Marty
12-20-2005, 11:39 PM
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.”
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<img> 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.
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.”
.
<img> 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.