Rawhide is a popular chew option for dogs, but do they have any health implications? Pet parents have many different opinions regarding rawhide, and we want to help you make a formulated decision. Resisting the rawhide option may be the best for your dog in the long run. Every dog has their own needs regarding chewing toys and jaw strength. Your job as a pet owner is to find the right one while considering their health. Here are some things to think about rawhide bones.
What is Rawhide?
Rawhide is made out of dried animal skins; however, where the rawhide is made determines its quality. The natural chew bones are made from leftover dried animal skins. These are easier to digest and are typically known to be made in North America. Other rawhides are made from leather industry leftovers or slaughterhouse leftovers from different places worldwide. They include various animal parts that are treated with salt brines to prevent their decay and eliminate any leftover residue like hair or fur attached to them.
Risks to Rawhide
Rawhides can be thick and tough pieces to chew. If they are chewed off and swallowed in big chunks, the sharp edges can cut and obstruct if eaten too quickly by your dog. Due to the ingredients of rawhide, they are not easily digestible, so you must observe your dog when they chew rawhide. If they swallow too big of a piece, it can be a potential choking hazard. Even if they successfully swallow the chunk, it’s essential to keep an eye on your dog to ensure they don’t have any future complications. A big piece of rawhide can cause internal obstruction, or if it’s sharp, it can cause internal cuts and bleeding. Be sure to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and keep an eye on them when they use the bathroom. Having trouble going could indicate a serious issue requiring a visit to the vet.
Determining your Dog’s Needs
If your dog is a big chewer with a strong jaw, rawhide bones may be harmful to your dog. Bigger dogs with stronger jaws can break off pieces of the rawhide which can cause intestinal blockages or even choking. These bigger pieces can be harder to digest as your dog’s body tries to break them down. This can cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues and can even cause internal damage. You can prevent these issues by using a digestible option for their chew toy. In contrast, if your dog is a weak chewer and you know they will not finish an entire rawhide bone in one sitting, the option may be okay. Depending on where and what the rawhide is made of, if it is gently chewed over time, your dog may not experience any issues with the bone.
Digestible and Safer Options
There are many different chewable toys and foods out there. There are various chew toys if you prefer your dog to chew on a toy. The toy you select will depend on how much chewing your dog is capable of. Sometimes, toys are durable enough to manage a small dog chewing on them; however, if you have a bigger dog that destroys every toy, a more substantial chew option may be best. For more natural chews, there is the Himalayan cheese bone. These bones are made from yak milk and are a hard natural treat that can keep your pet occupied for a while. Sometimes simple things like freezing a treat can also give your dog the satisfaction of chewing something tasty and frozen. If you do decide on giving your dog a rawhide bone, be sure to wash it before they start chewing. Due to the salt brine washes, it is strongly recommended that you rinse your rawhide to rinse some of those treatments off.
Make the Natural Choice
Resisting the rawhide option may bring significant benefits to your dog’s health. Rawhide can be challenging, and picking more digestible options can positively improve your dog’s health and overall mood. The choice to give your dog rawhide is ultimately yours, but we strongly suggest the more natural and digestible options to ensure proper digestive health and prevent choking hazards. At Luv My Sitter, we only want the best for your pets. Your pet’s health matters to us even when we’re not pet-sitting them! Check out the pet-sitting services we offer in the Austin area!