It is not recommended that puppies are given pig ears. This is because the high fat content may lead to gastrointestinal upsets, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and gut discomfort.
The digestive system and general health of the dog, the dog’s chewing habits, and the source of the pig ears themselves are some of the factors that determine whether pig ears make dogs sick. The pig ear may or may not be to blame if your dog recently ate one or more pig ears and is now acting sick. Sometimes it can be challenging to determine whether a specific treat or food is the real cause of a dog’s illness. However, pig ears have repeatedly been proven to sicken dogs, to the point where some dog owners have vowed never to buy them again for their cherished pets.
It can be challenging at times to resolve such a dilemma considering the indiscriminate eating habits of some dogs when your dog became ill shortly after consuming a pig ear.
You might not have much luck if your dog’s daily menu also includes things like cow manure, a few licks of your toddler’s ice cream, and a number of leftovers that were taken from the table. Your dog’s sudden onset of unease or an upset stomach could be caused by so many of these ingested objects.
However, if your dog is a particularly picky eater—one of those breeds that will only consume food from a bowl—or if you spend the majority of the day with him and are excellent at supervising him, the pig ear may actually be to blame. especially if the pig ear was the only new ingredient in the dog’s daily diet of the same food.
For those wondering, pig ears are truly a pigs ears. While they frequently smell terrible to dog owners, dogs seem to adore them. Pig ears are often smoked to add a pleasant flavor.
Pig ears can definitely make dogs sick, and this could be due to a number of factors, including your dog’s stomach not being used to them, your dog swallowing whole pieces, or the pig ear itself being of poor quality. Lets take a look at several of these possibilities.
Not Suitable For Dogs With Sensitive Stomach
Pig ears are well known to not be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The aforementioned issue, along with diarrhea and even vomiting, would result from the aforementioned dogs eating the pig ears. Additionally, because the pig ears are dried and chunky, they can obstruct the dog’s digestive tract and even their airway if they are not chewed into tiny pieces. This, of course, will cause plentiful problems to them.
The fact that some pig ears are contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria is one of the main causes for why people inquire about whether or not pig ears cause dog diarrhea. It is well known that this bacteria can cause a variety of issues in dogs, most notably gastrointestinal infections. When the dog starts to have diarrhea or even vomit, one of the main symptoms manifests. Salmonella bacteria are the source of the illnesses that can spread from pigs to dogs or even humans. The pig ear should be heated for roughly half a day to prevent this from happening. You should only purchase pig ears from reputable vendors to ensure this. Before you buy the pig’s ears, you can always call them to inquire about the treatment method.
How Are Pig Ear Treats Made?
Most chewing treats are either baked or dehydrated when it comes to availability. Blanching may also be included as a processing step. At this point, the pig’s ear’s tiny hairs are removed with a quick bath in boiling water.
Your dog won’t be harmed by these hairs, but getting rid of them results in a product that looks cleaner. The majority of commercial pig ear products are processed without any additional ingredients. The crunch and flavor of the ears alone make for a very alluring treat.
What To Do if Your Dog Swallows a Pig Ear
Sanders says there is no immediate need for action in the event that your dog swallows a pig ear whole and is able to breathe normally, but she does advise closely monitoring your dog. Pig ears are easily broken down in the stomach and unlikely to obstruct the passage of food. Though rarely, it can happen,” she says.
Sanders advises, however, that if your dog is choking, you should start first aid to open her airway and get her to a vet right away.
Other scenarios exist where a pig ear could become lodged in your dog’s esophagus. Your dog can still breathe during this time, but it is very uncomfortable, according to Sanders
Signs of an esophageal obstruction include:
To treat the obstruction, bring your pet to the vet with these symptoms. Sanders clarifies that you will typically be practicing “watchful waiting” You should keep an eye out for your dog’s symptoms of GI upset and breathing problems.
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog refuses to eat, vomits, or has diarrhea, Sanders advises.
Sanders claims that most dogs who ingest a pig ear will digest and pass the ear without incident. (Therefore, it’s likely you won’t notice it in your dog’s feces. ).
FAQ
Can dogs get sick from pigs ears?
After consuming a pig’s ear, they might experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If your dog is small or has a sensitive stomach, this is probably more likely. If your dog already consumes a diet high in fat or is predisposed to pancreatitis, it may be more common. However, any dog can react to pig ears negatively.
Why you shouldn’t give your dog pig ears?
Sanders adds that diarrhea, gas, and vomiting are the most typical side effects of eating pig ears. More severe complications, like pancreatitis or bloody diarrhea, could occur in some dogs.
Are pigs ears hard for dogs to digest?
Additionally, because pig ears and cow ears are just cartilage, your dog can easily digest them. Just keep an eye on your dog if he gulps down food without chewing it thoroughly to prevent him from choking or developing a bowel obstruction from ingesting large pieces of ear.
Are pigs ears OK for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Pig’s ears are a chewy and tasty treat because they are made of cartilage. They are suitable for both large and smaller breed dogs. Pigs ears are high in fat, so those with sensitive stomachs or dogs who are, shall we say, on the chunkier side of life should avoid them (we’d recommend lower fat Cow’s Ears).