Normally, I'm pretty paronoid about rawhide and things that LOOK like rawhide but I've heard a few good things about bully sticks and finally broke down and got one each for the hooligans. I haven't given it to them yet (saving it for a Saturday when Madderoo gets especially squeeky and restless). Can I hear your experience with these things? How long do they last? Should I expect any urpies afterwards? What's the good, bad and ugly about bully sticks?
Bully sticks have their good and bad points just like any other "chewie". I personallly don't have a problem with giving them, but I try to watch just like I would with rawhide. Cajsa loves any type of chewie like that and it will really occupy her for a good hour or so if I need to do soemthing without her underfoot. They help her work out her excess energy some and chewing also serves as a stress reliever for dogs so they really need somthing they can chew on (at least in my opinion). I've only recently given chewies, namely rawhide bones, to Cajsa again after nearly a year with out them. We were sorting out her tummy issues and had to avoid pretty much everything. I don't leave her bone down so she doesn't get unrestricted access to it, but I let her have it a little while in the evenings and she has been a much happier dog. She's getting a treat and the Elf is fascinated by her chewing, so Elf watches but doesn't try to grab. This makes for a happy home!
Bully sticks are the same. They do tend to be harder than the knotted rawhide bones so it takes more effort to work pieces off. That makes them "safer" in some people's opinions. I would say if you are watching them and take them away when the stick can fit entirely inside the mouth (that poses a choking hazard) they would be enjoyed and safe for your furbabies.
Most brands stink once the dogs chew on them and get them all gooey so i stopped giving them. Mine typically get either tightly rolled Vanilla Rawhides or cow or lamb ears. So far they have done well with these and have had no tummy upsets :)
Jen
Bully sticks are the only chewie I give Hallie too. Like Jen said, the downside is they can be a bit stinky but I don't notice it unless I'm laying there with my face next to hers as she's chewing (yes I do stare adoringly at her a lot even though that is supposed to be the dogs job lol) or when I hold it in my mouth and run from her growling like dog play. I did stop that since reading here it can have ecoli on it though GADS. She hasn't been able to get off a big chunk, but she does "strip" them from the side (I think Barb's kids do this too!) so I watch her. I have never had an urpie tummy with them with her.