Why Shouldn't our Dog Eat Rawhide?

All dogs do not react the same to all things. Keep this information in mind when your thinking about giving your dog one of these treats.

Rawhides, Cow hooves and Pig Ears.

These dog treats are purchased in large numbers by well meaning dog owners, hoping to give thier pet something special. A favorite treat for many dogs and popular with owners because they keep pets occupied. Be aware of the risks, both medical and behavioral, you take when giving these treats to your pets.

Medical Hazards

Rawhides, Cow hooves and Pig Ears are all digested slowly. If consumed rapidly, they can cause vomiting or diarrhea from many small pieces still sitting undigested in the GI tract. If treats are swallowed whole or in large chunks, they can lodge in the throat and cause choking. A large piece might be swallowed, scraping and irritating the throat and esophagus on the way down. Large pieces of rawhide can also create a physical obstruction. Intestinal blockages require surgery and result in possible death.

Cow hooves can be more dangerous then rawhides. They are hard enough that a dog can break a tooth on one. Cow hooves can also be chewed up into sharp fragments which may cause a partial intestinal obstruction. Partial obstructions are often difficult to diagnose until the sharp hoove fragment has already perforated the wall of the bowel. If perforated, the resulting infection from intestinal leakage can be fatal.

Some countries have the practice of using arsenic-based preservative in the processing of rawhides. We would be poisoning our dog over a period of time. Many are tanned or cured incorrectly, causing Samonella poisoning for your dog, yourself and your children.

Packaging

Many rawhides are from overseas, even those that say made in the US. The US only regulate how the knots are tied and/or the print on the packaging.

Rawhide-The Leather Connection

Rawhides are made of animal leather or hide so they smell, taste and feel like your shoes, your leather purse, coat or even your couch. Your dog is not being stupid, spiteful or revengeful when he chews your expensive possessions. He's thrilled you bought him another chew toy similar to the rawhides he's been given in the past. Do you really want to teach your dog to chew leather?

Residue

Rawhides can sometimes last for days. They leave a residue all over your house that the dog can smell. This means that even when the rawhide is gone, your dog knows there's more rawhide buried under the carpet. He just has to DIG it out.

Flies

Flies also love rawhides, especially after your dog has it chewed and slimy. After a hot and humid day the fly eggs hatch and you have maggots. NO one wants maggots or flies in thier home or on the dog.

Protectiveness

Dogs like rawhides so much because they are an animal product, that they can get very protective of them. This brings out behavioral problems. Some dogs will begin food and toy guarding. Soon they start snapping at anyone that gets near them or tries to pick-up what they consider to belong to them. Dogs may bite other pets, children or you.