[rox]

ive heard that rawhide is really bad for your dog..when it breaks off i can choke your dog. i dont know really..my dog seems to be okay with it, and its cheap..

anyone against or for rawhide?
any bad experiences?

[bandit_starr06]

One of my mom's dogs had a rawhide bone, this was way back before they realized that dogs can choke on them... and he managed to chew off a good sized chunk, and almost choked to death. Mom had to sit on him (he was a standard poodle) to hold him still long enough for her to get her hand into his throat and get the piece out.

Since then, she has never bought rawhide for any dog. And neither have I.

[LuvMyMutt]

choking is a hazard, and rawhide can cause gastric irritation when dogs chew on it often...
There are also wonderful alternatives to rawhide taht we use. Pet supply stores are everywhere, and carry many diverse alternatives including vegetable and meat-flavored bones made from potato starch, bones made from extremely strong rubber infused with flavorings, and corn-starch based bones also infused with flavor. All of these but the rubber ones break apart into tiny pieces while being chewed. Once they are chewed down to a small piece that your dog could swallow, just make sure to throw it away. All of these bones except for the rubber-based ones are easily digestible.

[Pupcake]

I don't do the rawhide because of the choking factor. I once had a dog (thank goodness he was really small) that was choking on one, and we doggy heimliched it out of him. Seriously, we had a dog emeregency book and followed the directions and it flew out.

[phoebelee]

the choking risk is too scary for me, especially when there's lots of other chew treats out there that aren't risky.

[luvdanes04]

I also didn't know it was a choking hazard. My lab went through those like they were nothing when we did buy them (so i'm done with those anyhow). We recently started using the Nylabones.

[rox]

Originally Posted by luvdanes04

I also didn't know it was a choking hazard. My lab went through those like they were nothing when we did buy them (so i'm done with those anyhow). We recently started using the Nylabones.

how long do the nylabones last?

[Lassie]

I have never used this as a treat for my dog. As has been said there are far more dog friendlier treats available than taking any kind of risk at all. Must admit to not using many treats but tend to go for for the biscuit type if I really wnat to.

[bstern1213]

My little terrier died choking on rawhide. After it happened, I found tons of anecdotal evidence on the web that it is a very common occurrence. These stores sell it simply for the profit. Don't let your dogs chew rawhide. The risk is too great.

[Pedro]

Many people have had bad experiences with Raw Hides and that's enough for me to stay away from them.

Even if everyone says they are great I still wouldn't give them to my dog. They look too fragile and can easily break into little pieces which can choke your dog