Bully stick coulda killed my puppy.... BEWARE

[Bill Burkhart]

I gave my five month old, 22 pound mini doodle a bully stick yesterday. We were together in the family room. Ten minutes later, I couldn't find the bully stick. Ten minutes later, she started to choke and barfed up an eight inch bully stick. I'll attach a picture of this thing. It's kinda gross. But it scared the hell out of me. This thing could have killed her. I have no idea how on earth she swallowed this thing. It wasn't her first bully stick, but it will certainly be her last.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Oh, I'm so glad... throwing up constantly is so worrisome. We just went through it with Oscar, and after a $400 vet bill turned out it went away on its own (after altering his meals to small, frequent ones of boiled chicken, rice and sweet potato). But while it was happening I felt so helpless.

[Shellie Brune]

My Vet recommended not giving bully sticks to dogs of any age, instead give high quality raw hides.  Haven't had any problems with raw hides with my puppy who has been chewing away on them for 5 months.  Make sure to purchase the correct size of raw hides.  

[Sharae & Winston]

What are considered high quality, compressed? And what would be the correct size?

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Hey,sorry to hear that story. My vet said no rawhide, no animal parts..hoofs, ears etc. I think a really good practice is to only introduce/offer natural food chews...I saw a good suggestion here on DK.."anything I wouldn't eat..I don't give my dog" I'm going to follow this concept.

[Judith and Griffin]

so what would you recommend for puppies who have a need to CHEW.  Not sure what meets those standards?  (bringing my pup home next weekend and trying to do right by him)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Elk Antlers. Get a large one. They last for months-years

www.doggyloot.com

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna has had hers for over 2 years ;)  She needs a new one soon but she chews it nightly for about an hour and it's still good.

[Judith and Griffin]

Thanks!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I hate to be a downer with elk antlers, but please do be careful, especially with baby puppy teeth. Puppies can chip a tooth on anything that doesn't meet the 'fingernail test". If your fingernail can't leave an impression in any dog chew then it really is too hard. Believe me, a chipped baby tooth is no fun, for puppy or owner, and the vet bill to have it extracted can go into the hundreds. Any Kong toy is a good alternative, and they come in many shapes and sizes. My doods love them! Save the elk antlers for adult teeth.

[Tait & Finn]

Get an antler. They are sold at most large pet supples or specialty stores. A bit expensive but last a very long time and well worth it. Doesn't crack or break. My pup loves his.

[Bill Burkhart]

I have also boiled the antler in chicken broth and then just left it in the broth to soak. I dried it with a paper towel and Lucy really liked it.

[Terri, Murfee & Emily]

This is why I love DK. I have received so much important information concerning being a new Doodle Mom. I say this because my 9 week old Murfee is laying with his antler that I just introduced tonight. But with what Debbie said about not necessarily being the best chew toy for a very young puppy, I have put it away. I really don't want to chance him breaking a tooth.  Tomorrow we will go back to the kong as he is passed out for the night.

I realize that there are many opinions shared here. I like that I can take what makes sense for me.