If my dog swallowed a bully stick, I need to act quickly to ensure their safety. A bully stick, a common chew treat made from dried bull penis, provides a long-lasting, protein-rich snack for dogs.
However, some dogs get overly excited and swallow large pieces—or even the entire chew—posing risks such as choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or even perforation of the intestines.
Understanding Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are single-ingredient, high-protein, low-fat treats that help maintain healthy teeth and keep dogs occupied.
Available in various sizes, they suit dogs of all breeds and sizes. Although designed for gradual chewing, some dogs, especially larger breeds or those with strong jaws, may bite off large chunks or swallow them whole.
While these chews are not inherently toxic, their shape and size can cause serious health problems if swallowed improperly.
The Dangers of Bully Sticks
If my dog swallowed a bully stick, they could face several risks:
- Choking: A large piece may become lodged in the throat, making breathing difficult or impossible.
- Intestinal Blockages: If the stick reaches the digestive system without breaking down, it may obstruct the intestines, preventing normal digestion.
- Perforation: Sharp edges from bitten pieces could puncture the gastrointestinal tract, leading to internal infections and a potentially fatal condition called septic peritonitis.
Some dogs digest bully sticks without issues. Their bodies break down the protein, especially if they chew the treat before swallowing.
However, swallowing large chunks increases the risk of complications that require immediate veterinary attention.
Immediate Steps If My Dog Swallowed a Bully Stick
- Remove Any Remaining Bully Sticks: Prevent my dog from accessing more chews.
- Monitor for Immediate Signs of Distress: Watch for choking, gagging, excessive drooling, or difficulty breathing.
- Call the Veterinarian Immediately: Provide details such as:
- Did my dog swallow the whole stick or just a large piece?
- Has my dog eaten bully sticks before?
- How long ago did the incident occur?
- What is my dog’s breed, weight, and age?
- Is my dog currently experiencing any symptoms like vomiting or distress?
- Follow the Vet’s Instructions: The veterinarian may ask me to bring my dog in for an examination.
- Avoid Home Remedies: I should not attempt to make my dog vomit or remove the stick from their throat unless it is visible and easily reachable. Forcing it out might worsen the situation by pushing it deeper or causing injury.
- Supervise My Dog Closely: Ensure they remain under watch until a vet evaluates them.
Symptoms Indicating a Serious Problem
If my dog swallowed a bully stick, they may not show symptoms immediately. However, I should watch for warning signs such as:
- Coughing or Gagging: Persistent coughing suggests the chew might be lodged in the throat.
- Reduced Appetite: Refusing food may indicate pain, infection, or digestive obstruction.
- Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or reluctance to move suggests discomfort or illness.
- Vomiting: Repeated vomiting signals a possible blockage or irritation.
- “Praying Position” (Abdominal Pain Posture): If my dog lowers their front legs while keeping their hind end raised, they might be experiencing severe stomach pain.
- Constipation or Diarrhea: Changes in stool consistency indicate digestive distress.
- Aggressive or Unusual Behavior: A normally friendly dog might snap or avoid contact if in pain.
Veterinary Treatment Options
If my vet suspects a problem, they will assess the best course of action. Possible treatments include:
- Observation: If my dog swallowed a small piece, the vet may suggest monitoring at home while ensuring hydration and checking stool for passage of the chew.
- Endoscopy: If a piece is stuck in the throat or stomach, the vet may use an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera—to locate and retrieve it.
- Surgery: If the bully stick has caused an obstruction or perforation, emergency surgery may be necessary to remove it and repair any damage.
Preventing Future Incidents
To reduce the risk of my dog swallowing a bully stick:
- Choose the Right Size: Pick a chew appropriate for my dog’s size and chewing style.
- Use a Bully Stick Holder: Special holders secure the last few inches of the stick, preventing dogs from swallowing large chunks.
- Supervise Chewing Sessions: Always watch my dog when they chew to intervene if necessary.
- Offer Alternative Chews: Consider safer chew options like rubber toys, dental chews, or treats designed for controlled gnawing.
- Provide Fresh Water: Ensure my dog stays hydrated while chewing.
Real-Life Experiences: What Other Pet Owners Have Faced
Many pet owners have shared their experiences about what happened when their dogs swallowed a bully stick.
Some lucky ones saw their dogs pass the chew naturally with no issues. Others faced emergency vet visits because their pets either choked or developed serious blockages.
One dog owner described how their Labrador swallowed a large chunk of a bully stick and started gagging.
They rushed to the vet, who performed an emergency endoscopy to remove the lodged piece before it could cause a blockage.
Another owner of a small terrier had a different experience—the dog swallowed a small part of a bully stick and digested it without trouble, though they kept a close eye on their pet for a few days.
Related post: Do Dogs Need Grain in Their Diet?
Expert Advice on Managing Bully Stick Risks
Veterinarians often emphasize that bully sticks are generally safe when used responsibly. However, they strongly recommend:
- Choosing the appropriate size and type of chew for each dog’s breed and chewing habits.
- Limiting chew sessions to short periods to prevent aggressive chewing that leads to large chunks breaking off.
- Supervising dogs at all times to ensure they are chewing safely.
- Using safety devices like bully stick holders to reduce the risk of swallowing hazards.
Final Thoughts
Bully sticks offer a nutritious and engaging chew for dogs, but they carry risks if not used properly.
Some dogs manage to digest them without issues, while others may suffer from choking or blockages.
Always monitor my dog when they have a bully stick, and take precautions to prevent accidents. If my dog swallowed a bully stick, I should contact my vet immediately to ensure their safety.
By taking the right precautions, I can continue providing enjoyable and safe chew experiences for my pet.
As a responsible pet owner, I must stay informed about my dog’s chewing habits and always choose the safest options.
Whether I decide to continue offering bully sticks or switch to an alternative, my dog’s health and well-being remain my top priority.
