Hazards of Bully Sticks

Chewing is a healthy and natural behavior for dogs and many kinds of treats cater to this urge. Bully sticks are dried bull penises. They are mostly protein and when prepared by a reputable company, they contain few preservatives or additives. As your dog's guardian, you need to know the hazards of bully sticks and take measures to keep your dog safe, but overall these treats are safe and healthy.

  1. Choking

    • Any dog treat that can be chewed into a smaller size poses a choking risk. Bully sticks have a hard texture when first given, and as your dog chews its saliva causes the stick to become soft and slippery. The chewing also reduces the size of the bully stick. The smaller and more slimy the stick becomes, the higher the risk of choking. According to the VetInfo website, choosing a longer and thicker bully stick will make it more difficult for your dog to choke, but you should always directly supervise your dog when chewing.

    Salmonella

    • The Food and Drug Administration released warnings about bully sticks testing positive for salmonella bacteria. The warnings identified bully stick brands or suppliers to avoid in these cases, but always wash your hands after handling the treats to be safe. If you notice your dog having stomach upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, take it to the vet to check for salmonella poisoning. Try to have your dog chew the bully stick on a towel or hard surface that can be washed and disinfected afterward.

    Broken Teeth

    • Textured treats like bully sticks are good for your dog's mouth because they scrub the teeth and gums as your dog chews. If your dog has relatively health teeth to begin with, this lessens the risk of tooth injury, but weak or unhealthy teeth can be susceptible to breaking from vigorous chewing. According to VetInfo, choosing a thicker bully stick will encourage your dog to gnaw from the side instead of chomping up and down. A scissoring motion of chewing is more natural for dogs and is less likely to injure teeth. It's also a good idea to check your dog's mouth regularly after chewing a bully stick.

    Odor

    • One hazard of bully sticks that affects humans but not dogs is the smell. Some brands can have a strong odor that becomes stronger while your dog chews, which can be bothersome to you. Experiment with different brands until you find one with a better scent, and use a wet wipe to clean your dog's face and paws. Encouraging your dog to chew the treat on a towel can also give you an easy way to keep the smell from getting onto surfaces around your house.