Issues with Bully Sticks

buddyb · New User Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Posts: 9

Hi all! We have discovered the magic of bully sticks but let our 6 month old have them all the time. Has any one found that these chews give diarrhea?

Jac · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:25 am Post subject:

Hi Buddyb, welcome!
Bully sticks are great chewies for your dog! My dogs love them...and I have not noticed any diarrhea. Of course, it is always possible that adding anything or changing his diet in any way could cause temporary upset.
A little canned pumpkin (not pie mix, just plain pumpkin, a couple of tablespoons) sometimes helps.
Just keep an eye on things to be sure that it doesn't continue or get worse, it could be caused by something else so if it doesn't clear up, you might want to check it out with your vet.
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jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

KMO20057 · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 7:41 am Post subject:

Has anyone had concerns with them swallowing the ends of the bullysticks? I have not given these to Sammy yet, but I have heard from others that when they get any smaller than 4 inches you shoudl take them away because they can be prone to swallowing them whole whenn they get that small.
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~Kelly~

http://sammydoodle.tripod.com

gracielou · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:15 am Post subject:

Anytime they get small I take them away not all dogs will swallow but I won't take any chances.
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Linda & Gracielou
Valley Center, KS
http://www.4pawspuppies.com

buddyb · New User Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Posts: 9

Thanks so much for the replies, has anyone tried rice for diarrhea for dogs?

Jac · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

Hi again everyone...

About the bully sticks, I try to take them away when they are smaller, but my dogs bury them so I don't always get to them...but I have seen them swallow some big pieces...scared me to death! But, they do digest...which is a good thing about bully sticks, rawhide doesn't digest so big pieces of rawhide can be more problematic.

It is very wise to take them away when they are smaller though.

I have not tried rice for loose bowels...but I know that in humans that is a good thing...I have not studied rice for dogs though.

When my dogs get "out of sorts" digestively speaking... Wink

I give a little PeptoBismol. It works every time (but remember that the poop will be black after a dose!) I have only had to give one dose to clear things up.

The pumpkin really does work...I don't know why, but it does. I can't get my dogs to eat it though, so I don't try it often. (I would have to treat it like medicne.)

My first and major concern with bowel problems and/or vomiting is when it lasts more than a day or so...then I worry about parasites or giarrdia (sp?)...so if this has gone on for a while, a vet visit is in order.

Be sure to see that your pup is drinking. Watch his intake and output...because if he can't keep things down or if he stops eating/drinking for very long, especially if he isn't drinking and still has loose bowels (dehydration possible)...it is definately reason to go to the vet.

Sorry to keep pushing the vet visits...I know it is expensive (my vet makes a very good living...thanks to me!) But I believe it is best to get treatment, if necessary, early on...makes things much easier to treat.

Good luck, hope your pup is better today.
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jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

keywee · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 5:06 pm Post subject:

So far I have not found *anything* that gets digested that has not caused diarrhea or vomitting in my dog, Sawyer. Poor guy just has that extra sensitive stomach. For chewing I give him rubber toys and bones and sometimes put peanut butter on them, which he seems to tolerate okay.

The canned pumpkin worked last time he had an issue. I think it has something to do with the astringent properties of pumkin (like sweet potato). I have tried rice and I found that it does not work as well.
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Susana, Sawyer and Huck

KMO20057 · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 6:53 pm Post subject:

Do you have a puppy kong? The adult ones are red, but they make softer ones for puppies that are white with pink or blue marbeling. They can be filled with yummy treats (I put a little PB in the bottom as a plug, then fill with plain yogurt and freeze!). Sammy loves her kong, full or empty!
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~Kelly~

http://sammydoodle.tripod.com