Greenies
Should I have read the note about not suitable for pups under 6 months more carefully? He seems to do fine with them, normal bm, no vomitting.....? |
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| Hi Josh:
As long as he seems fine, it probably won't be a problem. Right now my dogs are getting more greenies than usual. We have construction going on RIGHT behind us....and they are blasting once a day for the next week or so. So, in an effort to curb any problems (terrified pups), once we hear the horn to notify us that they will be blasting, we distribute the greenies. At least that way, they are starting to associate the blast noise with something good. And by the way - I haven't seen any problems yet - no vomiting, loose stools, etc. Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia & Sharkey |
| My dogs didn't do well with greenies - and I've heard of other problems. I would think Pooh won't have any problems - but I would avoid giving them to him in the future (at this age anyway). The problem has been with digesting them and causing not only vomiting but obstructions too (some dogs have vomitted them whole - after appearing to have chewed them ???).
For a good treat, I give my dogs BEEF MARROW BONES (the real ones) - some give raw (GROSS!) - but I boil them for my dogs. They are not able to chew peices off of them - they can't choke on them and they LOVE them! They keep them busy for a while too! It's good for their teeth too! Kristen |
We use the beef soup & marrow bones. When they're all done with the marrow? bones i stuff them with peanut butter like you would kongs. its real fun to watch.  Neville eats rawhide chews whole so those no longer in the house. 
cher |
| Not sure when I am allowed to start giving rawhide bones...I remember giving the lon gcompressed ones to my last OES and withing 2 minutes...no joker here...they'd be gone and she'd be looking for another one.
I made my dad feel a little bad because he bought Pooh his first Rawhide, but I was afraid to give it to him. I know the white knotted ones are not the best, but at what age can we start giving rawhide....also, Kristen, I'm not sure I understand the not giving them to him in the future? He definately does not eat them whole....some magician of a dog if they can eat them in peices and barf them up whole!!!  |
The only reason I would say not to give him Greenies in the future - is based on the problems I've heard dogs having with them. I know it sounds strange - but some dogs who have chewed them end up throwing them up in a big clump (whole like - not sure if they were in the toothbrush shape!  ) - I don't know if the stomach acids can't digest them and they end up lumping back up together. 
Did anyone else read about problems with greenies? I don't remember where I saw the information - but I'll look for it. Before you give him another one - I'd just make sure enough time has gone by where you KNOW he digested them. What's their reasoning behind not giving them to dogs under 6months? In terms of rawhide - some say not to give it to them at all. Alot of dogs choke on them - and/or end up with an obstruction. I still give Sydney & Presley rawhide - but lately Brittney's been choking on them so she's not allowed any anymore! Kristen |
| i wouldn't give him tons of greenies because they are 52% protein... if you gave him a jumbo one, that is for a 100#+ dog, way over the top for little pooh!
i give my dogs greenies occasionally, surprisingly, roofus doesn't like them. He carries them around and then somebody else steals it. He prefers compressed rawhides, which last him a while anyway. I will never EVER give him one of those juicy bones again, two weeks ago I had a $700 vet bill when he got an intestinal blockage from one! If your dog is prone to NOT chewing things before he eats, do not feed him greenies unless you're going to feed the lil' bits. Greenies do break down but not extremely large clumps. Of course, the same goes for pretty much any other chew. |
TotallyRoofus wrote: I will never EVER give him one of those juicy bones again, two weeks ago I had a $700 vet bill when he got an intestinal blockage from one!
What type of bone - the marrow bones???? I don't think my dogs can't get any peices off of them that would cause a blockage. Maybe I'm getting a different kind. |
 'scuse me, but can someone inform the dog-less newbie... er- what the heck is a greenie? I know what rawhide is, and marrow bones, but I'm not sure what the greenie thing is.... |
| Don't feel bad Karen, I am not too sure what a greenie is either. LOL I have heard a lot about them. We give the marrow bones as well and they will do perform any trick just to get one. It sounds like with all the warnings greenies come with, I will stick to marrow bones.
Stormi |
Iriskmj wrote: :oops: 'scuse me, but can someone inform the dog-less newbie... er- what the heck is a greenie? I know what rawhide is, and marrow bones, but I'm not sure what the greenie thing is....
Greenies are a product (I think made with a cornstarch like substance) that are treats in the shape of a toothbrush (and they're green - hence the name!  ). They are supposed to be good for the teeth (hence the toothbrush shape ). They are rather expensive (from my perspective).
Kristen |
| Oh, we have had those then. I believe they were called Dentabone at Walmart. The dogs did like them, but yes they were expensive and they didn't last long at all. We like just getting flavored bones for them and they can last for days sometimes. Annabelle can get through hers faster than Jack can.
Stormi |
| TotallyRoofus wrote:
Quote: I will never EVER give him one of those juicy bones again, two weeks ago I had a $700 vet bill when he got an intestinal blockage from one!
OK, I'm out of the loop again what's a juicy bone....I'll certainly avoid those...poor pupper... must have had an awful tummy ache! |
| a juicy bone is one of those real bones (with marrow) that contain pieces of jerky on it. They're really disgusting and really cheap. Roofus's blockage wasn't very big, it was a small piece. So no more of those kinds of bones.
greenies are mostly wheat gluten, so if your dog has a wheat allergy, steer away. i prefer the breathalicious, much less protein (34% compared to 52%). |
| greenies are like....dentabone's from years ago, meant to scrape the teeth clean while giving the dog something to chew on. it is green and looks like a toothbrush with a bone on the other side.
never had a problem with them, and my dog is only 5 months. he loves them, and i think if it were a real problem i'd hear about it other than just on here. |
| when i worked at the pet store we probably sold 20 bags a day, i only had one person who had a problem - her dog didn't chew it at ALL, just swallowed the whole darn thing, had to have surgery to remove it.
I'd say greenies are as safe as any other chew or treat. They all have the same warning - supervised use only. |
| The main thing with those types of treats, especially if someone has behaviour or aggression or digestive problems, is that it is sooo high in calories, and protien. I've never given Sky or Dancer a greenie, or a dentabone, but I did used to buy the dentabones for Mickey. She loved them, but she was a spaz all day after eating one. |
| I certainly appreciate all of these responses.....well, as far as digesting....certainly not a problem as I can "visually" account. So, the package, and this is a quote says you can give the dog "1-2 per day". Yeah, at $30 a bag? He'll get 1-2 per week if he's good!!!!! |
| I found the greenies on ebay ( ) for half the price! LOL You know me and ebay! LOL |
| I love e-bay...and those lots of toys are a great buy!!! |
| Yeay! Another ebay lover! LOL |
| When my OES was sick I took her to an internal medicine specialist who told me never to feed my dogs greenies, pig ears,or rawhide. The dogs do not digest them properly and they can cause a multitude of problems. He had done over 13 surgeries in the last few years because of these types of treats. I felt dumb because both my OES and golden retreiver had been given tons of these types of treats over the past 13 years. He suggested getting one of those kong toys and putting kibble or peanut butter in it. Another alternative would be a nylon bone. |
| I have to say that I have found them to be more of a problem now. I loved them before because it kept Mopo busy, but when she started throwing up at night (this yellow yeekie stuff with green things in it) I stopped giving them to her. She hasn't thrown up since. I think they might be good for their teeth, but bad for everything else... She doesn't seem to be able to digest them. So, now i have two bags of greenies that I will be throwing out. I would mail them to you, Josh, but I almost feel that you should stop giving them to Poo, also. But its up to you. Maybe some dog's digestive systems are stronger then others? |
| I think part of the problem is that if you follow the directions on the package--that you can give the dog 3-4 PER DAY you end up in trouble. Pooh get's maybe 1 a week. He got one this weekend but that was the first one in about 3 weeks.
As for rawhide, how can we not give our dogs rawhide??? I don't give him the ones with the knots, 'cause I know thats bad...but he LOVES his rawhide bones!!! |
| When I talked to the vet- he said the problem with rawhide, pigs ears, and greenies is that they are not digested properly and pieces break off and have to be surgically removed. I was devastated when I heard this. My dogs loves anything that they can chew on. |
| And why is a nylon bone better? It seems to me they would cause problems too. Plus isn't it an unnatural substance? I've been giving Lola the compressed rawhide and she loves those. Pigs ears only on special occasions and only as a pup (I hear the fat content is high, so she may not get them when she fills out). |
| Compressed is supposed to be the best, but it's also the messiest and they will leave peices all over the place! |
| Nylabones the non edible ones are safe. Our vet said he does a lot of surgeries due to rawhide and pigs ears they get stuck in the intestines and cause problems. The green things are expensive and I read somewhere not for every day use. I buy the nylabone edible microwaveable bones when the bone fits in Oreo's mouth I take it away and save it and then microwave it. They have the words pup pops on the package and these have been working out well. Some are softer and he eats those faster the lamb and rice take longer to eat as the bone is harder to bite. |
| Actually I find the pressed rawhide chew sticks to be not messy at all, they are far cleaner than the normal white rawhide, it takes a lot longer to soften up and get gummy and gross, but any treat that gets gummy and gross and has been around for a while should be thrown out as it can make them very sick with bacterial infections or salmonella poisoning. |
| We just had to put my 14 year old dog to sleep after she got a blockage from a greenie. She had surgery but was not recovering.While my dog was older-it was not yet her time. It was a horrible way for her to have to end a beautiful life. She still was quite active and happy. If you give these to your dogs in no way should you give them the big one. Break it up and watch them like a hawk. I am racked with guilt and what ifs and noone should have to go through this-and no dog should have their life ended like this. If I hear one more person tell me how safe they are I think I will just scream-they are not totally safe be careful with these-they are killers! |
| I am so sorry for your loss! Thank-you for the warning.
Our thoughts are with you! Colleen and Gucci George |
If for no other reason, I'd avoid them simply because of what they do to the, uh, bowel movements. Let's just say they live up to their name. Lucy had one once and the groomer asked me what she had gotten into because he "had never had to deal with anything like that before!"  |
| Hi,
I am new here tonight (learning loads of stuff tho!). I think i have worked out what 'greenies 'are, and that they are a no-no,... but what is rawhide? Is it those dryed bone type things?, all brown with 2 knots on the end? and they are a no as well? What can I give my pup to chew on for his sharp teeth, and what age can they have real bones? Many thanks, Mo x (Its a minefield!) |
| Yes, Rawhides are the brown/beige things that typically have knots on the end. You can give him those, just watch him...I dont let Panda eat too many pieces that she rips off. It does keep her busy though!!
Oh, and be careful...those rawhides really hurt when you step on them in the dark |
| Rawhides are okay, as Darcy mentioned, just be sure to monitor him while he eats them. They get soft & slimy and can be swallowed.
Another really good thing is Nylabones. They don't break down and get slimy like rawhides do. Some dogs don't like them, but my boy loves them. My girl isn't crazy about them, but she loves to steal them from her brother! |
| [As color=violet][/color]As to the "Greenies" debate, I recently hosted a party with about 25 people in attendance. The subject of Greenies came up and I was HORRIFIED to learn that, in addition to my dog having choked violently on one of the things, THREE OTHER PEOPLE THERE had lost their dogs to chokings and intestinal blockages. I don't know about you, but to my way of thinking, those numbers are obscenely high. I would no more give my animals another of those "death treats" than I would intentionally poison them. Furthermore, I was just informed be a vet technician that the vet still gives them out, but warns people of the potential for choking deaths. (And then these individuals go ahead and feed them to their animals...?) If your pediatrician gave your child a lollipop laced with arsenic, would you still hand it over to the outstretched hands? |
| That's actually a good analogy. Dr's DO give children lollipops, knowing that the child could break off a piece and choke on it.
Any treat you give your dog, or child for that matter, can be dangerous if not supervised. I personally do not use greenies treats, however I have used dentabones in the past (which are basically the same thing just not green) and my dogs have never had a problem, but I would only give them a treat like that when I am sitting right there watching them to make sure they don't break off chunks that could cause a problem. |
| Since reading this post. I have stopped giving Panda greenies...I did notice them coming out whole at the other end...I do give her dentabones, but they crumble...so I think the chance of full digestion is better.....thanks to everyone for this post and I am truely sorry for the loss of some beautiful animals because of this treat. |
| I have been going to every web site I can find related to Greenies to tell my horror story about this so called treat! Yes my 2 yr old dog loved them, yes I was very careful w/her when I gave them to her, but the
"highly digestible" treat got stuck at the base of her esophagus and six weeks later, thousands of dollars later I still have my dog but we have been through hell. She had to have an esophagoscopy to push the greenie into her stomach, the damage to her esophagus was severe so they put in a feeding tube, 4 weeks later she developed a stricture so another esophagoscopy w/a balloon procedure to break down the stricture, wait another 2 weeks and we will see how it's healed. She still has a feeding tube and we hope we are on the other side of this now but my advice to all is stay away from them! The specialists at the Veterinary clinic have told me of several other problems w/Greenies and do not recommend them at all!! |
| I tried Greenies to curb Kia's awful stinky breath but found that when she ate a greenie, she ate her poop! End of greenies!! |
| Mike-
I'm very sorry to hear about your dog. It doesn't matter if it was an OES or not the pain of losing them is the same. |
| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:13 pm Post subject: Greenies
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, You have probably heard many awful Greenie - related stories lately and I am one one them. My dog died 3 weeks ago from Greenie related problems. It's the same story you keep hearing - blood vomiting, intestinal blockage - operation - never recovered from the operation. I don't own an OES. But, I am dog lover and former dog owner and that's why i have come to this forum. I come here to share with you my story so that you can make your own educated decisions towards this "product". I would like to hear from others that have had problems with this product. By the sounds of it, there's a lot here. Please pass the word around that I would like to hear from people with similar situations. . It seems as though many breeds have been effected from OES's to mini daschunds to labs and everything in between. I hope that your dog is not next. Contact me if you have similar stories or know people that have had problems with this product. I will not let my dog die in vain. It is very important to me and my wife. This HAS TO STOP. We are suffering and grieving tremendously. We don't want anyone else to suffer the same fate that we did. Greenies: Your dog can live without them. Sincerely, Mike Eastwood PS. Greenies police: Feel free to add this to your growing file on me. |
| Mike Eastwood I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I have spent the last 10 weeks helping my dog recover from her choking on a Greenie last July 8th! We have had a feeding tube in now for 10 weeks to help her throat heal, she has had 5 scopes done to break down strictures that have occured. I have been in touch w/the Greenie people and have sent them Vet prognosis files, my bills etc. I do not know if they will come to any conclusion other than "Oh well!" but I am trying! Feel free to e-mail me and I will tell anyone else with a similar story w/Greenie to please do the same! Thanks!
sandiea@hotmail.com |
Quote: If for no other reason, I'd avoid them simply because of what they do to the, uh, bowel movements. Let's just say they live up to their name. Lucy had one once and the groomer asked me what she had gotten into because he "had never had to deal with anything like that before!"
I totally agree with not giving Greenies to BIG dogs because they can easily chew off a big piece which will result in choking... but still give these to my maltese and recommend them for all small dogs with supervision. Supervision being ....taking it away when it gets down to what looks like the "brush" looking portion of the greenie. The pooping "green" is totally harmless, normal, and nothing to be concerned about. It even tells you that on the website. That's terrible that so many people are having bad experiences ...and maybe they're just not meant for aggressive chewers (w/bones), but I know that MOST people have a positive experience with these...and these continue to be their dog's favorite treat along with popular and healthy to give your dogs. Compared to other bones, they are the lowest in protein and fat which is good for small dogs...esp like mine that are prone to liver problems. Outside of breathalicious, I can't find a bone lower in protein and fat (breathalicious being the same thing as a greenie but different brand). |
| Hello, I work in the special projects unit at KIRO-TV in Seattle. We're in the process of researching the safety of greenies. If you or someone you know has had a pet who has eaten a greenie, and has become seriousy ill or has died, pleae let us know. We're compiling a data base and need names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. We'd like to hear your story.
Brian Doerflinger bdoerflinger@kirotv.com |
| Pooh, this might be your chance at some big TV exposure!
P.S. This Seattle native would like to say WooHoo KIRO!!!! That's one of the only things I miss about the Pacific Northwest, KIRO news. How dorky is that? |
| I know this is an old thread but a friend of mine gave me a toothbrush shaped 'Greenie' as a Xmas present for my sheepdog Lucy. She enjoyed it and took a long time eating it. Since Xmas I've noticed that her poo is green although she is in fine health. On [a removed shopping link] there is a comment 'Don't be alarmed if you see green poo'
Has anyone else seen this effect and how long does it continue? Thanks - Terry |
Her Poo should not still be green, unless there has been a change in her diet, or she's been hiding more greenie somewhere and nibbles on it a bit everyday!  |
| It is still green though, and there has been no change in her diet. I watched her eat it all so there's no more for her to eat. I've spoken to the nursing staff at my vet but nobody had even heard of Greenies. They didn't appear concerned and when I told them what I had read on this site they said not to believe all you read.
Any advice welcomed - thanks. Terry |
| That's really weird that it would still be green. Even if the greenie did turn it green, I can't see it affecting her 3 weeks later!
Is her stool loose, bloody, or mucousy? If so, I would take her to the vet and have them check for parasites or infection. Is she eating grass? Or indoor house plants? Crayons? I dunno.... |
| I think it is odd that your vet staff hasn't heard of greenies...they are pretty prevalent... |
| I think it's appalling that a Vet staff doesn't know about greenies!!!!!!!!!!!! Of even more concern is the casual way they seem to have blown off the concern.
My vet was selling greenies until I printed off the information proviced here as well as other information I found on the internet about them, they no longer sell them AND they have warnings posted about them int their office. |
| Thanks for comments everyone. Her stools have been a bit loose the last few days but no sign of blood. I've only got a small lawn which is mown short so she isn't eating grass or houseplants. I live on my own so there are no kiddies toys like crayons about and she is a great dog and doesn't chew anything in the house. When I go for a walk off the lead she is always in sight as well. After reading the comments about Greenies I was thinking the only way for the stools to still be green would be if there is some undigested Greenie which is slowly breaking down and staining the waste?
I too was surprised that the nursing staff at my vet hadn't heard of Greenies though. She's a lovely dog and I've had her nearly six years after she was found starving in the winter. She was a complete nervous wreck and had obviously been hit as she cowered down when I picked anything up. She took about six months to realise I was her friend and she's got a lot of confidence now. The vet thought she was about 2.5 to 3 years old when she was found so she's perhaps nearly 9 now. I should have said that the nurse advised feeding her chicken and rice over the week-end and take her in if the problem was still there. They were a bit casual about it though, but the vet herself was great with my old dog and I've known her for about 10 years. Thanks for interest - Terry |
| Tuesday Feb 14: I just saw an article on CNN 'bout how at least dozens of dogs have suffered and/or died from Greenies. Dogs don't chew their food (or treats) the way people do; just enough chewing to reduce it to something they can swallow, then it's down. Greenies are so hard that chunks don't dissolve, so they get stuck in the dog's throat, stomach or intestines and stay there. My dogs love'em, but the remains of the current stash are now trash. |
| http://www.oes.org/html/greenies.html |
| As stated above, CNN aired a detailed story about Greenies tonight on Anderson Cooper 360. I found it somewhat appalling that the owner of Greenies stated the benefits far outweight the "very small % of incidents". His in-house vet was right there aggreeing with him.
I have two boxers that have used Greenies now for approx. 3 to 3.5 years without major incident, although I have found at times that one of my girls, Harley, has had issues with eating them way too rapidly, and in turn having to cough multiple times to get probable pieces of the Greenie unstuck. I didn't seem to think much of it since she eats soooo fast, and has had similar issues with even her regular food. She's a big girl at 80#'s (not fat, just tall and solid), and has always eaten in this manner, regardless of how I've tried to slow her down. On the other hand, the older and smaller Sam does not have any issues with eating, and chews quite slowly. I assume I'll rethink letting Harley eat Greenies in the future. The bad thing is that Greenies are like crack, and extremely addicting to dogs. That is also the exact word and description my vet used for them ("like crack, dogs love them"). All in all, watch your dogs when they are eating any hard chewable treat, period. Regards, James |
James wrote: As stated above, CNN aired a detailed story about Greenies tonight on Anderson Cooper 360. I found it somewhat appalling that the owner of Greenies stated the benefits far outweight the "very small % of incidents". His in-house vet was right there aggreeing with him.
I just caught the ending of the CNN story. I'm sure my sheepdog Maggie will be fine as she has had the petite ones, but as for my two chihuahuas , Chachi and Tawnie, I'm afraid if the greenies get lodged in their intestines. What are the warning signs if this happens?? Hope they will be ok, even though their breath smells nicer, I will NOT be feeding them greenies again.
Pebbles  |
| They are rerunning the Greenies spot throughout the day on CNN. |
| There was supposed to be something today on Good Morning America. I had to leave for work so I missed it. Likely it will be on their website some time today too. |
| Please pass this clip on....
Got to get these Greenies off the shelf everywhere! Diane...now 
Atlanta, GA CNN Daily News Clips og Treats Blamed for Pet Deaths
http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp ... id=1466685 |
| oes.org has been providing info on greenies for some time.
A while back I moved the page from oes.org because of the graphic nature of the photos (this is a family friendly site) to another site. The page can still be reached at www.oes.org/html/greenies.html WARNING: That page is very graphic in nature. |
| I do not own an OES, however I got to this site by searching for info about Greenies. I, too, have a bad story regarding Greenies. We recently adopted a three month old puppy. A friend of ours gave us a bag of Greenies and said that her dog loved them. We had followed the vets advice about the dogs diet and I had put the Greenies aside. Well, unbeknownst to me, my 8 yr old had given her one of these "treats" (which, I know, you are not supposed to give to puppies under six months). Well, the next day she started vomiting and couldn't stop all day long. I took her to the vet, who said she was dehydrated. She was given IV fluids, an anti-nausea med, and I was told to fast her for 24 hours. We are in the process of that right now. I could not stop crying all day. If she doesn't stop vomiting in the next 12 hours, then she goes back to the vet today. The only good news is that she's pooping pretty normal, so she doesn't seem to have any intestinal blockage, but I'm still worried about her esophagus. I will NEVER give this to my dog again, puppy or not. |
I wish you and your girl good luck.  |
| My 3 year old Chihuahua/Pekingese mix ate a greenie last night and this morning threw up and was pooping green chunks of it and blood. We took her to the vet and he gave her a shot so she wouldn’t diarrhea anymore but she has been all night and it is mostly sticky clearish blood. If it continues I'm going to take her to the emergency. Has anyone else gone throught this and their dog came out okay? |
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