Opinions on pig ears?

[dragondawg]

I've never used pig ears as snacks/chew toys for my dogs before. My husband just bought a couple to try. Just curious what everyone here had to say about them.

I agree with the Catlady post on the information posted about possible fat vs diet problems for diabetic, and for that matter dogs with past pancreatitis problems. They are probably loaded with salt which again could cause problems in some dogs with prior health problems. Healthy dogs with no prior problems should be ok if not given in excess. But for dogs with prior health problems you'd need to consult with your Vet.

As someone noted below if a dog ate a whole bag of pig's ears, or swallowed a lot of rawhide it might cause obstruction problems. But one pig ear? Probably not. I'm assuming the pig ear is not that large. My previous Golden/Lab mix would consume 1/2 of an 11" rawhide bone in a single night if I allowed her to- she could really work a rawhide bone over quickly, mostly the long stem part. Never had any problems when it occured. But I wouldn't want a toy breed dog try the same thing. My current two get raw hide chips every morning. They expect to receive them! The moment I head towards the bag, it's woo-woo-woo and bark time, followed by running up the stairs and waiting at the top of the staircase. It's either that or I later find a phone book shredded on the floor. The one knows how to get back at me.

Per rawhide I've always tried to look for American or domestic rawhide. I've seen mold and the like on S. American rawhide all too often.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I didn't know there was anything wrong with them.. and you could always buy the more natural ones from a place like a natural pet supply.. ?

[GreyhoundGirl]

I've never used them. Just haven't gotten around to it. My aunts huge GSD ate tem all the time and lived to 14 so I don't think there is anything wrong with feeding them.

[finn's mom]

I've never used them. Just haven't gotten around to it. My aunts huge GSD ate tem all the time and lived to 14 so I don't think there is anything wrong with feeding them.

I'm not saying this to pick on you or your statement, and I'm also not saying that rawhides are the worst thing available or comparable to smoking cigarettes (which I'll use in an example). I'm just saying that the mentality of "my dog ate this for his whole life and lived to be 15 so that means it's safe" is just a little outdated. I've known humans who've lived to be 100 even though they smoke cigarettes for 80 years. Doesn't make it healthy or safe just because it's possible.

[Sophist]

For what it is worth, I have decided it is not worth the worry, and the bag of tpig's ears has been tossed out. I only allow the biggest to have rawhide, and only occasionally under close supervision. I don't allow any of my dogs to have greenies. Looks like pigs ears are going to be added to that list. Thanks everyone for your input.

[lyonmild]

My Min Pin named Jet is back on the IV since her bloodwork showed she was needing more hydration and was not drinking at all. No diarrhea today and no vomiting. I am going to go see her this eve and let her sleep in my arms in a blanket. She falls asleep so fast and stops shaking. A cold metal cage, even with a blanket with all the lights and noises is very scary. I want to thank you all for your love and concern and support. It has made me feel better all day.

Jan, how are you coping?

[Vela]

I'm sorry she had to go back on IVs. I really hope she will start feeling better and be able to go home soon.

[mike001]

When my dogs get pig ears, they are fresh from the butcher shop. I feed raw, and never give stuff like that to the dogs. Good old raw bones for them.