Does puppy chew on a bully stick? Yes, almost all dogs like to chew. This is especially true of puppies, who chew quite a bit when they are teething! Providing your puppy a bully stick will benefit you both as long as you limit his chew time to no more than ten minutes per session. After all, his small teeth are delicate and you don’t want him to overdo the chewing.
Chew toys come in all shapes and sizes and it can be difficult to choose which is best for your puppy. Bully sticks are a popular treatment because they serve the purpose of something to chew and are considered a special treat for most puppies. Let’s take a closer look at bully sticks.
What are bully sticks?
Bully sticks are natural chew treats that are meant to be substituted for rawhide. They are high-protein chew that comes from a part of a bull. They come in many shapes and sizes, so they can be enjoyed by nearly every dog, from puppyhood to their senior years.
Bully sticks are very low in fat and high in protein. They are also highly digestible, even for little tummies. You do need to limit how often you provide your little one with a bully stick, however, because they have a high-calorie content and this can keep your pet from enjoying other foods that provide needed nutritional elements.
How are bully sticks made?
Sensitive people may want to avoid this section. Bully sticks are made from the penis of a bull. The penis is cleaned and then it is twisted and stretched. Once this is done, it is dried.
Drying can be achieved in a number of ways. Some places dehydrate the stretched material while others use baking or smoking. Some manufacturers then treat the bully stick with chemicals to remove bacteria and smell. The final step is cutting the finished stick into individually-sized pieces.
Why give your puppy bully sticks? Why puppy chew on a bully stick?
Puppies love to chew and will find anything they can in order to satisfy that need. Giving your puppy a bully stick will give him an appropriate way to ven this chewing instinct. It helps clean his teeth of plaque and eases the pain of teething.
Bully sticks also help reduce hormones such as serotonin that help the dog feel good and keep him calm. This helps relieve anxiety.
These treats are normally not subject to harsh chemicals for preservation. They are easily digestible, unlike rawhide. They also won’t splinter like a regular bone.
The protein is excellent for your puppy’s coat and muscle growth. The amino acids help promote healthy brain growth in your puppy. The action of chewing also strengthens the jaws.
Why can’t I find bully sticks at my local pet store?
Bully sticks are found at almost all major pet food stores. One reason you may not be able to find them at your local store, especially if it is a small one, is that they are often called by different names. In addition to a bully stick, you may find these chews called
- Bully sticks
- Pizzle sticks
- Pizzles
- Bull pizzles
- Steer stick
Try looking for the bully stick under one of those names and you are very likely to find it.
Are Bully Sticks Safe For Puppy
Bully sticks are safe for the most part. There is a need for caution when they become small enough for your dog to swallow the last bit whole. You should never allow your pet to chew on a bully stick unless you or someone responsible is there to supervise.
Once the stick becomes small enough to possibly choke on, it is time to take it away from your pet and replace the belly stick with a new one. If your dog does happen to swallow the last piece, make sure he isn’t choking. It will digest if it makes it to his stomach, but if it gets stuck he will need immediate attention from a vet.
Natural treats also come with a risk of bacteria. Dogs are able to tolerate bacteria better than humans, but make sure you know how your particular brand is processed to eliminate contamination. Always wash your hands after handling the bully stick. Another thing to consider is that you should limit the amount of time a puppy chew to ten minutes or less a session so he doesn’t damage newly-formed teeth.
What size bully stick should I give my dog?
Factors such as the size of your dog and how aggressively he chews help determine what size of bully stick you should offer your dog. As a rule of tum, puppies and dogs under fifteen pounds should be offered sticks that are thin and only six inches long. The regular-sized thick ones that are six inches long are best suited for dogs between 15 and 45 pounds.
Aggressive chewers from 30-45 pounds may do well with a thick-cut six-inch bully stick. This is also true of dogs in the 45-75-pound range. If your dog weighs more than 45 pounds, use your judgment based on how aggressively he chews. Bully sticks in the 12-inch range that are thick or extra thick may be best. Dogs over 75 pounds will need thick or extra thick versions.
If your dog tends to finish the bully stick very quickly, try giving him one a size up to help him enjoy the time longer.
Do all bully sticks smell bad?
Bully sticks naturally smell bad. You can buy some that say low-smell and others that say no smell. The ones that claim to have no smell have most likely been treated with chemicals that you really don’t want your pet to have. If the bully stick is listed as low-smell, find out how it was manufactured. In many cases, these can be safe. If you want all-natural, consider having your pet enjoy his treat outside in the yard.
When should I throw away a bully stick?
A choking hazard is possible when the bully stick is small enough for your dog to swallow in one piece. When your bully stick is approximately one to two inches long, it is time to replace it. There are special holders you can buy that make it impossible for your pet to get this last bit and investing in one gives you peace of mind.
What if my dog doesn’t like bully sticks?
Dogs are normally attracted to bully sticks, but just like people, they all have likes and dislikes. If you want to help your puppy with his instinct to chew and he doesn’t like bully sticks, there are alternative chews you can try.
Deer antlers help with tooth cleansing and the urge to chew. Your dog won’t be able to eat them, so you don’t have to worry about that aspect. Ostrich tendons are another option. These last about as long as a bully stick and are not harmful. Yakers are another snack that is high in fat content but dogs love to chew them. They are made from compressed milk of the yak and are completely natural.
How often can I give my puppy a bully stick?
Vets recommend you don’t give your puppy a bully stick more than three times a week. Older dogs may be able to chew some daily but puppy teeth are still growing. The high-calorie content is also a concern for growing puppies.
When should I avoid giving my dog a bully stick?
Most dogs, puppies, and adults will do well with bully sticks. If your dog is overweight, you might want to avoid this threat altogether or limit it to only special occasions. Any dog that has shown a sensitivity to beef also needs to look for an alternative.
