Raw Hide Chips & Pigs Ears

[slsaxton]

Please tell me your thoughts on raw hide chips and Pigs Ears? Do you let your dog chew them? Have you had medical problems from your dog chewing them? I have a 43 lb. 6 month-old Aussie and want to know if he would be ok with this 'chewing' pasttime?
Thanks.

[drivingmissdaisy]

<p>Some of my dogs have swllowed large chunks of rawhide only to sick them up hours or even days later. I've never given them pigs ears so I can't comment on them. There are more natural snacks available although they're more expensive. "Steer Chews" is brand name&nbsp;available at Kroger. They usually run about $5.00 for 5. You can also buy them at pet supply stores under different names, usually "Bully Sticks". I've also&nbsp;purchased dried chicken breasts at Costco. These products don't keep the dogs busy as long as rawhide toys, but I've never had a problem with them. The dogs always seemed a little thirsty after finishing with them, but that seemed to be the only side effect.&nbsp;</p>

[death1life2]

<p>Whether your dog will be ok with the rawhide and pig ears depends on how your dog chews on them and eats them. I have 2 dogs. My older dog, Candy, tries to swallow them whole and chews on it a little while trying to swallow it. She tries to gobble it down! That is why Candy will NEVER again receive those types of treats.</p>
<p>On the other hand, my younger dog Lily, will lay down and hold those treats down with her paws while slowly chewing on the treats to take pieces small enough to swallow. She takes her time. I let her have the treats, but only under me supervision because there is still a possibility of her choking on a piece.</p>
<p>Rawhides and pig ears are not the safest treats to be given to dogs, which is why I think that they should only be given if you are willing to supervise your dog while he/she chews on them.</p>

[lilestof7]

<p>I work at a large pet specialty store and have had many people comment on the problems they have had with rawhide, on the other hand there are those people who never have any issues.&nbsp; I am not one to take those chances with my pets, which I am sure you are not either.&nbsp; There are other alternatives now.&nbsp; Try a product called Nylabone.&nbsp; The make flavored hard rubber bones and also make edible bones which will last a little longer and are completely digestable.&nbsp; I hope that helps.</p>

[TEETS53]

<p>HI, MY DOG IS A PITT BULL, KATIE IS ALMOST FIVE MONTHS. sHE IS JUST AS HAPPY WITH A EMPTY PLASTIC POP BOTTLE.&nbsp;&nbsp; BUT I DO HAVE A ADULT PIT/BOXER&nbsp; WE GIVE HIM PIGS EARS, BUT THOSE CHIPS CAN GET CHOKE THEM. ANY RAWHIDE&nbsp; WHEN IT GETS SOFT AN IS A SMALL&nbsp; PIECE&nbsp; BE CAREFULL, IT CAN BE SCARY!</p>

[Allin1PetCare]

<p>These&nbsp;can be great "treats" (ie. something that's given every ONCE in a great while). As with any toys, chews, etc. pets should always be supervised especially if you're not familiar with your pet's chewing habits.</p>
<p>I give them to my pets, and have different results. One dog ALWAYS tries to swallow the last large piece, and I have to dig it out. Anotther will chew and nibble on that thing for days - he just gets it soggy and teases the other dogs with it.&nbsp; The foster pup has aggression issues.&nbsp;I use it with him both for his teething and to work on his issues.&nbsp;I also use rawhide and pig ears when temperament testing for resource aggression in my clients.</p>
<p>Ona side note: I personally don't recommend the hide chips to any of my clients. It has been my expericence that the chips, more so than any other rawhide chew, has a higher tendency of&nbsp;getting stuck in their throat or damaging their thorax.</p>