Rawhide bones are a tasty treat that dogs love to chew on. They’re also great for helping your dog keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong.
But, as with all treats and toys, they come with some risks. For example, small pieces of rawhide can get stuck in your dog’s throat and cause choking or other problems.
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Chewability
Rawhide bones are a popular chewing treat, but they’re not always the safest choice for dogs. Not only do they sometimes cause choking hazards, but they also may lead to intestinal blockage and can promote the growth of bacteria in your dog’s mouth.
That’s why Petco carries a wide range of alternative chews to help satisfy your dog’s need for chewing while being as safe as possible. Talk with your veterinarian or the pet store merchant to discuss which chews might work best for your pup based on their size, personality and needs.
One of our testers recently introduced this bone to her puppy and he instantly fell in love with it. He now licks it, chews on it and carries it around with him all the time. It’s durable and keeps him busy for hours on end! She plans to buy a few more for when he gets bigger. This is a great option for anyone who’s looking for a long-lasting chew that your dog will enjoy.
Durability
Keeping a dog busy with chewing can calm nerves, prevent destructive behaviors, and keep teeth healthy. Rawhide bones are a popular treat that can provide these benefits, but they are also prone to choking hazards and tooth damage.
Some rawhide treats are treated with chemicals and artificial flavors to make them more chewable, which can upset your dog’s stomach. It’s best to avoid these products.
Rawhide chews are created by soaking, drying, and manipulating layers of a hide into various forms. They can be shaped into bones, sticks, rolls, or chips.
If your puppy chews hard, they can break their teeth or cause intestinal blockage. These hazards can be life-threatening.
Rawhide chews are also a potential choking hazard for strong dogs, especially those who have large mouths. Choosing an appropriately sized chew will help prevent these hazards, but you should always supervise your dog while chewing to ensure they’re not choking themselves.
Flavor
Rawhide bones are a delicious dog treat made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. These natural, healthy treats are a chewing favorite among dogs of all breeds.
They are also a great way to keep your pup busy for long periods of time and relieve teething pain. You can find a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors of rawhide bones at Chewy, from traditional donut-shaped rings to thick knotted bones.
When selecting a rawhide bone for your dog, choose one that is soft and chewable. It should break into little pieces when pressed with your thumbnail.
A rawhide bone that breaks into large, hard pieces is a choking hazard. If your puppy tries to bite it off and swallows it, it could block his windpipe, leading to severe health concerns or even death.
Many veterinarians advise against giving rawhide to your dog, citing the risk of choking or allowing small pieces to get lodged in the throat and intestines. There are also alternatives to rawhide, such as bully sticks, that are vet recommended and 99% digestible.
Safety
Rawhide bones for puppies are a great way to relieve teething pain and promote healthy gums. They also help dogs develop strong jaws.
Unfortunately, rawhides are not without their risks. While they can be a valuable chew for some dogs, many owners report that they can cause digestive problems in others.
That’s why it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before offering a rawhide bone or chew. The key is to choose a quality product that’s made in the United States and has FDA-approved ingredients, says Ahn.
It’s also important to supervise your dog when he’s chewing on rawhide. If he swallows a chunk that’s too big, it could cause choking or intestine blockage.
Rawhides can also be a hazard for senior dogs and dogs with dental issues. They’re hard, so they could break teeth or jawbones while chewing.
