Rawhide for Dogs – What You Should Know

We are sure that you’ve heard of rawhide treats for dogs because they have gained so much popularity over the years. Dogs love them because of their instincts to chew. However, there are several things you should consider, which you will see below.

Did you know that rawhide treats are made of the inner layer of cow or horse hides? The rawhides are manufactured, cleaned, and ground. They are then turned into chewable dog treats. It is an instinct of our four-legged friends to chew as it can provide mental stimulation while relieving stress and anxiety.

You should consider risks before giving your dog a rawhide treat.

Contamination. Believe it or not, rawhide treats contain toxic chemicals. Furthermore, E.coli or Salmonella contamination is possible.

Digestive issues. It is common for some dogs to be sensitive or allergic to rawhide, which can cause symptoms such as stomach pain or diarrhea.

Choking hazards. This is probably the most dangerous risk associated with rawhide! If your dog swallows larger pieces of rawhide, it can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract.

If you decide to give rawhide to your dog, you should ask your veterinarian how much is safe to give them. The good news is that other options will stimulate your dog mentally. You do not always need to opt for rawhide! Consider other natural chew treats and toys.