Is rawhide dangerous for dogs?
Dogs like rawhide chews.You may have heard that rawhide is good for your dog's teeth.Do you have any drawbacks to giving your dog rawhide treats?Is there other alternatives that work as well?Here is what you need to know.
The inner layer of cow or horse hides contains rawhide treats.The hides are cut or ground during manufacturing.They are pressed into different shapes and sizes of dog treats.Some rawhide treats contain beef, chicken, or liver flavors to make them more appealing to dogs.
Dogs need to chew.It is a natural instinct.Some people spend hours chewing.Your dog can benefit from chewing.With puppies, treats like rawhide bones can be a great substitute for leather shoes and the legs of the dining room table.
Dog chews keeps their jaws strong, teeth clean, and breath a bit fresh.Dogs that chew on rawhides and other bones have less plaque on their teeth.
The risks are small because of the amount of rawhide consumed by dogs.Don't ignore the risks, they can be serious.Evaluate the risks and benefits of giving rawhides to your dog.
Some precautions can be taken if you decide to offer your dog rawhide.After handling these treats, wash your hands thoroughly.Young children and family members with immune system problems should not be handled.
There are signs to watch for.If your dog has signs, contact your vet.
Does your dog have a history of GI problems after chewing on rawhide treats?Do big chunks of rawhide put your dog at risk for a blockage?Try to keep your dog's teeth clean and satisfy his urge to chew.
Talk to the merchant of your pet store.You need to figure out what might work best for your pet.Sometimes a hard rubber chew works.peanut butter can be filled with food to get your dog interested.
You might want to try a variety of chewing treats and toys, including rawhide, natural marrow bones, and hard rubber toys to fully satisfy your dog's chewing and other needs.
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Eisner is the author of ''Professional Home Dental Care of the Adult Dog and Cat.''