Are "Greenies" bad for dogs?

[PupLuver]

Hi! I recently was told that offering my little Chihuahua the "teenie greenies" dental chews was bad for her...the person said it was as bad as give a dog rawhide chews.

I was a bit surprised at this comment as "Greenies" are sold EVERYWHERE and I was told by my vet that since my little Chi isn't a "bone chewer" (ie, she's not a dog who'll chew on the booda bones or anything like that), that I should give her the teenie greenies to help her dental health.

Comments? Advice? Opinions?

Thanks, gang!

[Bclover92]

I havent heard that only heard good about greenies.

How is your girl doing now?

[Dauxside]

Some people have experienced dogs bolting or choking on the greenies, evidently the greenie product has, in some dogs, caused bowel obstructions.

See report FDA Investigates Greenies

[AHOP_doggies]

wait...
rawhides are bad??
thats all duke chews on.

[Dauxside]

Yes, I've always told students, new pet owners, etc *not* to feed rawhide treats. Rawhide becomes gummy and can sometimes also cause blockage, in the throat, in the intestine; it also will splinter if the dog has powerful jaws and can rip the gut.

Again, it's up to the owner what they're comfortable with.

http://www.bdnhumanesociety.com/rawhides.htm

[Bclover92]

I give rawhides but only when being VERY closely watched and if it gets to soft or they are getting big pieces off it goes away.

[PupLuver]

Well, you know, I also had a Brittany/Field Cocker mix dog when I was younger who ALWAYS chewed on rawhide bones...like a fiend! He never had one bit of problem and he lived 18 years. Frankly, it was long after he died (of OLD age) that I read you supposedly should not let dogs have rawhides because of obstructions.

Now, the Greenies, too?

Hmm. Well, as to how my little girl is doing: FANTASTIC!!! You would NEVER know that when I brought her home last July that she'd lived her entire life stuck in a cage in a ****-hole puppy mill the way she is now! She's bright and cheerful and follows me everywhere and isn't a ball of fear anymore!

This early Summer she'll be up for her annual shots and check-up, and I KNOW she needs a professional teeth cleaning, which I'll set up with the vet. I have gotten her used to having my hands in her mouth without freaking out now, with the idea of brushing her teeth and keeping those choppers nice and clean.

But, I also wanted her to have SOMETHING to chew on that she likes...and so I got her the teenie greenies (which she DOES love and she DOES chew). No problems so far with her digestion or anything...??? So this is why I'm asking after my friend made the comment that Greenies weren't good.

Sigh. It's just all so confusing!

[Bclover92]

That is great! She is such a sweetie!

Like i said i dont think there bad just watch her close when she chews em never leave her alone with them.

[PupLuver]

Okey-dokey, Bclover92 ...I watch her closely most of the time anyway just because I'm still in "rehab mode"...so I'll make sure not to wander off when she's doing the Greenie thing!

Her evolution from a skinny, mangy dog so full of fear she would nearly vomit when you came near her to this glossy, sleek, sassy and cute little Chi girl who's always following us around and wondering what's up in the den...it's been SO satisfying to see her become so happy! She now surely wags that beautiful longhaired tail like a flag!

She's just a treasure!

[Bclover92]

Thats great! Can we have some new pics!