bully Sticks?
Puppies should have bully sticks twice or thrice a week. Unless you take the bully stick away from your dog before they are entirely consumed, you should not let your puppy consume more than three bully sticks a week. Excessive consumption of bully sticks can lead to gum and teeth damage. Since your puppy is still growing physically, you should ensure that they do not put too much pressure on their teeth and gums.
Can I Leave My Puppy Alone With A Bully Stick?
You should not leave your puppy alone with a bully stick. This is the case when you give them a chewing treat. You should supervise your puppy to ensure they are safely enjoying their pleasure. You should be in the room with your dog while they chew and listen attentively to them to ensure they are not choking on their bully stick. If they swallow a bully stick, your dog may experience problems from gastrointestinal blockage.
How Many Bully Sticks Can A Dog Have A Week?
You should give your dog a maximum of 2 to 3 bully sticks a week. Ensuring your dog does not consume too many bully sticks a week will help you monitor their weight. However, if you can safely give your dog the same bully stick for several chewing sessions, you can confidently allow them to chew as many times as it takes to finish them.
How Many Chew Sticks Can A Puppy Have In A Day?
Bully sticks are the equivalent of candy for most children. Therefore, you should not overdo it when you give your puppy bully sticks. Consequently, you should only give your dog one bully stick a day. Ensuring that you provide your dog bully sticks in moderation will ensure that they do not become overweight and suffer from health issues associated with excessive weight gain.
FAQ
Can Bully Stick Cause Blockage?
Yes, bully sticks can cause blockage. If your dog swallows a large piece of a bully stick, it could get stuck in its intestine and create an intestinal blockage. An intestinal blockage is a medical emergency, and you should immediately take your dog to a veterinarian.
What Happens If My Puppy Swallows A 3-Inch Bully Stick?
If your dog swallows a 3-inch bully stick, you should monitor them to ensure they do not experience a choking or gastrointestinal blockage. If you are uncertain whether to worry or not, you can call your veterinarian for some advice.
What Happens If My Puppy Swallows A 6-Inch Bully Stick?
It is dangerous for your dog to swallow such a big piece of the bully stick. Therefore, if your dog can swallow a 6-inch bully stick, you should take them to your veterinarian immediately. This will ensure that your dog gets the appropriate medical attention from professionals.
Do Bully Sticks Calm Dogs Down?
Yes, bully sticks can calm dogs down. A benefit of a bully stick is that it can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. The repetitive action of chewing and indulging in a well-liked flavor will help your dog calm down and reduce any anxiety they may have.
Are Bully Sticks Safe For Senior Dogs?
Yes, bully sticks are safe for senior dogs. Senior dogs are more susceptible to excessive weight gain; therefore, you should keep a close eye on their diets. However, bully sticks are great for senior dogs because they can chew away at them at their leisure, and it is a snack that can occupy them for quite some time.
Conclusion
Bully sticks are fun and flavourful snacks that many dogs love. However, this snack comes with its risks. If you give your dog a bully stick, make sure you do so safely. You should supervise your dog while they chew the bull stick, so they do not accidentally swallow a large chuck and choke on it.
You should also ensure that your puppy does not chew on it for more than 10 minutes daily. Lastly, ensure that you do not rush your dog and gradually introduce bully sticks to your dog’s diet.
