Bully Sticks - How Long Is Too Long?! - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Erin · 10-06-2008, 09:04 AM

As far as how long to get them chew - I leave sticks out and only take them away if we leave. Loki chews forever and ever. Sometimes I have to take them away in the middle of the night because I wake up to him chewing. For puppies and dogs who are not used to bully sticks I recommend giving it to them for like 1/2 hour to start, then maybe an hour a day. Puppies have more sensitive tummies so you don't want to give them whole stick until you know it won't give them diarrhea. They are mostly protein so you have to start slow. I don't have to ration them with my guys, but every dog is different.

Also, if you leave them out all the time they aren't as special. So if you use sticks to keep them occupied while you are busy, then definitely take them away so they are special when you do let them chew and they will stay busy.

We are going on a trip soon so I'll take the sticks away a couple days before the trip and give them new ones in the car. That way they aren't bored of sticks and they stay happy in the car

Ashley V · 10-06-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emilyann

Yeah, I have a feeling it's going to last for a while. It's really thick and solid, I'd be afraid to give her one that was smaller or not as thick. Are there any thicker solid ones that are 12" that don't smell as bad though? It smells so disgusting

Thankfully for me, I have a very slight sense of smell. I buy the Red Barn ones and I can't smell them at all.

means143 · 10-06-2008, 11:41 AM

^ I also buy red barn, it doesn't stink up the room. Same here, I can't smell it at all

roxies_mom · 10-06-2008, 12:01 PM

Roxie loves the flossies but I do watch with those just because some of them are so skinny. Plus they have a smell that reminds me of something dead. Must be why she likes them so much. It's her dog side coming out in her!!

pagonzal · 10-06-2008, 01:17 PM

Which one would you recommend for a 2.12 lb. Biewer? Our Mocha is in need of a dental. I would like to try this route first, as I cannot afford one right now.

Pam

Nancy1999 · 10-06-2008, 01:40 PM

I use the Merrick 6 inch bully stick and they last about a week. Dogs have a desire to chew on something, and this really satisfies that desire, and helps scrape teeth of tartar in the process. Joey pretty much has access to his stick at all times, and when it gets too short he makes us hold it for him. I wouldn't worry about them chewing so much that the gums are bleeding, if this has happened to a dog, the dog may have had gingivitis, and the sticks actually help prevent that.

Nancy1999 · 10-06-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagonzal

Which one would you recommend for a 2.12 lb. Biewer? Our Mocha is in need of a dental. I would like to try this route first, as I cannot afford one right now.

Pam

If the teeth aren't too bad, there's a product called Petzlife that is said to soften tartar, and eliminates the need for teeth cleaning in some dogs. You have to use it daily if the tartar is really bad, and bush as well. You don't use the Petzlife for toothpaste; you will need toothpaste suitable for dogs. Petzlife is only for softening tartar. The bullysticks might help scrape it away too though, especially if it was softened. Here's a link to Petzlife: PetzLife Products Inc - Products For a Healthier Pet

pagonzal · 10-06-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

If the teeth aren't too bad, there's a product called Petzlife that is said to soften tartar, and eliminates the need for teeth cleaning in some dogs. You have to use it daily if the tartar is really bad, and bush as well. You don't use the Petzlife for toothpaste; you will need toothpaste suitable for dogs. Petzlife is only for softening tartar. The bullysticks might help scrape it away too though, especially if it was softened. Here's a link to Petzlife: PetzLife Products Inc - Products For a Healthier Pet

We use the Petzlife gel and spray, as well as put Cool and Clear in their water. We brush too. I have seen improvement in our other furbabies. Hers is stubborn for some reason.

Pam

MaxwellHouse · 10-06-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

What brand is it? I have some that don't stink on my site. The Free Range odor free ones and another premium brand that my dogs like.

You should really really go for the odor free ones. Maxwell has now taken to the 12 inch ones (kind of braided) and when he gets too many, I put the others away. He doesn't have a problem with the size, as he tilts it on his donut bed and chews away.

But if I had to have the stinky ones around, I wouldn't be able to stand it. Go odor free if at all possible - worth the extra $.

sryope68 · 10-06-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxwellHouse

You should really really go for the odor free ones. Maxwell has now taken to the 12 inch ones (kind of braided) and when he gets too many, I put the others away. He doesn't have a problem with the size, as he tilts it on his donut bed and chews away.

But if I had to have the stinky ones around, I wouldn't be able to stand it. Go odor free if at all possible - worth the extra $.

Where can you get the odor free ones? I buy my little ones the merrick flossies. I buy the jumbo kind so they last longer. They love those and since they are spiral shaped they can hold them better, but man do they stink!

Erin · 10-06-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sryope68

Where can you get the odor free ones? I buy my little ones the merrick flossies. I buy the jumbo kind so they last longer. They love those and since they are spiral shaped they can hold them better, but man do they stink!

I have the odor free ones. They are by Free Range - on my website.

I also have Petzlife in case anyone is interested!

emilyann · 10-06-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dara311

I would take it away if you think she may choke on it. If you crate her I wouldn't leave it in there while your away.

Being that I'm so scared and she finally got her first bully stick after owning her for around a year... I don't think I'll be leaving her with the bully stick un-supervised

.

emilyann · 10-06-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashley V

Thankfully for me, I have a very slight sense of smell. I buy the Red Barn ones and I can't smell them at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by means143

^ I also buy red barn, it doesn't stink up the room. Same here, I can't smell it at all

Well, I hope neither of you ever smell them cus they're horrid. Smells like dead fish or something, ugh.

PANAMA69 · 10-06-2008, 10:02 PM

I give mine flossies beef tendons, no more that a hr or so, and I will cut any soft part off, also when is getting short

bildio · 10-07-2008, 03:59 AM

I'm glad this thread was posted, because I couldn't find anything to keep Gus' need to chew satisfied.

The Bully stick appears to be the answer.

However, Gus appears to be thirsty after chewing it for a while. Has anyone else noticed increased thirst?

10-06-2008, 09:04 AM	#16
Erin Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 3,306	As far as how long to get them chew - I leave sticks out and only take them away if we leave. Loki chews forever and ever. Sometimes I have to take them away in the middle of the night because I wake up to him chewing. For puppies and dogs who are not used to bully sticks I recommend giving it to them for like 1/2 hour to start, then maybe an hour a day. Puppies have more sensitive tummies so you don't want to give them whole stick until you know it won't give them diarrhea. They are mostly protein so you have to start slow. I don't have to ration them with my guys, but every dog is different. Also, if you leave them out all the time they aren't as special. So if you use sticks to keep them occupied while you are busy, then definitely take them away so they are special when you do let them chew and they will stay busy. We are going on a trip soon so I'll take the sticks away a couple days before the trip and give them new ones in the car. That way they aren't bored of sticks and they stay happy in the car __________________ Erin, Sammy & Loki Sewing patterns and tutorials @ www.dogundermydesk.com

10-06-2008, 11:41 AM	#18
means143 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: My baby's heart Posts: 195	^ I also buy red barn, it doesn't stink up the room. Same here, I can't smell it at all __________________

10-06-2008, 01:40 PM	#21
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	I use the Merrick 6 inch bully stick and they last about a week. Dogs have a desire to chew on something, and this really satisfies that desire, and helps scrape teeth of tartar in the process. Joey pretty much has access to his stick at all times, and when it gets too short he makes us hold it for him. I wouldn't worry about them chewing so much that the gums are bleeding, if this has happened to a dog, the dog may have had gingivitis, and the sticks actually help prevent that. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

10-06-2008, 12:01 PM	#19
roxies_mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: central illinois Posts: 1,396 Blog Entries: 1	Roxie loves the flossies but I do watch with those just because some of them are so skinny. Plus they have a smell that reminds me of something dead. Must be why she likes them so much. It's her dog side coming out in her!!

10-06-2008, 01:17 PM	#20
pagonzal YT Addict Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 438	Which one would you recommend for a 2.12 lb. Biewer? Our Mocha is in need of a dental. I would like to try this route first, as I cannot afford one right now. Pam

10-06-2008, 10:02 PM	#29
PANAMA69 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: ~~YorkieWorld~~ Posts: 8,428	I give mine flossies beef tendons, no more that a hr or so, and I will cut any soft part off, also when is getting short

10-07-2008, 03:59 AM	#30
bildio Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Havre de Grace, MD Posts: 1,537	I'm glad this thread was posted, because I couldn't find anything to keep Gus' need to chew satisfied. The Bully stick appears to be the answer. However, Gus appears to be thirsty after chewing it for a while. Has anyone else noticed increased thirst?