Risks of Dogs Choking on Bully Sticks | Licks and Wags
Bully sticks are popular chew treats for dogs, known for their natural ingredients and dental benefits. However, they do come with risks, particularly when dogs chew them down to small end pieces that can pose a choking hazard.
At Licks and Wags, we’re passionate about making treat time safer, so here’s a detailed look at this issue — including statistics, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Risk Factors and Incidents
Choking on bully sticks is a concern among dog owners and veterinarians. The risk primarily arises when the stick becomes small enough for the dog to swallow whole, leading to a potential airway obstruction.
According to various sources:
• General Choking Statistics: Over 200,000 cases of pet choking are reported by veterinarians annually. This number includes various causes such as food, toys, and chews like bully sticks.
– Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets
• Specific Incidents: While precise statistics for bully stick choking incidents are not well-documented separately, bully sticks are frequently mentioned as a significant hazard, especially as the treat becomes smaller during chewing.
Preventing Choking on Bully Sticks
To minimize the risk of choking, consider the following strategies:
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Supervise Chewing: Always supervise your dog while they are chewing on a bully stick. This allows you to intervene if the piece becomes small enough to swallow.
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Use Safety Holders: Products like The Pupsicle Stand from Licks and Wags are designed to secure the end of the bully stick, preventing your dog from swallowing the last bit. This safety device holds the bully stick firmly in place, making it harder for the dog to choke on small end pieces.
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Choose the Right Size: Select bully sticks that are appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing strength. Larger dogs may need thicker sticks, while smaller dogs may do better with thinner ones.
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Remove Small Pieces: Once the bully stick is chewed down to a small piece, take it away from your dog to prevent accidental swallowing. It’s a good practice to replace it with a new stick or another chew toy.
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Training and Habituation: Train your dog to give up their chew when asked. This can make it easier to take away small pieces without a struggle.
What to Do If Your Dog Chokes
Recognizing the signs of choking and knowing how to respond can save your dog’s life:
Signs of Choking:
• Pawing at the face
• Gasping or gulping for air
• Frothing at the mouth
• Wheezing or making high-pitched sounds
• Agitation and anxiety
Immediate Actions:
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Check the Mouth: Open your dog’s mouth to see if the object is visible and can be removed. Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the obstruction if possible.
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Perform the Heimlich Maneuver: If the object is not easily accessible, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Place your hands on either side of the dog’s rib cage and apply a quick, forceful pressure inward and upward to try to dislodge the object.
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Seek Veterinary Care: Even if you successfully remove the object, contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure no further complications. If the object remains lodged, rush to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
Alternatives to Bully Sticks
If you are concerned about the choking hazards associated with bully sticks, consider these safer alternatives:
• Deer Antlers: Durable and less likely to break into small pieces, though they should still be given under supervision.
• Ostrich Tendons: Long-lasting and high in protein, these chews offer a similar chewing experience with lower choking risks.
• Raw Meaty Bones: Excellent for dental health, but must be given carefully and under close supervision to prevent splintering.
• Collagen Chews: Made from the tissue beneath an animal’s skin, collagen chews tend to break into smaller, safer pieces and are generally gentler for dogs to chew.
Conclusion
Bully sticks are a highly beneficial chew treat for dogs, but they do come with risks — particularly when chewed down to small, swallowable pieces. By supervising your dog, using The Pupsicle Stand from Licks and Wags, and choosing the right size stick, you can greatly reduce the risk of choking. Additionally, being prepared to act quickly if your dog shows signs of choking is crucial. At Licks and Wags, we’re committed to making treat time both safe and enjoyable for dogs everywhere.
With the right precautions, bully sticks can remain a safe and satisfying part of your dog’s routine and for those who prefer alternatives, there are plenty of safer chew options available.
