Rawhide Dog Treats

Rawhide dog treats are used by a number of dog owners and constitute a flavorsome snack for dogs. While generally safe, the rawhide dog treats may also pose a number of threats to the dog’s health. If you are considering rawhide products, you should be aware of the pros and the cons of these treats for your pet.

Pros of Rawhide Dog Treats

The rawhide dog treats can be found in all pet stores and seem to be popular for many reasons.

The rawhide has a rough surface, which can be beneficial for the health of the dog’s teeth and gums. The rawhide will eliminate the plaque that is deposited on the dog’s teeth on a daily basis and may turn into calculus in less than 3 days.

The rawhide dog treats are a long lasting treat and the dog can chew on these for hours. This can be beneficial, as the dog has a challenge, so he won’t get bored and develop behavioral problems. On the other hand, the dog won’t require frequent treats and this will prevent him from getting obese.

In puppies, the rawhide treats are recommended, especially when they are teething, as chewing on these treats can reduce the pain and will stimulate the growth of the teeth.

The rawhide treats contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the dog’s health.

Cons of Rawhide Dog Treats

The rawhide treats for canines may not be suitable for all dog breeds or senior dogs. The rough texture of the rawhide treats can destroy the teeth or cause jaw fractures.

When choosing the dog treats you will have to get treats that are indicated for the size and age of your dog. Consult the vet for recommendations suited for your dog.

Rawhide dog treats can contain beneficial substances and proteins for the dog’s health, but these treats are often difficult to digest. This may be a problem, especially if your dog is on a kibble diet or lacks the fibers to have a proper digestion. Certain treats can delay digestion and may even cause an obstruction of the intestines, not allowing the other foods to be eliminated either. This can be a dangerous condition, which may require emergency treatment or even surgery.

Rawhide Treat Allergies

The rawhide treats are made of sheep or cattle skin and may be a source of allergic reactions in your pet. The rawhide may also contain a number of allergens that could cause allergies or intestinal infections.

If your pet has various food allergies, he may be likely to be allergic to the rawhide treats as well. To test if your dog is allergic to these treats you need to monitor him while he eats these treats and see if there are skin reactions and inflammation. See if the symptoms persist even after the treats are discontinued. If the symptoms disappear, the dog is probably allergic to the treats. Switch to different treats.

 

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