Potbellied pigs often require ear and eye cleaning, and these vulnerable areas must be kept clean to prevent infection and make the pig more comfortable.
You may know that guinea pigs need bathing, but did you know that guinea pigs need their ears cleaned too? Like us, guinea pigs can suffer from a buildup of ear wax and dried skin. To prevent discomfort or mite infection, ears should be cleaned 2-3 times a year, depending on the needs of your little critters.
"If used sparingly as a treat, pig ears are not bad, but they're not 'healthy' either," Sanders tells Daily Paws. Sanders says pig ears are safe for most medium- and large-sized dogs when given as an occasional treat once or twice a month. "Pig ears are best when given sparingly as a special treat," she says.
CDC and FDA are now advising people not to buy or feed any pig ear dog treats to pets, including any that may already be in homes. People can get sick after handling the treats or caring for dogs who ate the treats. Dogs might get sick after eating them.
A gentler choice than other types of chews, Pigs Ears are the ideal choice for the dog who likes to savour their flavourful treats, keeping them entertained and focused. Safe for puppies and senior dogs alike, these tough textured treats work wonders for reducing plaque and keeping their smile sparkling.
Sanders says pig ears are safe for most medium- and large-sized dogs when given as an occasional treat once or twice a month. "Pig ears are best when given sparingly as a special treat," she says. "This is definitely not an everyday food." Pig ears can contain a fair amount of fat and calories.
Cons of Pig Ears For Dogs
If given freely to them as a part of their regular diet, they risk becoming obese. A high-fat diet can lead to pancreatitis in many dogs, leading to extreme abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is also important to source your products from reputable vendors and manufacturers.
A smaller dog, or one with a more delicate chewing action, may take a fairly long time to get through a pig ear. However, an excited middle or large breed dog with a healthy appetite is likely to get through it in under five minutes.
Some pig ears implicated in the recent outbreak were individually packaged and apparently irradiated, but still tested positive for Salmonella. When properly conducted, irradiation is effective at removing Salmonella from certain animal foods, including pet treats.
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding, or caring for your pets or cleaning their habitats. Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
Rabbit ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) may affect guinea pigs. The guinea pig may be seen scratching and shaking its head and the wax in the ears may appear dirty and reddish brown (sometimes just described as "dark").
All your guinea pigs' ears should be free from crust and white marks. If there are any white marks then this could indicate a fungal infection, and your guinea pig will need to see a vet.
Pig ears are a great source of protein, with a protein percentage of a whopping 69.06%. Beyond protein, these treats also provide Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids for cholesterol regulation, which helps maintain a healthy heart. They can also improve joint health, with a high concentration of chondroitin and glucosamine.
Depending on your dog's size and chewing capabilities, a pig ear can last anywhere from just a few minutes to several hours. Not only is chewing a great way to keep your dog out of trouble, but it is mentally stimulating as well.
Yes, puppies can have pig ears, BUT we recommend that you wait until your puppy is of 6 months of age or older before giving this treat. This is due to health concerns with the pig ears themselves. It should be noted that even after six months of age, there are still risks to consuming pig ear treats.
Keep an eye on your puppy when eating pig ears to check how they're chewing. Choose whole pigs' ears over pig ear strips. Although it's tempting to buy smaller chews for your puppy, having a whole ear will stop your puppy from swallowing large chunks.. Avoid smoked or overly processed pig ears.
The truth is, as long as they are fed responsibly, pig ears for puppies are a safe and healthy treat! Pig ears for dogs are a nutritious alternative to rawhide or other less than natural dog chews. Plus, they're a great source of protein and essential nutrients to compliment your dog's regular diet.
Some dogs may also be prone to swallowing their treats whole. Whole pig ears are large enough to cause an intestinal blockage, or even choking, if they are swallowed whole. For smaller dogs, even a large chunk of a pig ear can be large enough to cause problems.
And because they're just cartilage, pig ears and cow ears are quite digestible for your dog. Just monitor your dog if he's a gulper who doesn't chew his food thoroughly, so he doesn't choke or get a bowel obstruction from swallowing big chunks of ear.
Pig ears are relatively low in odor, especially in comparison to other natural chews!