My Dog Swallowed a Bully Stick! A Vet‘s Guide to This Scary Situation

As a veterinarian who has treated countless dogs in my career, I know firsthand the panic that grips a pet parent‘s heart when they realize their beloved furry friend has swallowed something they shouldn‘t have. And in my experience, one of the most common culprits behind those heart-stopping moments is a seemingly innocent treat: the bully stick.

If you‘re reading this, chances are you‘re all too familiar with that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Maybe you turned your back for just a second and returned to find nothing but a tiny nub of a bully stick left. Or perhaps you heard a loud gulp and looked over to see your pup licking their chops with a mischievous glint in their eye. Whatever the case may be, if you suspect your dog has swallowed a large chunk or entire bully stick, your first step should be to call your veterinarian right away.

But don‘t worry, while awaiting your vet‘s guidance, I‘m here to walk you through everything you need to know about dealing with a swallowed bully stick from a compassionate dog lover‘s perspective. By the end of this article, you‘ll be equipped with the knowledge to identify concerning signs, administer first aid, and prevent future scares. Let‘s dive in!

Why Dogs Can‘t Resist Bully Sticks

As a dog parent myself, I completely understand the appeal of bully sticks. They‘re an all-natural, single-ingredient treat that keeps our furry friends happily occupied for hours on end. In fact, a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association found that over 44% of dog owners purchase chews like bully sticks for their canine companions.[^1]

So what is it about bully sticks that drives dogs wild? The answer lies in their unique texture and irresistible smell. Bully sticks are made from the pizzle, or penis, of a bull or steer. The raw pizzles are cleaned, stretched, and dried or smoked to create a tough, chewy treat that‘s packed with protein and low in fat.

For dogs, the act of gnawing on a bully stick satisfies a deep-seated biological urge to chew. Chewing helps relieve stress, provides mental stimulation, and keeps their jaws strong and teeth clean. Plus, the distinctive odor of bully sticks comes from the high concentration of natural enzymes in bull pizzle, which dogs find absolutely tantalizing.

The Dangers Lurking in Those Tasty Chews

Despite their many benefits, bully sticks do come with some serious safety risks that every dog owner should be aware of. The most concerning issues arise when dogs swallow large chunks or entire sticks whole. Some of the potential hazards include:

Choking

The tubular shape and tough texture of bully sticks create a perfect storm for choking incidents. If a dog bites off more than they can chew, the stick can easily become lodged in their throat, blocking the airway.

As a vet, I‘ve seen my fair share of bully stick choking scares. One particularly harrowing case involved a Yorkie named Max who was brought into my clinic in respiratory distress. His owner had given him a bully stick to keep him busy while she took a quick shower, but when she came back, Max was unconscious on the floor, his gums a terrifying shade of blue.

We immediately intubated Max to provide oxygen and performed an emergency tracheotomy to remove the bully stick stuck in his larynx. Thankfully, we were able to resuscitate him, but it was a traumatic experience that could have easily been prevented with closer supervision.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

If a dog manages to swallow a large piece or whole bully stick, there‘s a significant risk of it causing an obstruction somewhere along the digestive tract. The dense, tough nature of bully sticks makes them difficult for the stomach to break down, so they can easily become stuck in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Obstructions are incredibly painful and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. One memorable case from my career involved a Lab mix named Daisy who started vomiting and refusing food two days after stealing a bully stick from her canine sister‘s stash.

An x-ray revealed a suspicious mass in Daisy‘s small intestine, so we performed an exploratory abdominal surgery. Sure enough, we found a 6-inch segment of bully stick wedged tightly in her intestinal tract. We were able to successfully remove the foreign body and repair the damaged tissue, but Daisy required several days of hospitalization and intensive care to recover.

Intestinal Perforation

In rare cases, a jagged edge of a chewed up bully stick can potentially puncture the delicate lining of the digestive tract as it passes through. This allows bacteria and other gut contents to leak into the sterile abdominal cavity, leading to a dangerous condition called septic peritonitis.

Perforations are the most life-threatening complication of swallowed bully sticks and always require emergency surgery. Even with prompt treatment, sepsis can quickly overwhelm a dog‘s system and become fatal.

I vividly remember a devastating case of a Boxer named Rocky who arrived at my clinic weak and feverish just hours after his owner noticed he had swallowed the last bit of a bully stick. An ultrasound revealed free fluid in his abdomen, indicating a likely perforation.

We rushed Rocky to surgery and discovered a dime-sized hole in his stomach wall, which we repaired. But despite our best efforts to flush his abdomen and administer broad-spectrum antibiotics, Rocky succumbed to septic shock a few days later. It was a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly these situations can take a tragic turn.

Recognizing the Signs of Trouble

Now that you understand the seriousness of the risks, let‘s review the red flags that warrant an immediate call to your vet if you suspect your dog swallowed a bully stick. Remember, time is of the essence in these situations, so don‘t hesitate to reach out if you notice any of the following signs:

• Choking: Coughing, gagging, retching, pawing at the mouth, frantic or noisy breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse
• Obstruction: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, painful or distended abdomen, difficulty defecating, diarrhea (especially with blood)
• Perforation: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, rapid heart rate, pale gums, collapse

Other more subtle signs of distress to watch for include drooling, panting, restlessness, hiding, whimpering, and behavioral changes like uncharacteristic aggression.

First Aid for a Swallowed Bully Stick

If you witness your dog swallow a large chunk or whole bully stick, your first priority is to ensure they‘re breathing normally. A bully stick lodged in the throat is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

If your dog is conscious and appears to be choking, you can attempt the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind them, placing your arms around their belly, and delivering five sharp abdominal thrusts. If the bully stick does not dislodge, transport your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital right away. If possible, call ahead so the staff can prepare for your arrival.

For a dog who is unconscious and not breathing, start mouth-to-snout rescue breaths and chest compressions, and have someone else call the vet to alert them you‘re on your way. If you‘re not trained in canine CPR, follow the instructions given by the emergency veterinary staff over the phone.

If your dog is breathing normally but you suspect they swallowed a large piece of bully stick, contact your vet right away for guidance. Collect as much information as possible about the size of the swallowed piece, how long ago it happened, and your dog‘s current symptoms. Your vet will likely advise you to bring your dog in for evaluation and possible x-rays to locate the bully stick.

While you wait for your appointment or make your way to the vet, remove any remaining bully stick pieces and keep a close eye on your dog. Resist the urge to induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by your vet, as this can sometimes make the situation worse. If your regular vet is not open, head to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital for care.

What to Expect at the Vet

Once you arrive at the veterinary clinic, your dog will be triaged and assessed for any immediate life-threatening issues. The veterinary team will perform a thorough physical exam, checking vital signs, palpating the abdomen, and looking for any visible signs of the bully stick.

Depending on your dog‘s symptoms and the suspected location of the swallowed treat, your vet may recommend various diagnostic tests, such as:

• Radiographs (x-rays) to visualize any obvious foreign material or obstruction
• Ultrasound to get a more detailed view of the soft tissues and organs
• Blood work to check for signs of infection, dehydration, or organ dysfunction
• Endoscopy to directly visualize and potentially retrieve the bully stick if it‘s stuck in the esophagus or stomach

Treatment options will vary based on the size and location of the bully stick, as well as your dog‘s overall condition. In some cases, especially for small pieces swallowed by large dogs, your vet may elect to monitor the situation and allow the bully stick to pass naturally with the help of fluid therapy and medication to manage symptoms.

If the bully stick is stuck in the esophagus or stomach and your dog is stable, your vet may attempt endoscopic removal. This involves carefully guiding a long, flexible tube with a camera and grasping tool through the mouth and throat to locate and retrieve the foreign object.

For bully sticks that have made their way into the intestinal tract, abdominal surgery is often necessary. In this procedure, your dog will be placed under general anesthesia, and the vet will make an incision into the abdomen to locate and remove the obstruction manually. Any damaged sections of intestine may need to be repaired or removed entirely.

In the most severe cases of perforation and sepsis, aggressive treatment including extensive abdominal flushing, intensive care, and long-term antibiotics will be required to give your dog the best chance at survival. These cases are often touch-and-go and may require referral to a specialty hospital for advanced care.

Regardless of the course of treatment, your dog will likely need to be hospitalized for at least a few days for monitoring, pain management, and supportive care. The road to recovery can be long and challenging, both physically and emotionally. Be sure to lean on your veterinary team for guidance and don‘t be afraid to ask for extra support if you‘re feeling overwhelmed.

Bully Stick Safety and Alternatives

As dog lovers, we all want to provide our furry friends with safe, enriching chew options that cater to their natural instincts. While no chew is entirely risk-free, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of a scary bully stick incident:

1. Always supervise chew time. Never leave your dog unattended with a bully stick or any other edible chew. Keep a close eye on them and remove the treat if they start breaking off large chunks.

2. Choose an appropriate size. Select bully sticks that are wider than the gap behind your dog‘s canine teeth to prevent them from swallowing the chew whole. Avoid thin or extra small varieties for large breeds.

3. Take away small pieces. As soon as the bully stick is chewed down to a couple inches in length, throw it away. The remaining piece is the ideal size to become a choking or obstruction hazard.

4. Use a bully stick holder. Specially designed holder toys can help prevent your dog from chomping off large bites by allowing you to anchor one end of the bully stick. Just be sure to choose a size that‘s appropriate for your dog‘s mouth and chewing style.

5. Limit chew sessions. Instead of giving your dog unlimited access to bully sticks, offer them as a special treat for short, supervised periods. This not only reduces the risk of overeating but also helps keep the excitement factor high.

If you‘re looking for safer chew alternatives to keep your dog‘s jaws busy, consider some of these options:

• KONG toys: Made from durable rubber, KONG toys can be stuffed with treats or tasty fillings like peanut butter or canned pumpkin for a long-lasting, satisfying chew session.
• Nylabones: These non-edible, synthetic chews come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors to appeal to different chewing preferences. They‘re designed to withstand heavy chewing without splintering or breaking into large pieces.
• Antlers: Naturally shed elk and deer antlers are a popular choice for aggressive chewers. They‘re hard, long-lasting, and contain no artificial ingredients. Just be sure to choose a size appropriate for your dog and supervise closely for any signs of tooth damage.
• Rubber chew toys: Brands like West Paw and Goughnuts offer durable rubber chew toys in a variety of shapes and textures. Many are even dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning between play sessions.

Ultimately, the key to safe chewing is finding the right match for your individual dog‘s size, age, and chewing habits. What works for one pup may be a hazard for another, so always err on the side of caution and supervise closely.

Chew Smarter, Not Harder

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog devotee, I know all too well the joy and heartache that come with loving these incredible creatures. We want to give them the world, but sometimes even the most well-intentioned treats can lead to unexpected consequences.

Bully sticks will always hold a complicated place in my heart. I‘ve seen the glee on a dog‘s face as they happily chomp away, but I‘ve also held the hands of devastated owners as we fight to save their beloved companion from a chewing session gone wrong.

My hope is that by arming you with the knowledge to recognize the risks, take swift action, and make informed decisions about your dog‘s chewing habits, we can prevent more of these heart-wrenching emergencies. Remember, your veterinarian is always your best resource and ally in keeping your furry friend safe, healthy, and happy.

So go forth and chew responsibly, my fellow dog lovers. Our four-legged friends are counting on us to keep them out of trouble, one tasty treat at a time.

[^1]: American Pet Products Association. (2022). Pet Industry Market Size, Trends & Ownership Statistics.