Pig’s Ear NutritionNutritionProtein73%Fat15%Ash2%Moisture10%Vitamins & Minerals% RDAIronHighThiamineHigh
Because pig ears have a large hide content, they are tough to chew and require some effort to eat. With that being said, they are not as tough as cow hide, and therefore do not cause excessive abrasion on the gums. The toughness is a good thing as the continuous chewing action will remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Plaque and tartar are formed because of a build-up of food material and bacteria on the base of the teeth. As a result, the gums react and become inflamed, leading to a condition called gingivitis. If this gets out of control, the ligaments which hold the teeth to the gums can become weakened and teeth start falling out.
But the good news is giving occasional pig ear can aid in keeping the teeth clean and prevent dental disease.
When it comes to any treats, the FDA recommends that you always follow some simple hygiene rules. Don’t let your dog lick you after consuming one, or lick you near your mouth. Don’t allow a half-chewed treat lying around for someone to touch. Monitor your dog while they eat, do not let small children handle them, and sterilize those areas in your home that come into contact with either canine saliva or treats.
New concerns are surfacing about pig ear dog treats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a few strains of Salmonella suspected to be contaminating pig ear treats and infecting people who handle them. The FDA pig ear alert on July 31 advised dog owners to stop feeding pig ears to their pets completely. As of September 5, the CDC reports 143 people infected from 35 states, with 33 people hospitalized. The CDC notes that many of these cases are drug-resistant, although fortunately, no one has died.
If you think you have contracted salmonellosis, see your health care provider for confirmation and treatment. If you believe your dog is displaying symptoms, take them to the vet. If you have a concern about salmonellosis or exposure to Salmonella through a product, you can report it to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal. This helps the agency keep track of issues and trace cases back to their origins. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
Contrary to myth, dogs and other animals also develop salmonellosis. The signs include vomiting, bloody stool or diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Dogs who develop salmonellosis symptoms should see a veterinarian. In some cases, infected canines may not actually show signs of being sick, but they can still shed the bacteria in their feces and their saliva. Dog owners should always clean up after their pets and scrub their hands after walking them regardless of what kinds of treats and foods they are feeding them.
Salmonella is a bacteria that sickens both humans and animals. The CDC says that people infected with Salmonella can develop abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, bloody stool, headache, and fever. Onset after exposure is anywhere from eight to 72 hours, and recovery can take a few days. While the severity varies according to the strain of Salmonella and the general health of the patient, the elderly, the infantile, and the immune-suppressed are highly susceptible. In them, a Salmonella infection (called salmonellosis) can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Disadvantages & Risks of Pig Ears for Dogs
If your dog chews off big chunks then they can pose a risk of choking or obstruction so it’s generally advisable to supervise them. It’s also worth knowing the provenance of pig’s ears as if they have been processed poorly they can carry salmonella.
If given freely without care, pig ears can be detrimental to your dog’s health, and therefore some dogs should not be given them.
Because of the high fat content, dogs who are struggling with their weight should not be allowed to have pig ears. Obesity is a major welfare problem, and can be linked to diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes and liver failure.
Also, a large amount of fat ingestion can trigger a disease called pancreatitis, in some dogs. The pancreas is an organ which produces enzymes which aid to digest food. When a dog has pancreatitis, the enzymes begin digesting the pancreas itself, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea and extreme abdominal pain. If a dog has had pancreatitis before, they are at a higher risk of developing it again, and therefore if your dog is a sufferer of pancreatitis, then pig ears will not be for him.
There have also been Salmonella contamination scares in pig ear treats. Approximately 4% of commercially produced pig ears contain Salmonella. A Salmonella infection can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in your dog, as well as in humans.
But if you source your pig ears from reliable places, such as butchers, reputable pet stores and veterinary clinics, then they are less likely to be contaminated.
Finally, pig ears can cause obstructions in the gastrointestinal system if large pieces are swallowed. With all treats which are hard and have the ability to break into pieces, pieces can be swallowed and become stuck in the oesophagus, stomach or intestines. Blockages can be extremely serious, and cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and potentially gut perforations. Therefore, it is very important that any dog eating a pig ear is supervised.
Salmonella in Pig ear dog chews?!
New concerns are surfacing about pig ear dog treats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a few strains of Salmonella suspected to be contaminating pig ear treats and infecting people who handle them. The FDA pig ear alert on July 31 advised dog owners to stop feeding pig ears to their pets completely. As of September 5, the CDC reports 143 people infected from 35 states, with 33 people hospitalized. The CDC notes that many of these cases are drug-resistant, although fortunately, no one has died.
Salmonella is a bacteria that sickens both humans and animals. The CDC says that people infected with Salmonella can develop abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, bloody stool, headache, and fever. Onset after exposure is anywhere from eight to 72 hours, and recovery can take a few days. While the severity varies according to the strain of Salmonella and the general health of the patient, the elderly, the infantile, and the immune-suppressed are highly susceptible. In them, a Salmonella infection (called salmonellosis) can lead to hospitalization and even death.
Contrary to myth, dogs and other animals also develop salmonellosis. The signs include vomiting, bloody stool or diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Dogs who develop salmonellosis symptoms should see a veterinarian. In some cases, infected canines may not actually show signs of being sick, but they can still shed the bacteria in their feces and their saliva. Dog owners should always clean up after their pets and scrub their hands after walking them regardless of what kinds of treats and foods they are feeding them.
