It all depends on whom you’re listening to. The question “how long does rawhide take to digest in dogs?” can give you anything from mild discomfort to full-on mid-life crisis.
On a more serious note though, the pet community seems to be divided on just how digestible rawhide is and whether, therefore, it is safe for dogs to consume. But there has been some research done on this and the quick result is that:
In this post, as we work to answer the question — “how long does rawhide take to digest in dogs?” we will touch on every important conversation that has been had on this. In the end, it would be left to you to decide whether or not rawhide is something you’re comfortable with your dog chewing and ultimately ingesting.
Companies who advertise their rawhide say it’s great for your dog’s teeth and some experts agree too. According to this school of thought, rawhide can help to scrape away plaque and control the buildup of tartar. Additionally, rawhide is said to be great at improving doggie breath not to mention keeping your dog occupied for hours unending.
To learn other ways to keep your dog’s pearly whites in pristine condition, click here to read our article on dog dental care.
Main Points To Be Aware Of: If My Dog Swallowed Rawhide Strips, What Do I Do?
Even if you don’t have time to read through the rest of the article (though you really should!), here are some key points to remember if your dog has swallowed rawhide strips:
Does Rawhide Break Down In A Dog’s Stomach?
It’s totally possible that swallowing rawhide will lead to nothing more than a minor stomach ache, so not every scenario is guaranteed to be a troublesome one.
However, rawhide treats don’t break down readily in a dog’s stomach- and that’s precisely the problem that has to be contended with.
Rawhide has a tendency to expand in the stomach as it draws in moisture, and will then pass through the digestive system whole in an undigested state.
As a result, this puts your dog at risk for major complications such as an intestinal blockage.
Having pieces of rawhide in the digestive system could lead to undigested food being passed, and if the piece is large enough there is a possibility that it could break the intestinal wall.
Internal bleeding caused by intestinal wall breakage could lead to sepsis, a very serious infection. The symptoms of sepsis include:
Sepsis that is not treated promptly can lead to death. Therefore, if you think your dog is suffering from trying to pass a piece of rawhide, call your vet immediately.
The longer you wait, the higher the risk of your dog needing a complicated and expensive procedure.
Many Are Made Using Dubious Means
Many rawhides, especially those from China, are made using toxic chemicals as we explained earlier.
One time, jerky treats from said country were observed to have some links to Fanconi syndrome in pets — a fatal kidney condition. This would cause anyone to worry about the overall quality and safety standards over there.
Another worrying statistic is that between 2008 and 2011, a space of 3 years, the FDA recalled rawhide chews from different companies 6 times for salmonella contamination.
This time, the problem is not limited to your dog alone as you could also come down with salmonella infection.
This becomes especially serious if the person affected is a child, an elderly person or someone with a weak immune system.
FAQ
Can a dog digest a rawhide bone?
How do I know if my dog has a rawhide blockage?
…
Symptoms of Obstruction Due to Corn Cob, Rawhide, and Stuffed Toy in Dogs
- Abdominal bloating.
- Abdominal pain.
- Burping.
- Dark, tarry stools.
- Dehydration.
- Depression.
- Diarrhea.
- Excessive drooling.
How long does it take a puppy to digest rawhide?