Zack Keithy, our author, has been a certified veterinarian technician for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers. Learn more about us here.
I am often asked about the effectiveness of different types of dog toys and treats. One question that comes up frequently is: do bully sticks tire dogs out?
Yes, chewing on a bully stick for long periods of time can definitely tire your dog out, especially its jaw area. It also has the added effect of drying out your dog’s mouth, which is why it is recommended to let your dog chew not more than 10 minutes each time.
In this post, let’s dive a bit into this unique chew treat and learn the best way to give your dog one.
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Benefits of Chewing Bully Sticks
- Satisfies a dog’s natural chewing instinct
- Helps clean teeth and promote good dental health
- Provides mental stimulation and helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Can be a tasty low calorie treat for your dog
- Can be a good way to tire out your dog
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and can provide a number of benefits for their overall dental health and well-being.
And guess what? Whoever invented bully sticks must have thought they are a great option as they are long, chewable, and seem to be a hit with dogs (not so much for us humans; I think they stink!).
They not only give your dog a pleasant and tasty treat, but they can also support good dental health by keeping their teeth clean.
Additionally, chewing on bully sticks can stimulate the mind and ease stress and anxiety.
I know from personal experience that my two dogs love nothing more than curling up with a good bully stick after a long day of playing and exploring.
It’s the perfect way for them to unwind and relax.
I highly recommend using a bully stick holder when giving your dog the treat. It ensures that it will not become too small to be swallowed and turn into a choking hazard.
The Potential for Bully Sticks to Tire Out Dogs
There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to wearing out your dog, such as its size, age, amount of activity, and general health.
As a chewable treat, bully sticks can undoubtedly give your dog some mental and physical stimulation, but, will they tire out your dog?
How long should a dog chew on a bully stick?
Well, let’s think about it for a second.
A bully stick is a hard but chewable snack made out of bull pizzle, so just imagine that you are chewing on a tougher than normal chewing gum.
After a while, it gets very tiring and your jaws will probably start aching. The same goes for your dog too.
Although you can give your dog a bully stick every day, you should limit each session to no more than 10 minutes.
This is to prevent your dog from harming its teeth and gum from excessive chewing.
How long can a bully stick last?
When it comes to how long a bully stick can last, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The size of the bully stick, the size and power of your dog’s jaws, and your dog’s particular chewing patterns are some of the variables that might affect a bully stick’s durability.
In general, bully sticks that are larger in size last longer than those that are smaller, but this isn’t always the case.
My own dog, for example, is a medium-sized Frenchie with fairly strong jaws, and she can usually chew through a bully stick within an hour.
On the other hand, I have friends with similar-sized dogs who take a couple of days to do so (saves them money!).
What’s really important here is to pay attention to your dog’s chewing habits and to replace the bully stick if it becomes small enough to swallow.
By doing so, you can help ensure that your dog stays safe and healthy as too many bully sticks can possibly make your dog sick.
Why is My Dog Panting After Chewing a Bully Stick?
This should usually not happen, but when it does, there are a few reasons that can explain it.
- Dental discomfort: If your dog is panting and also showing signs of dental discomfort, such as difficulty chewing or drooling, it’s possible that the bully stick is causing irritation or discomfort in their mouth or throat.
- Allergies or sensitivities: In some cases, panting can be a sign of an allergic reaction or sensitivity to a particular ingredient or material.
- Age or health issues: Dogs that are older or have certain health conditions, such as respiratory issues or heart problems, may be more prone to panting.
Do you know the difference between bully sticks and collagen sticks?
Other Ways to Tire Out a Dog
Chewing bully sticks is not the ideal way to tire a dog out, but the following activities are:
- Exercise and physical activity: Dogs, especially those with high energy levels, need regular opportunities to run, play, and explore their environment. This can help tire them out and keep them in good physical shape.
- Mental stimulation and puzzle toys: Dogs’ brains require stimulation much like humans do in order to remain active and healthy. Giving your dog puzzle toys and other brainteasers can help them stay cognitively active and tired.
- Training and obedience work: Your dog can become mentally and physically exhausted after training and obedience practice. Regular training sessions can also help to improve your relationship and bond more closely.
In Conclusion: Do Bully Sticks Tire Dogs Out?
In general, bully sticks can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, providing a tasty treat and dental benefits.
Just make sure that you are also providing lots of other activities and toys, including exercise, mental stimulation, and training, so you can help keep your dog happy.
Check out other articles about bully sticks too:
- Do bully sticks cause diarrhea?
- What to do with end of bully stick?
- Why do bully sticks smell so bad?
- Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs?
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