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Hello, I am just wondering if anyone else has lost a dog from choking on rawhide bones I have been talking with a representative from one outfit that sells these things he told me in the ten years of being in the business he has never heard of that happening
I am going to prove him wrong and my dogs death will not be for nothing thanks Marlene
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I have not actually heard of a dog chocking on rawhide bones before. But, in the contract I had to sign when I purchased Tessa from her breeder there was a clause making me agree never to give her rawhide bones. The reason being, as they break off pieces and swallow them the rawhide can swell and choke them. I'm so sorry to hear you lost your dog this way! How heartbreaking!
My vet says that rawhide is ok until it gets really soaked with slobber, then it gets soft and the dog can bite off large pieces which don't digest easily. If your dog really likes rawhide, get the big tightly wrapped ones and take it away from him when it gets too soft, let it dry out before giving it back.
My doggie likes nylabones or those big sterilized beef bones, and they're safe.
I have learned a very hard lesson because I watched this happen I have never I repeat never heard of this happening before I always heard the stuff disolves but the vet who did the neoscopy said it does not if you feed enough of it to a dog it will eventually starve to death I would like to get enough people who has had this happen or even heard of it happening to help me get this stuff labeled as being dangerous
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Becareful when giving ANY bone or toy to your dog.
Nylabones I've found to be terrific with rats! A big hit, and they keep their teeth down. The rats gnaw or scrape off small pieces and they can easily eat them. I gave my dog one once, and she broke of large piece off and tried to swallow it, so she no longer gets those. Larger beef bones you also need to becareful of, because they can probably do the same thing with them (never given one to my dog, so I don't know). The only thing I give my dog to chew on are regular dog biscuits, probably the safest thing out there. If you have a problem keeping your dog occupied, try a "buster cube". Yes, they are noisy, and yes, it takes a little "training" to teach them to use it, but in the long run I think it's worth it. There are also "Kong" toys. These I have no idea about, I'm allergic to latex therefor I can't handel them, therefor my doggy doesn't get them. Buster cubes I've found to be the best thing, just becareful because when they push them around (or pounce on like my terrier mix does!) they could push them right into something glass, and it's kaput! Shattered glass everywhere!
Use your best judgement when buying any chew or toy for your dog, think of the pros and the cons, and good luck to you all and your pets!
~Giglez http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif
I guess everyone will think I'm a terrible pet owner but I've been giving Cody a 4in rawhide bone for years. I gave him one as a treat years ago and he goes crazy if he doesn't get one every night-he actually goes to where I keep them and sits. He doesn't always finish it but sleeps next to it and carries it around. I promptly toss it when he drops it, but he has NEVER choked on one and I also keep an eye on him and toss the mushy pieces he drops. He HAS to be in our den while we watch tv, so luckily someone is always there, but now I'm really worried and hope my luck doesn't run out. It's time to try a substitute. He's so habitual, it's gonna be a hard habit to break.
OK, I think it's safe to say that NO dog toy is 100% safe. I said before that I give my dog nylabones and beef bones, but I know that she is not an aggressive chewer and unlikely to bite off whole chunks. So I feel relatively safe giving her those, since she needs something to chew. A dog can choke on anything, so I think the most important point here is that we have to examine their toys regularly for wear and watch their chewing habits. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a dog this way.
It was horrible and my dog was by no means small he was a beautiful all white arctic wolf/husky/shepherd weighed about one twenty I really miss him I would give just about anything to go back in time and stop what happened he was only ten months old and just starting to act a little more mature the only reason I was giving him these miserable things were his adult teeth were coming in and he was chewing everything even pieces of wood guess I should have stuck two knuckle bones
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LilyMarlene, you poor thing, my heart just bleeds for you. I CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE what you are going through. Your sad story really opened my eyes about those damn wicked bones so I thank you for that. I gave one to Cody last night, he didn't eat it right away so I took it away and tossed him his new huge double squeaky toys to distract him and then he got a milkbone, so I am desperately trying to break his habit, He's a 100 lb gr/yl so sometimes I think he's indestructable. You are in my prayers-keep in touch with all your friends on PetTalk..Karen xoxo
those treats are ok and the vet told me that pigs ears are ok I don't think I would ever chance even those at least the real knuckle bones I would feel a little better about but would still watch like a hawk
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Marlene,
My heart breaks for you. The breeder my parents got their dog from when I was a child made them promise to NEVER give her rawhide.
When my hubby and I got our first puppy, Jerry Bear, we did some research, and decided it was ok as long as we watched him. The rawhide, however, made his poop really soft, and he tore through the bones so quickly, we couldn't watch closely enough. We decided to stop giving them to him, and now he only gets Kongs (the best toys made for aggressive chewers). He also gets a giant beef bone every couple of months (that's how long it takes for Jerry Bear to chew it down).
I hope you get another dog, one that can not only replace the hole in your heart, but can preserve the memory of your lost love. There are many puppies/dogs in pounds and shelters who need a second chance.
God Bless,
Rhonda
Thanks Rhonda, I am waiting for my pup now I also found one of my baby's brothers I get to go see him tomorrow the pup I am getting is a female so I plan to breed her with nook nooks brother sometimes I miss him so much I still cry he was the sweetest dog and just starting to get out of the chewing stage make sure you warn every one you know about these bones I figure if I can't get to the company word of mouth will work so every one at least knows the chances they take giving these things to their dogs I plan on getting in a few chat rooms for pets to, any and all help I appreciate. Marlene
I had never given a thought to a rawhide bone being dangerous. One day my standard poodle, Whitney, started choking. I opened her mouth and saw a piece of rawhide stuck in her throat. I pulled it out and threw it away immediately. It was difficult to say the least because it was slimy at that point. I threw away all of her rawhide bones and never bought one again!!!!!
Yes this stuff is really dangerous and it needs a warning label I have had a few dogs in my life and gave this stuff to them thank god it didn't kill them I had no clue how bad this stuff was until that day, I talked to the vet after he did a neoscopy and he told me even if I had got him there there would have not much he could have done either this whole ordeal took all of three minutes and I at that point had no idea what was wrong I thought he had been poisoned till the day I die I will never forget how he cried and the helpless feeling I had so please tell everyone you know about these things. Marlene
Bumping...
To everyone who gives their pets rawhide chew sticks, I found a piece of steel in a chew stick last night. they were Stop and Shop chicken flavored chew sticks, made in colombia. If you have them, (probably other stores use them and have their own label on them) please, please, do not give them to your dog.
I recently read that some companies treat rawhide in urine...gross!!! About as gross as the so called "animal by-products" in commercial pet foods...hmmmm
Some how that does not surprise me I have emailed the company American Beefhide guess what I haven't heard one word out of them they don't care as long as they make money off of them I am going to try to get the CEO next I want to get as many people as I can to email them so if you can please do for all the dogs that have died from this crap and the people who have no idea and wind up learning the hard way. The one I am going for is American Beefhide I don't now what their web site is I just typed American Beefhide under search. Thank you
I have been giving our dog american beef rawhide chips. My vet recommended them to keep his teeth clean and he hasn't needed a cleaning until he was 3 1/2. I think that the chips are better because it's a smaller amount of rawhide and we make sure to only give him one a day. When he has eaten something else bad that he had to make him vomit, there was very little rawhide that came up. Of course everyone has to watch their pets when they are chewing on something and take it away when it becomes dangerous or damages(like the nylabones.)
Believe me if I had known he would have only gotten knuckle bones they can chew on them but rarely if ever get any chuncks off just remember raw hide of any kind does not disolve I always thought it did to, the vet told me it fills the stomach and the animal will and I stress will starve to death
Hi LilyMarline,
First of all I would like to send you my condolences. That is a rough way to learn a lesson. I can't imagine how I would have handled that loss. I would like to say that I used to work at a vet. hospital for 4 1/2 years while I was going through school and I met a sweet old man sitting in the waiting room with his beautiful young yellow lab one afternoon. We began talking and I found out that this sweet mans' last lab was so special and spoiled, he bought her a big basket full of juicy things as a Christmas gift. In the basket was, of course, various types of rawhide in many different shapes/colors/flavors. He was just trying to do something nice for his canine friend but, trying to hold back tears, he told me that he watched his beautiful friend die in front of him. He could not get her to the vet fast enough. She died from choaking on his gift to her. Even tho he had this pretty new lab loyally devoted to him, it did not take away the pain and guilt. Yes rawhide is dangerous, yes dogs do choke on them and, if the dog is an agressive chewer, it should never be given to them. I will once in awhile give my dogs a rawhide but only because they are not agressive chewers at all. I bought a bubble gum scented rawhide bone 2 months ago and they have not touched it. I got sick of picking it up everytime I vaccumed so just threw it out yesterday. It's better in the trash anyway I am sure. After reading your post I won't buy them again. I buy the Booda Velvets and my dogs like those better anyway and they last forever! Reading your post brought back memories of that old man with his teary eyes and broken, guilt filled heart. I am so sorry that they don't list choking hazards on the packages of rawhides. I am so, so sorry for the people that have to learn that the hard way. I am sure there have been many broken hearts as a result of not knowing about choking. What a shame. Maybe someday they will have enough broken hearted owners "speak out" about rawhide.
So sorry for you loss. My heart goes out to you, and to all those who have such a painfull loss. Hopefully this post will start a new trend of "trashing the rawhide"!
[This message has been edited by AdoreMyDogs (edited October 04, 2000).]
Thank you yes I am still very bothered by it I can't go out to my back porch without crying he was a beautiful white wolf mix that weighed about hundred and twenty pounds easy I couldn't pick him up when this happened I thought about calling 911 I wish I had now he was such a good dog just getting out of the puppy stage and chewing everything in sight he would wait for me to get home and jump on the fence gate all excited so I would go out and just sit with him he would nuzzle his way into my lap and being that big it wasn't easy after a while I would go stand in the middle of the yard he would play chicken with me sounds odd I know he would run at me and I wouldn't know if he meant to jump on me or try to knock my feet out from under me so I had to guess I was wrong more times than right and wound up on the ground he just thought that was the neatest thing couse then he could lick my face all he wanted. I don't know if there is a heaven just for dogs or if they reunited with their owners I pray for the latter though cause I sure miss my nook nook
I get pig ears from Fosters & Smith. anyone ever heard of them? there a vet ect... supply company. well there to vet's that make products that are very safe for cats & dogs.
They have sterilized beef bones & bals that you can put treats in.... there neet...
I'm deeply sorry for you'r lose. & I wish you luck in haveing sometime of warning put out on packageing of some sort. ~~
What is a Booda Velvet? Sounds interesting. I need to replinish my toy supply. My Golden Retrievers have chewed up everything they had as far as indoor toys go. I did resort to empty clothes detergent bottles outdoors (old Tide bottles). They are not a real attractive thing, but those dogs just love to carry them around and can't seem to chew them up, so I feel like they are safe. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/cool.gif
I also got the stray puppy I found, Dexter, a stuffed "ghost"(made especially for puppies) when he went to live with his new owner. That puppy carries his ghost everywhere. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif He is so happy in his new home.
I have heard about dogs choking on rawhide bones. In fact I recently had a friend who's dog died because of a rawhide bone. If you do want to give a dog a rawhide bone soak the bone until soggy, cut it into little pieces, and then bake it. That ensures that they won't choke.
Sorry to hear about your friends dog scottie I know that feeling well, what brand of rawhide was it? I really believe the company's who sell this crap should be made to put a warning on them, Had this happened to a child it would have been off the market a long time ago I don't know about any one else but I considered my dog my kid, again I am really sorry for your friends loss.
This is in response to the question of what are Booda Velvets. Booda Velvets (name brand) are made with cornstarch so that the dog can eat and digest it. They come in a variety of different colors/flavors/shapes and they don't stain. However, you may get little pieces of it stuck on the carpet or furniture but you can just pick them off. If they bite off a chunk, they can just chew it up and swallow it. You can get them at just about any pet store and Target has them under a different name for a little bit cheaper.
FYI....doggie's poop may be colored the same color as the chip - but no need to worry. Actually, it makes it easier to find it in the yard! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif
At the kennel where I work I have seen dogs, and especially puppies, poop out (thankfully)the strangest things, including socks, buttons, keys, string, yarn as well as chucks of bone, SPLINTERED bone and chunks of undigested rawhide. My Star is a real "counter cruiser" and if she is bored, in a flash, will grab anything and everything, from pens, to my contact lens case to an eyelash curler! (Food, of course, goes without saying!) After reading all your postings, I will NEVER give the kids rawhide again! Like Karen, they love, and I give them, squeaky toys. But even with them, I have to monitor their playtime. Eventually, every squeaky toy becomes eviscerated as they pull out the stuffing, and Star almost choked once on the plastic squeaking bladder! Like toddlers, you just have to watch them constantly! Even some foreign made plastic/rubber chew toys I understand have been treated with chemicals that can be dangerous to pets! I recently got a great new toy as a gift available through Omaha Vaccine Catalog and Petopia. It's called the "Wiggly Giggly." It comes as either a dumbbell or ball shape, it is soft to the bit, floats, made of very durable plastic and makes hysterical giggly noises and squeaks when you shake it. They love to retrieve it, sit and chew on it, or just shake it while running around the room. So far, it looks pretty safe, chew proof and durable! Sandra
I recently got a great new toy as a gift available through Omaha Vaccine Catalog and Petopia. It's called the "Wiggly Giggly." proof and durable! >>>>>>.
I shop at Ohama Vaccine also.
I will have to check out the Wiggly Giggly.
I couldn't believe the stuff, I found in my males poop when he was a pup.
(I thought my yard was puppy proof) http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif
Bird seed, corn, little rocks, plastic from
a large planter, leaves, fur and feathers.
I am glad he grew out of eating rocks.
I could have had one large vet bill.
want to thank you all for this wonderful site. I had given my new dog, Bella, a rawhide bone when I first got her. Got on this site and checking out a few things - will NEVER given her another one. Am so sorry for your loss but hopefully you have saved some other 'very special friends', thank you.
KYS,
Sounds just like my dog when she was little, except for the feathers and fur. We watch her VERY closely to make sure she doesn't hunt. Crayons were a big favorite, and we had to make ABSOLUTELY sure all crayons were non-toxic and that EVERYTHING was off floors and tables that she could get to.
She is a herding dog who loves to herd our multiple cats, and was depressed when my 10 year old kitty cat died back in August. She is slowly getting back to her normal self, and when I talked to our vet she said she wasn't surprised. The poor dog took her death harder then I did http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif
I completely agree! Dogs are 2 year old children . . . with fur! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Gotta love 'em!
[This message has been edited by Giglez (edited October 30, 2000).]
Giglez:
and was depressed when my 10 year old kitty cat died back in August. >>>>>>
That is so sad. I truely believe that dogs
morn.
KYS,
Yes, dogs do indeed mourn. When my beloved Lab/Shep X passed away 4 years ago, my remaining Lab went into a deep depression over the winter. She had no interest in walks or playing, just wanted to sleep. I got a new Lab puppy the next April, and she hated the new puppy for the first 2 weeks. She was meaning to really harm her. But after 2 weeks she seemed to snap out of it and they became, and still are, best friends.
My dog, Graham, mourned so terribly for the death of our beloved yellow lab http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif He would not leave "Beener's" grave site in the back yard, he would sleep on it and refuse to leave it for the longest time. It was terrible. Beener was so adored, he was with us for 13 years and he was a truly gentle being, him and Graham were BEST friends to the end! When Beener got cancer and I made the decision to put him to sleep, Graham KNEW! I had the vet come to the house to put Beener to sleep because I thought it would be the most comfortable thing for my sweet old friend, to be in the comfort of his own home...when the vet's car pulled up, Graham KNEW it was time! He frantically ran to Beener (who was lying on the floor on about a million blankets and pillows) and he plastered himself at Beeners side, and licked his face all over, I had never seen Graham lick Beeners face before, ever. We had to litterly pull him away from Beener and carry him outside, the vet could tell by Grahams attachment that Graham may try to prevent that vet from putting that kneedle into Beener's leg. The vet strongly suggested that we keep Graham in the backyard while he was there, because Graham was so in tuned with what was happening, and he was not ready for it.
We put poor Graham in the backyard and went to say our last words to Beener before the vet did his thing, and through our sobbing, we could hear Graham litterly wailing in the yard...it was a sound that I had not heard from him before, nor have I heard it since. It sounded like a ghost. It was the most horrible thing in the whole world. He knew, not a doubt in our minds that he knew. When the vet finally left, we carried Beener to the backyard where we burried him. Graham, who is normally the sweetest, happiest, most dependent dog, went to the far, dark end of the yard and cryed all by himself. He came when I called but he was like a zombie, he was limp and seemed almost lifeless himself. As hard as it was to see my beautiful lab die in my arms, it was nowhere near as hard as it was on Graham. We were worried that Graham would die as well, he stopped eating almost entirly and he lost all his zest but after about 3 weeks he started eating more and showing some happiness. He lost 12 pounds when Beener died. His ribs began to stick out. And I have actually had someone argue with me as to whether or not dogs get sad! They don't believe that dogs become close and mourn if their companions die. Amazing the things a non animal lover will never know.
I know this post did not have anything to do with rawhide....sorry if it's out of topic, the last posts brought back memories of the horrible night that Beener died. I still cry, but not as much for Beener as for Graham. I did not mourn for Beener for very long at all because he gave me the most amazing send-off. I held him close to me when the vet gave the injection, and very shortly after he breathed his last breath, I felt his spirit circle very rapidly around me...it was playful and beautiful and peaceful and happy and bright...all those things I felt from him spinning around me. It actually made me smile. He spun around me for maybe a minute or so. I was the only one in the room, other then the vet, no one else could stand to see him die, and I was the only one who got the "grand send-off". It was just like Beener to do that, too. He just let me know that he was happy. I wish my family members, especially my mom and Graham, could have felt what I felt.
Oh, AdoreMyDogs, what a horrible experience for you!!! Your story reminded me of the old Disney movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows". Do you remember it? I only saw it once as a child and still remember that one dog lying on the grave of the other one. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif
I haven't experienced it with a pet, I only know how my daughter and I grieved when our Cocker Spaniel, Kaycee, had to be put to sleep. Honey was too little to realize what was going on. She got so much love from us, she was thrilled.
Glad to hear things are better now.
I hope Graham is doing better, I also know that dogs grieve I have read some of the saddest & happier things on here and am very glad to know how I feel about losing my dog
is shared by some people even my husband doesn't really understand course I was the one to feed him, baby him and get him to behave I would spend hours out in the yard with him so when this happened I pannicked had I been thinking I would have seen what was wrong sometimes I still feel like I let him down I recently got a puppy I love her dearly but I still stop and say a prayer in hopes where ever my nook,nook is he knows I still think about,miss and love him
We had to put our terrier mix to sleep in August. She was 14 and had doggie Alzheimers. Max and Annie grieved horribly, and to this day, still look for her in the house.
Hi Igh0962,
I have never seen "Where The Red Fern Grows"
but if it has a scene like the one I went through (the sleeping on the grave site) I don't think I could ever see it http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Too heartbreaking for me!
Graham is all better now. It's been a year almost to this day since Beener died. He's all healed, except that he's different with other dogs now. He used to love other dogs alot, but he's got this dominance issue with other male dogs and dom. female dogs that he never used to have. He likes the Pug that we adopted but he will still not play with her, even though she has tried to get him to play MANY times. Don't know what's going on there. I sure hope Graham lightens up and starts playing with the pug soon, she sure would like that and so would I. They will sleep close to each other, and I have seen her lick Graham and Graham lick her but they still don't play. Any ideas? We have had the pug for close to 2 months now.
AdoreMydogs,
I read your story last night and I was so upset by it I couldn't comment on it. That was the saddest thing I've ever heard. I felt so bad for Graham. I guess why I felt so bad was because I have a 7yr. old and a 3yr. old GSD who love each other. I can't even take one to the vet without the other being very upset! I can't imagine what will happen when one dies!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif I'm glad Graham is better now. Could it be that he is afraid to get too involved with the Pug being that she might be taken away from him, too? Can dogs think like that??? Such a sad, sad story.
Su
[This message has been edited by Sudilar (edited November 02, 2000).]
Hi Su,
It seems that Graham could have that going through his head...I am not sure if dogs think that way. It also may be that Graham does not even know if the pug is really a dog! She's small and makes all sorts of snorty noises...maybe he is not even sure if she's canine. I am not sure, he LOVES cats, but he just likes to hang out with them and cuddle them, he never plays with them...maybe he thinks the pug is a cat. I am not sure. Maybe it's his way of telling me that he does not want the pug around...not sure. He does not seem to dislike the pug (anymore, he hated her being around the first week, he was so jealous)but I am not real sure. At least he's not showing strong dominance or agression towards her. I guess they may just have a "play-free" relationship.