Bully Stick Dangers for Dogs

Bully or "pizzle" sticks are tough pet chews made from the penis of an animal, usually a bull. Gnawing on a bully stick helps a dog relieve stress or boredom and chewing keeps its teeth and gums healthy. There are dangers with any dog treat or chew, however, and bully sticks are no exception.

  1. Salmonella Poisoning

    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that dog treats and chews, including bully sticks, are sometimes found contaminated with salmonella. It has issued at least one official warning for bully sticks. Salmonella infections can cause lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes severe enough to kill an immune-compromised dog or young puppy. If you see these signs in your dog, take him to your veterinarian.

    Contamination to Humans

    • Dogs may not get infected, but can harbor the bacteria, transferring the bacteria to humans. A person can also get sick from handling contaminated bully sticks. Do not feed bully sticks that have been recalled or are known to harbor salmonella. The FDA recommends disposing of them in a secure trash can and washing your hands after handling any dog chews such as bully sticks.

    Choking Hazard

    • Like almost anything a dog puts in its mouth, bully sticks can pose a choking hazard. Although they are safer than rawhide dog chews, according to the VetInfo.com, you should take a bully stick away from your dog if it gets broken into small pieces or chewed to a short nub. Replace it with a new one. Bully sticks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Don't give a large dog a small bully stick and never leave a dog unattended with any type of chew.

    Odor and Staining

    • Bully sticks are dehydrated and sometimes smoked or coated with flavoring. Some varieties can release a fairly strong odor when the dog starts to chew. The coating can discolor whatever it comes into contact with, including your furniture and your dog's paws.