RAWHIDE – IS IT DANGEROUS FOR YOUR DOGS?

Category: Dog Care, Pet Health | Tags: Tags: dangers of rawhide, dog treats, rawhide

Date: January 5th, 2011

As with human food, not all dog food and treats are created equal.  When you walk into a pet food store, don’t just pick out anything that sparks your senses!  Not everything in that store is good for your pets, and some might even be harmful!

Rawhide treats for dogs are everywhere!  We are encouraged to give rawhide treats to our dogs and most dogs love them.  It does offer them something to chew on besides your shoes; however, what most people don’t know is that rawhide treats are very dangerous to your dog!  I use to buy rawhide treats without even thinking, but after some research, no more!

I won’t bore you with the process through which rawhide is made, but it involves a lot of chemicals.  If that doesn’t stop you from buying rawhide, then listen to this.  When rawhide gets wets, like when your pet salivates over this chew you have provided, it will slowly regain its original size. When your pet tears off and swallows a piece, that piece then has the potential to swell inside your dog’s stomach. Your dog’s gastric juices will not break down the rawhide. Once swollen, the piece then has the potential to cause anything from mild to severe gastric upset, to death.

Salmonella bacteria are often present especially if the rawhide comes from outside the US.  Another problem is ARSENIC can used as a preservative (because rawhide is not regulated).  Other dangerous additives can include antibiotics, (which can kill good bacteria in your dogs intestines) lead, and insecticides. Some countries like Thailand even include pieces of dog and cat skin in these rawhide treats.

Health problems from rawhide chews can include sore throat, acute pancreatitis, choking, and intestinal blockage, which can possibly cause death.

If you have fed your dog rawhide recently, watch out for the following symptoms:

* Vomiting
* Not eating
* Painful abdomen, hunched appearance
* Fever or below-normal body temperature
* Diarrhea
* Depression
* Dehydration

If you really want to give your dog rawhide, use only products made in the U.S.A; however, these can still be harmful!  Meaty bones, and marrow bones are a great option to rawhide.

Of course, talk to your vet and see if he/she has the same concerns.  Ask what he/she recommends.  Every dog is different and may require different vitamins and foods.