Help, My Dog Swallowed a Large Piece of Rawhide! Here‘s What to Do

It‘s a moment every dog owner dreads – you turn your back for one second and suddenly realize your pup has gulped down a huge chunk of their rawhide chew. Don‘t panic, but do take it seriously. Swallowing large pieces of rawhide can lead to dangerous complications for dogs, so quick action and close monitoring are essential. As a veterinarian, here‘s my advice on what to do and what to watch for if your dog swallows rawhide.

Why Swallowing Rawhide is Risky for Dogs

First, let‘s talk about what rawhide is and why it poses a risk when swallowed. Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. The hide is cleaned, cut, and pressed into chewable dog treats. The appeal for dogs is the leather smell, taste, and texture which encourages them to chew. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and has benefits like promoting clean teeth and providing a mental outlet.

The problem is, rawhide is not easily digested by dogs. Large swallowed pieces can get stuck in the esophagus or cause blockages in the stomach or intestines. Choking is also a serious risk if a piece gets lodged in the back of the throat. Some dogs are very aggressive chewers and can tear off large chunks of rawhide in a matter of minutes. These big, indigestible pieces are difficult for the body to break down.

Signs Your Dog Swallowed Rawhide

How do you know if your dog swallowed a dangerous piece of rawhide? The most telltale sign is actually seeing your dog swallow a large chunk. But even if you didn‘t witness it, here are some other red flags to watch for:

• Gagging, retching, or coughing
• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Restless pacing or inability to get comfortable
• Tiredness or lethargy
• Hunched back or bloated looking belly
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to poop or diarrhea
• Any signs of difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these symptoms and have reason to suspect rawhide ingestion, don‘t delay in contacting your veterinarian. Blockages can quickly become life-threatening so time is of the essence. Even if you‘re not positive they ate rawhide but are displaying concerning symptoms, always err on the side of caution and call your vet.

My Dog Ate Rawhide, What Happens Now?

So let‘s say you know or strongly suspect your dog swallowed some rawhide. What‘s next? First, remove any remaining rawhide chews to prevent them from eating more. Then assess your dog‘s current condition. Are they acting normal or do they seem distressed?

If they are choking, gagging, or having any difficulty breathing, this is an emergency and you should seek immediate veterinary care. For mild symptoms like a bit of coughing or one episode of vomiting, call your vet to discuss the situation and determine if an exam is needed. Be prepared to provide info like your dog‘s size, the size of rawhide pieces potentially swallowed, and the time it occurred.

If your dog seems completely fine but you know they ate a large piece, it‘s still best to give your vet a call for guidance as complications can take time to develop. Some vets may advise coming in immediately while others will have you monitor at home and come in if problems arise. Follow your vet‘s advice and always keep a close eye.

Once at the clinic, your vet will examine your dog to check for any rawhide lodged in the throat, esophagus, or stomach. This is typically done by feeling the neck and belly. They may also recommend x-rays to look for signs of a blockage or obstruction in the intestinal tract. If a piece is found stuck in the throat or esophagus, your vet can sometimes remove it under sedation using a specialized scope.

For blockages further down in the stomach or intestines, treatment depends on the severity. In rare cases, the rawhide may pass on its own with the help of fluid therapy and careful monitoring. More often, pieces need to be surgically removed to prevent damage to the gut or rupture. Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain meds, and antibiotics are typically required after any foreign body removal procedure.

Preventing Rawhide Swallowing

Of course, every owner wants to prevent this scary situation to begin with. While no prevention method is foolproof, there are steps you can take to reduce your dog‘s risk of swallowing rawhide:

• Always supervise chew time. Don‘t give rawhide and leave your dog alone with it for long stretches.
• Choose an appropriately sized chew. Pieces should be larger than your dog‘s mouth so they can‘t be swallowed whole.
• Take rawhide away once it‘s small enough to be gulped down. Throw out small or torn off pieces.
• Consider safer, more digestible chews like bully sticks, sweet potato, or hemp rope toys.
• Avoid rawhide if your dog is a very aggressive chewer and has swallowed pieces before.
• Consider skipping rawhide altogether, especially for smaller dogs. The risk may not be worth the reward.

Rawhide Controversy and Alternatives

It‘s important for dog owners to be aware that rawhide chews are a bit controversial in the veterinary and dog training world. While some promote their dental benefits and chewing outlet, others feel the risks outweigh the rewards. Beyond the choking and blockage risk, rawhide manufacturing has also come under scrutiny.

Since rawhide isn‘t regulated, unsafe chemicals can be used in the cleaning and processing of the hides. These preservatives and coloring agents may cause stomach irritation or present other health hazards. Quality control for bacterial contamination is also lacking, leading to recalls for salmonella.

The good news is, there are many great rawhide alternatives on the market that satisfy a dog‘s natural urge to chew without all the risks. Opt for options that are labeled as highly digestible, such as:

• Bully sticks
• Sweet potato chews
• Salmon skin rolls
• Himalayan yak cheese chews
• Coconut husk or wood chews
• Rubber or nylon chew toys
• Stuffed treat toys

These chews are less likely to splinter and cause blockages while still providing the mental stimulation and teeth cleaning benefits. As with any chew, though, supervision is still key. Take away any small pieces and inspect toys regularly for damage.

Rawhide Incident Statistics

So just how common are rawhide choking and blockage incidents? While exact figures are hard to come by, here are some statistics that highlight the scale of the problem:

• The ASPCA Poison Control Center receives around 30-40 calls per day related to rawhide incidents
• Petco reports that they used to be the #1 reason for their emergency vet visits before pulling rawhide from shelves
• A study of 208 pet supply stores found 1 in 4 rawhide chews tested positive for salmonella
• In a lab analysis, the digestibility of various rawhide chews ranged from just 50-85% (compared to over 90% for bully sticks)
• Vets have reported esophageal blockages in dogs weighing as much as 110lbs from swallowing rawhide

While these numbers are concerning, the risk of a rawhide incident can be greatly reduced with informed ownership and preventive steps. Knowing the signs to watch for, acting quickly, and providing safer alternatives can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

The Bottom Line on Swallowed Rawhide

In the end, swallowing rawhide is a serious issue that requires prompt attention from dog owners. Choking and blockages can quickly turn life-threatening, so it‘s crucial to know the warning signs and seek veterinary care at the first red flag. Prevention is always the best medicine, so supervise chew sessions, choose appropriate sizes, and consider more digestible options to reduce the risk.

No dog treat is without risk, but armed with knowledge owners can make informed choices for their pets. At the end of the day, our dogs rely on us to keep them safe. Chews are a great way to enrich our dog‘s lives, but should always be given with a healthy dose of caution and common sense. Trust your instincts, and you can keep that wagging tail chewing happily for years to come!