Are rawhide dog chews bad for your dog?
Read this before you buy your dog’s next bone.
We’re the first to admit that rawhide dog bones have been around since pretty much the beginning of time. We’ll also admit that for many dogs, they never seem to cause a problem. Dogs love to chew – need to chew – and rawhide is about as chewy as it gets. The question is, is it the best way to go for your dog’s health and wellbeing?
More and more pet owners, handlers and veterinarians are coming down against rawhide, and the reasons are adding up. Here are just a few of the concerns associated with rawhide bones and chews:
Tooth and jaw bone fractures. Some rawhide bones are so hard and rough, they can actually cause teeth and bones to chip or break.
Bone splinters. If a hard rawhide bone shatters, the sharp splinters can be swallowed and have been known to cause everything from general discomfort to organ punctures.
Choking. Dogs chew aggressively, and love to tear off chunks as they go. If a pet swallows a large chunk, it can block the airways and cause choking.
Digestive challenges. Rawhide is a very tough material (the lining of cow or horse hides) and is not easy to digest – especially when the pieces are large. That can led to severe irritation, or even more dangerous, intestinal blockage.
Toxins. This is the case with some pet toys as well. Trace amounts of toxic chemicals may exist within the rawhide, as can dangerous bacteria.
As you probably know, Chewsday Daily Dental chews and all-natural, long-lasting chews - bones, braids, and twists – come in a variety of delicious flavors and are 100% rawhide free. That means dogs can enjoy the delicious treats and chews they need (and deserve!) to stay happy and healthy without the risks associated with rawhide-based products.
