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Tag: puppy care

  • Bully Sticks vs Rawhide for Puppies — What’s Safest?

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    If you’ve got a new puppy at home, you already know how much they love to chew — on toys, socks, shoes, and sometimes, even your fingers! 🐾 It’s part of how they explore their world and soothe teething discomfort. But not all chews are safe for young pups.

    As a certified veterinary technician, I often get asked:
    👉 “Should I give my puppy a bully stick or rawhide?”

    Let’s go over the differences and what’s safest for those sharp little puppy teeth.

    🦴 What’s the Difference?

    Bully Sticks are made from 100% beef muscle (usually the pizzle). They’re high in protein, fully digestible, and soften as your puppy chews.

    Rawhide is made from the inner layer of animal hides (often cowhide). Even when made in the USA, rawhide tends to be tougher, less digestible, and can pose a choking or blockage risk if swallowed in chunks.

    So while both satisfy your pup’s chewing instinct, they behave very differently in the body.

    🐾 Why Bully Sticks Are Usually the Better Choice

    Safer to Digest

    Puppies’ digestive systems are still developing. Bully sticks break down naturally in the stomach, while rawhide often does not. If your puppy swallows a piece of rawhide, it can expand and cause a serious blockage.

    Gentler on Puppy Teeth

    Because bully sticks soften as your pup chews, they’re less likely to cause tooth fractures or gum irritation. Rawhide, on the other hand, stays firm and can be too hard for sensitive baby teeth.

    Single Ingredient, No Fillers

    A good-quality bully stick is made from one ingredient — beef. Many rawhides, even those made in the U.S., go through extra processing or are treated with flavorings.

    Perfect for Short Chew Sessions

    Puppies shouldn’t chew for hours on end — their jaws and teeth are still growing. A short session with a bully stick (10–15 minutes) is plenty, and you can refrigerate the stick to reuse later.

    ⚠️ When to Wait or Supervise

    Even with bully sticks, supervision is essential. Always watch your puppy while they chew, and remove the stick when it gets small enough to swallow.

    Also, wait until your puppy is at least 12 weeks old before introducing any hard chews. Younger pups may benefit from softer teething toys or frozen washcloths instead.

    🐶 Bottom Line

    For most puppies, bully sticks are the safer, gentler choice compared to rawhide. They’re digestible, natural, and satisfying — as long as you supervise and limit chewing time.

    If your pup is still teething, you can alternate between bully sticks and softer teething toys to protect those baby teeth while keeping them happily occupied.

    Your puppy’s chewing stage won’t last forever — but giving them the right chew can make it a lot easier (and less destructive)! 💙

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Save Money as A Pet Owner

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Though most people love to have a few pets, the truth is that they can be expensive. Feeding good food may be over your budget. Then, there are veterinary bills! Everything adds up.

    That being said, you can save money without getting rid of your beloved cat or dog. Here are some tips to help.

    Add your pet to your budget.

    You may need to start including your pet in your budget. Even if you can only save a few dollars a month, you will find out that you can afford to keep your beloved pet.

    Don’t go overboard with items for your pet.

    Your pet doesn’t need everything that you see in a pet store. Cats require a good food bowl, a litter pan, and a collar. Dogs need a good collar with a leash. A few inexpensive tennis balls may be all your dog needs to play.

    Stores are filled with fancy collars, clothing, and toys. You may feel like you need to buy things for your pet, but he or she doesn’t really need that much. Besides, most pets don’t even like wearing clothing.

    Do your own grooming.

    If you choose a dog that requires regular grooming, it can really add up. Many smaller breeds require grooming every three months. You may easily spend $100 (or more) a year on trips to the groomer. It is much cheaper to buy a thirty or forty-dollar pair of clippers and learn to do it yourself. Before you know it, you will be able to trim your dog the way that the groomer does, without the extra cost.

    You may want to look at a clipper set, such as this one, which is available on Amazon.

    Clipper Set Available on Amazon

    Stay up-to-date with your veterinarian.

    Although many people avoid taking their pets to the veterinarian due to the cost, the truth is that it will ultimately protect them in the long run.

    Annual examinations will help you catch anything that is wrong with your pet before it becomes an even bigger (and more expensive) problem. Vaccinations are just as important. Many diseases that pets get are easily preventable simply by keeping them up to date on vaccinations.

    Make sure that your pets are spayed or neutered.

    Though many people don’t spay or neuter their pets because of the cost, the truth is that it will save you money in the long run.

    Females are less likely to have mammary tumors, which need to be removed. They also won’t need emergency surgery because of an infection in their uterus. Male dogs and cats are less likely to roam away, possibly getting hit by a vehicle on the road.

    It is also significantly less expensive than raising and finding homes for a litter of unwanted puppies and kittens.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Whether you are buying a new pet or already have one, you need to factor it into your budget. Make sure to consider how much you will need to spend on visits to the veterinarian’s office and possibly the groomer. Your pet will need to visit the vet’s office at least once a year to ensure that they are as healthy as possible.

    Vaccines will also keep him or her from getting certain diseases. Spaying and neutering will also save you money in the long run. Your pet will be less likely to get certain cancers or even run away and get hit by a car.

    You can also save money by grooming your pet yourself. Although you will have to spend some money to buy the clippers, you can easily save $100 or more a year. You may also want to avoid going to certain pet stores. Though everything is cute, your dog or cat doesn’t need clothing and all of those fancy toys!

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.