There is no doubt about it: dogs love rawhide bones. It helps them with boredom keeping your dog from chewing on your stuff and helps their teeth & gums. Nevertheless, are they really safe for your dog? Some dog owners swear by them while others will never give their dog a rawhide chew. There is a happy medium but first let us look at why this dog chew may be unsafe.
Rawhide bones are made from animal skin, typically cattle while some are made from combining cattle and pigskin. When these dog chews dry out, they can splinter and if your dog loves to just gobble these chews done then you run the risk of mouth and intestinal damage. Dog rawhide chews also expand when they get wet so if your dog eats them to fast swallowing large pieces then it can expand in the stomach causing intestinal blockage. If you are going to give your dog a rawhide chew you should monitor the process and always give your dog a rawhide bone bigger then his/her mouth. The rawhide sticks and a large dog do not mix.
The alternatives to rawhide bones are plentiful. Nylon bones are one choice providing the same success in relieving your dog's boredom while also promoting healthy teeth and gums. Nylon bones scrape away-unwanted plaque and tartar while messaging the gums. Keeping your dogs mind occupied is beneficial if your dog bores easily and enjoys chewing on household items and getting into trouble.
You could also try real bones, however, these too can splinter and must be cooked as raw bones can carry far too much bacteria. For more information on cooked dog bones and food, see our previous articles on the subject. Yet another substitute to rawhide is dog dental chews. Dog dental chews will satisfy their chewing while freshening their breath. There are many varieties on the market today with choices of flavor, size as well as several different brands, available at the pet supply store at Remarkable Dogs.
If you are going to give your dog a rawhide chew then you should know the dangers. There are alternatives to rawhide chews and your dog will benefit from the new technology. Choose the right alternative for your dog and give your family pet the mind stimulation, reduced boredom all the while providing healthier teeth and gums.
