Is it okay for my beagle to enjoy an occasional rawhide?

Question

I know they're bad for dogs because of swellings in the guts but my dog gets one to chew on sometimes. He's the kind of dog that I don't see much of a risk for as he's not a heavy chewer. Judge only will chew when there's humans nearby. He really only scrapes his back teeth against it, probably because he came to us with poor dental health and his gums and teeth are weak. Plus he has a Nylabone available as well which he normally prefers. Is it safe for him to have some rawhide sometimes?

Answer 1

Many dogs eat them with no problems I give my dogs them and have never had any problems.I have never met anyone who has. BUT i found this hope it helps you.My vet even said as long as we watch them and take them away when small .

Information on rawhide bone chew toys for dogs, and whether they are dangerous.

Sadly, rawhide bones are very dangerous to dogs. While some dogs go their entire lives scarfing down the fun-to-chew treats, they can be deadly. Rawhides can be full of bacteria and poisons. Aside from what is in rawhide, dogs can choke on them or sustain intestinal blockage from ingesting them.

Rawhides often come from less developed countries. This means that the hides are transported over poor roads and without refrigeration, before they cleaned and dried. Under these conditions, they can grow salmonella which can kill your dog. It is also unsafe for humans, especially small children, to handle. The problem has been so serious that in 1999 the FDA to issued a warning on the subject stating “These products may pose a risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella…FDA is urging pet owners who have these products to handle them carefully. Anyone who comes in contact with these treats should wash their hands with hot water and soap. Elderly people, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk from exposure and should avoid any contact with these chews.” One solution to the bacteria growth is using preservatives. Unfortunately one of the most common preservatives used in rawhides is arsenic. This can also be deadly to your dog. Rawhides are made from the cow’s skin. In itself, this should be a good thing. However, when these cows come from countries whose water sources are contaminated with toxic chemicals the chemicals wind up in the cow’s skin. These chemicals include mercury, lead, arsenic, formaldehyde, and chromium salts. Rawhides can also contain insecticides, antibiotics, and pieces of dog and cat skin. Beside the obvious dangers of ingesting things like arsenic, over time these chemicals can cause cancer in your dog.
Should you find an all natural, bacteria-free rawhide chew choking, scraping and irritation of the throat and esophagus, and intestinal blockage are still major concerns. When chewed on, rawhides get slimy and slick and can easily slide into your dog’s throat and get stuck causing him to choke to death. Large pieces can scrape the throat and esophagus on their way down. They can also cause intestinal blockage. Even if they are chewed up and go down alright, they digest slowly and can sit in your dogs digestive system for a long time causing vomiting and diarrhea.

The most common serious health problem posed by rawhide chews is acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas where the pancreas actually starts digesting itself. Pancreatitis can be fatal. Some symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever or low body temperature, diarrhea, depression, and dehydration.

Whether you are seeking entertainment for your dog or a good way to keep their teeth clean, there are safe alternatives to rawhide chews. Real marrow bones are nutritious, good for cleaning teeth, and will keep your dog occupied for hours. Tartar reducing dog biscuits are available containing chlorophyll which neutralizes odors and keeps their breath fresh. You can also purchase special chew toys designed to clean your dog’s teeth. These can be used with dog toothpaste to clean even better. For the moderate chewer, these provide safe entertainment as well. Special chew toys and dental chews can be purchased for the more aggressive chewer who can easily tear up their normal toys and choke on them. Increase their stimulation by finding toys that are designed to contain treats which your dog can to try and get out of the toy.

Rawhides are a cheap and tempting treat for your dog. In the long run they are just not worth the risk

Answer 2

is the $5 rawhide worth a $500 emergency bill? it isn't the risk of swelling that is the huge problem, as they don't swell that much otherwise You couldn't soak them and un tie them. Done it.

Go to http://servicedogroo.tripod.com and read my girls story about what happened from a rawhide jsut two months ago.

you can also read more about her at www.chippewa.com and search Roo.

It's not worth it. go to raw beef bones or smoked bones that are not made with preservatives. A good seller is caninekids.com for smoked bones.

Answer 3

Many dogs eat rawhide their entire lives with no ill effects. But when something does go wrong, it usually goes wrong big.

I personally avoid rawhide though, rawhide is not allowed in my home. (Rawhide can harbor bacteria because it gets soggy, and also it isn't digestible so can cause internal blockages if a large piece is swallowed.) Not worth the risk for me.

Here are the digestible alternatives I use:
- bully sticks - http://www.bestbullysticks.com/home/bbs/smartlist_21/bully_sticks.html
- cow trachea - http://www.bestbullysticks.com/home/bbs/page_29_11/beef_trachea_6.html
- cow tendons - http://www.bestbullysticks.com/home/bbs/page_55_11/beef_tendons_achilles_tendon.html
.

Answer 4

Personally I have never fed nor will I ever feed my dogs rawhides.
There is too much of a risk of choking with my dogs.
My dogs could choke on anything.
I know plenty of people who have lost dogs to choking, even on just a piece of dog food that was small. People have lost dogs to a piece of chicken or hot dog that was too big.
These dogs are very small and I don't risk my dogs lives.

I am feeding my dogs the new wellness core grain free dog food and the size of the bites are too large. I am concerned about my dogs choking. The food is a strange shape and too large.

Answer 5

I've never heard about the gut swelling part, but Rawhides are great for dogs to chew on, I keep a constant supply of rawhides for my Corgis and they've never had a problem with any of them having swelling guts, and it keeps them entertained and satisfies the need for chewing.

Answer 6

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://tr.im/BIncI

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 7

Really make sure the rawhide is American made. Out of country rawhide can have harmful chemicals. Also, just really make sure to monitor him and only let him have it if you will be around just in case of emergency. We only have the nylabones and our dogs really like those.

Answer 8

Yeah.. as long as you are watching while he chews it.. my beagle mix does okay with them for about 5 minutes or so.. then they start sticking to his upper pallate .. if left alone this could be VERY bad.. he's not a huge chewer anyway.. but.. if you are watching they aren't that bad for them.

Answer 9

My dog gets rawhide all the time

Answer 10

rawhide wont hurt him.he can have 1 or 2 a week.try giving him denture stix i think thats what there called! there good for teeth and gums!