Rawhide bones can be an effective way to reward dogs for good behavior, but they should only be fed once in moderation, since larger chunks could cause digestive obstruction requiring emergency surgery to resolve.
There are safer solutions available to satisfy your pup’s instinctual chewing urges, such as yak milk chews or single ingredient treats; but if rawhide is your choice, be sure it was produced here in America.
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They’re a natural chew
Dogs are born with an innate need to chew. From toys and furniture to your shoes, your pup is satisfying their natural urge by chewing something hard – rawhide bones provide just such an outlet while cleaning teeth and relieving boredom and anxiety in dogs!
But many pet chews contain chemicals and dyes that could potentially be dangerous for their wellbeing, particularly if your pet suffers from digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting or reduced appetite.
If your pet is sensitive, it’s wise to opt for chews made of more digestible ingredients without harsh chemical processes. Chews that break down gradually into smaller pieces also reduce risk of choking or intestinal blockage. For advice and recommendations, speak to a vet; they know your pet’s size, habits and overall health better and may suggest an ideal chew option.
They help clean your dog’s teeth
Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs and can help keep their jaws strong and teeth clean, as well as ease anxiety and boredom. Chewing helps dogs focus and concentrate on an activity such as chewing on toys or raw bones; additionally, this activity may even assist in digesting food more efficiently.
Rawhide may or may not work to clean your dog’s teeth effectively, though its efficacy remains in dispute. Though initially hard, your pup will eventually soften it through chewing action and saliva production; so it is wise to monitor their chew time on one of these bones or toys.
Additionally, when selecting rawhide as a treat for your dog or other companion animal, be mindful of where it comes from and any chemicals it has been exposed to. The country of origin can make an enormous impactful statement about quality and safety of this treat that could contain hide from cows, pigs, sheep, horses or water buffalo and have possibly been bleached, treated with hydrogen peroxide or even smoked.
They’re a choking hazard
Dogs have an inborn instinct to chew, which can result in significant damage to shoes and furniture. To satisfy their urge, many owners give their pup rawhide bones as a treat – although these may appear harmless enough, they could pose health issues for your furry friend.
Rawhide, made of animal skin, can be difficult for your dog’s digestive system to break down, potentially increasing their risk of esophageal or intestinal obstruction if large chunks are swallowed during chewing sessions. In addition, the chemicals used during rawhide production can be toxic if consumed directly by your pup.
To reduce these issues, select rawhide that is puffed rather than pressed. Puffed rawhide contains fewer layers soaked with chemicals before being dried, making it easier for your pup to digest than pressed rawhide. Furthermore, keep an eye out and take away any pieces that have broken off while your dog chews!
They’re difficult to digest
Long strips of rawhide may be difficult for dogs to digest. It typically takes time and saliva for them to soften it; however, some powerful chewers may break off large chunks that pose serious choking hazards or intestinal blockages that could potentially prove fatal for your pet.
Therefore, it is vital that your dog be closely supervised while chewing rawhides or other chew treats. A pet that gulps could swallow large pieces of rawhide that could become lodged in their throat or intestines and require emergency surgery in order to be cleared away safely.
Consider other solutions for satisfying your dog’s natural urge to chew, such as dehydrated bully sticks made from bull penises or elk hooves – these may be safer and more digestible than rawhide bones, yet won’t last as long.
