One of the most popular and well known types of treats and hard chews given to dogs is known as “Rawhide.” But do you know what Rawhide is, how it is made, and the potential dangers it may pose for your dog?
When leather manufacturers purchase cow hides to manufacture leather goods they process the skin to remove several different layers from the skin. The thicker layers of cow hide are used to produce items such as: Leather Shoes, Wallets, Jackets, Furniture, Car Leather, Belts, etc.
The thinner layers are used for Rawhide Dog Chews. Much of the danger associated with these types of treats can also be associated with where the raw material is sourced, how the product is processed and produced, and where they are produced.
According to one source, “American production processes and sanitation practices are much better and more highly regulated than most other countries producing rawhide bones. In less developed countries a lack of modern roads and refrigeration trucks often requires the use of preservatives to get skins from outer-lying areas to processing plants. In the US fresh beef-hides are refrigerated during shipping to prevent degradation, spoilage, fouling and the need for chemical additives.” –DogChewsRawhide
If you were planning on giving your canine companion any Rawhide dog bones or chews always make sure they are sourced from the USA for this reason. Considering they use less chemicals, preservatives and although still processed go through much stricter quality standards for canine consumption.
Although the risk based on the amount of Rawhide used yearly is relatively small it may still be a bone or chew that may not be the best choice for your pet.
The typical process according to one source states that, ” The hide is treated with a chemical bath to help preserve it. Then treated in a toxic solution of either ash-lye or sodium sulphide liming. This strips the hair and fat that might still be attached from the hide. The hides are then bleached and whitened. To make them look nice they are painted and coated with artificial flavors. Glue is then added to help keep the rawhide together in its shape.” –VETCO
When providing your dog with any treat or chew always ensure you are supervising them while chewing as there are also many health factors to watch out for when using rawhide for supplemental treats and feeding.
According to Pet WebMD the information below outlines potential risks associated with Rawhide Dog Chews and symptoms which would signal the need to take your beloved canine companion to your closest vet.
Contamination: Rawhides although unlikely have risk of contaminating you or your pet with toxic substances. The ideal precaution a pet owner should do before providing your dog a rawhide dog treat would be to wash hands thoroughly to avoid any chemical residue, or potential salmonella and E-coli from touching your skin.
Digestion Issues: Some dogs are allergic, or hypersensitive to the usage of certain chemicals in the manufacturing process of these chews. Rawhides can severely upset your dogs digestive system and cause diarrhea.
Choking Hazard: “Rawhide bones and other edible chews can pose a choking and blockage risk. In fact, this is a much bigger risk than contamination or digestive irritation. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. Depending on its size and where it is located, a vet may be able to remove these pieces fairly easily through the throat. But sometimes, abdominal surgery is needed to remove them from the stomach or intestines. If it isn’t resolved, a blockage can lead to death.” –Pet WebMD
Contact your veterinarian if your dog has signs such as:
- Gagging
- Regurgitation
- Repeated swallowing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, with or without blood
- Fever
- Lack of energy
- Signs of pain
- Refusal to eat or weight loss
For alternative treats and chews refer to our article “Top 10 Healthy Alternatives to Rawhides.”
Sources:
- https://pets.webmd.com
- https://vetconm.com
- http://www.dogchewsrawhide.com
