Are "pig ears" bad?

[HillbillyBelle]

I always have 4-6 dogs of varying ages and I areally concerned about any of the chewies. I have tried a bezillion and had problems with upset tummies, diarrhea, getting them stuck in their mouths or some such. When my vet asked what my purpose was in giving those things, I really didn't have an answer so she suggested toys made for dogs to chew on. I have stuck with them but sometimes, the dogs get tired of them. We change treats inside or clean them up and soak them in HOT water with buillion cubes to add a little flavor.Nothing works all the time, huh?
I say, use what works for you and your vet....I keep thinking I will get the magic bullet if I try long enough. NOT!

[iuplori]

Originally Posted by nicksgf

I haven't tried pig ears before, but does anyone have an opinion on DentaStix? They're supposed to be great for the teeth and Scooter loves chewing on them, so I hope they're good!

My little Selah loves these too- they seem to be just the right size, and my vet gave them the ok. Haven't had any digestion problems or such.

[Lexi Rae]

i go with, (((( bully sticks))))) all the way.. i order in bulk all the time.

[lovespandp]

my boys love the pig ears but all they did was give him horrible diahrea. so instead of the basted pig ears i get beef and i dont get basted i get the white ones i think they are baked or something. but the pig ears i think are bad for them, my peanut has a steal tummy and those wrecked his tummy so i know they are bad.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Lexi Rae

i go with, (((( bully sticks))))) all the way.. i order in bulk all the time.

Yes, I so agree with this, I never heard of bully sticks till I found YorkieTalk, and Joey loves these and they keep him happy for hours, I also think they are really good for the teeth and gums. It takes more than 1 week to eat one, so it's not like your adding lots of food, and there is no tummy upsets. They are also 100% digestable.

[karren]

Originally Posted by jp4m2

I've read that if the pig ears are imported they can be contaminated with arsenic used in the processing of the hide, and with salmonella....they are not regulated in other countries, if you chose to feed these to your pet try and get then made in the USA.........

Apparently the hooves are worse than pig ears.....


Nylabones can become sticky and lodge in the back of the throat causing an obstruction. The clear ones usually cannot be detected upon x-ray, so the vet may not know that there is a blockage without doing an exploratory. They are also hard on a teeth so be certain to check the overall condition of your dogs mouth prior to giving him anything this inflexible to chew.

Cow Hooves are even more dangerous than rawhides. They are hard enough that a dog can actually break a tooth on one. They can also be chewed up into sharp fragments which may cause a partial intestinal obstruction. Partial obstructions are often difficult to diagnose until the point at which the fragment is ready to perforate the wall of the bowel from pressure against the sharp edges. If perforation has occurred, the infection that ensues from leakage of intestinal contents can be fatal.

Pig Ears can cause GI upset if overeaten, similar to the situation with rawhides, although obstructions are less common because the ears are not usually shaped into solid chunks. More Internet investigations turned up this information regarding pig ears: A CTCA member (Coton de Tulearre) lost her three-and-a-half month old puppy to a massive intestinal bacterial infection. The bacteria noticed on autopsy were Escherichia coli, a common gut bacteria which, in proper balance, is essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the mammalian gut. Too many E. coli, or E. coli in the wrong place (like the lungs) can cause serious disease. The attending veterinarian and the owner suspect that bacteria inadvertently introduced by a pig ear was the cause of death. While alternative explanations are possible, pig ears are not entirely safe, especially for pups (who need chewies the most). Another vet pointed out the possibility of bacterial contamination also of pig ear chews. All chewie objects can potentially cause injury but pig ears, the most avidly chewed treat of all, can potentially introduce bacteria.

An FDA advisory published by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human services on Oct.1, 1999, stated that there is "a nationwide public health warning alerting consumers about a number of recent cases in Canada of human illnesses apparently related to contact with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials (e.g., pigs ears, beef jerky treats, smoked hooves, pigs skins, etc.)... FDA is urging pet owners... to handle them carefully. Anyone who comes in contact with these treats should wash their hands with hot water and soap. Initial reports of illnesses came from Canada and involved Canadian products, but subsequent examination of similar products produced in the U.S. indicate that all pet chew products of this type may pose a risk...."

Bully Sticks also known as Bully's, beef stick or pizzles, are a dog treat made from a dried bull's penis. Since it is all beef, these are 100% digestible. There have been no known reports of bully's producing problems which are often associated with rawhide, cow's hooves and other chewy treats, such as choking or bowel obstruction.

I didn't know that bully sticks are made of bull penis.... That's why it smells so bad but my dogs love it...... eeewwww!!

[Sandysbabies]

I have only given mine pig ears one time. They just don't set well with their little tummies at all. I think they are too fat. I give mine now bully sticks. They get one a week and they really look forward to it. The rest of the time they get baby carrots, apple, gerber baby cookies, just something that I think is better than all this stuff that is treated with chemicals and Lord only knows what.

[Dara311]

I am sorta up and down with giving dogs pigs ears. My dachshunds are not able to eat anything like that because they have weak stomachs.

when I got Fiona, she loves them! So, I will give them to her here, and there, but they gross me out!

I have to say, she has the cleanest teeth!