WITH Santa Paws coming in less than a week, dog owners have been warned against a popular Christmas treat that can be deadly.
It's the time of year than millions of people across the country like to spoil their pooch more than usual with festive treats and toys.
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But pet food supplier Richard Green at Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies has warned owners against “dangerous” rawhide that can be deadly for dogs.
Shop shelves are filled with Christmas-themed rawhide treats like knot bones at this time of year.
Richard says: “Rawhide treats are often marketed as a natural chew, but the production process involves harsh chemicals that can be harmful to a dog’s health.
“The risk of choking is another major concern, as rawhide can splinter, causing injury to the dog’s mouth or digestive system.”
He adds: “Since rawhide isn’t regulated as food in the UK, there’s no guarantee that they are free from harmful substances.
“These treats are often made from animal hides that are preserved with chemicals, including toxic preservatives and bleach, which can potentially cause digestive issues and allergic reactions.
“When swallowed, they can swell up to four times their size, leading to potential choking hazards or serious intestinal blockages. These blockages can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly.”
As well as being a choking hazard, the treats can lead to tooth damage for dogs.
“While rawhide chews are often seen as good for dental health, the hard nature of rawhide can lead to fractures in your dog's teeth, which can be painful and expensive to treat” Richard reveals.
“Puppies, in particular, should not be given rawhide, as their developing teeth are more vulnerable to damage.”
If your dog has eaten rawhide, it's important to monitor them closely and consult your vet.
Even small pieces of rawhide can cause discomfort or blockages, and in some cases, this could lead to severe health complications.
SAFE ALTERNATIVES
Instead of rawhide, look for long-lasting, natural chews that are free of harmful chemicals.
There are plenty of safe alternatives that still provide the same benefits around keeping your dog entertained and satisfied while also promoting their overall health.
Richard says: “For an alternative that’s both fun and soothing, consider using a lickmat.
“This can provide mental stimulation and help reduce anxiety, as licking releases endorphins that help dogs relax.”
“High-protein, natural treats are a great choice for dogs, offering both health benefits and lasting satisfaction. These treats are often packed with nutrients, making them a safer and more nutritious option.”
How to keep dogs safe this Christmas
KEEP all of the following items well out of reach of greedy paws this Christmas:
- Anything containing chocolate
- Anything containing raisins, such as mince pies or Christmas Pudding
- Stuffing, or anything else containing onions, garlic or leeks
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones, which could be ingested
- All non edible decorations such as tinsel and baubles
TINSEL TERROR
Rawhide treats aren't the only danger to dogs over the festive period.
While many households may put up tinsel as a festive decoration, this could be highly dangerous to dogs if ingested, vets have said.
It comes after one dog, eight-year-old crossbreed Shylah, consumed one metre of the substance last year – leaving the canine unwell.
Her owners told the BBC: “I wondered if Shylah might've eaten it, but it wasn't until a bit later when she went off her food and was sick that I got really worried.
After Shylah became sick, the owner called Wolverhampton PDSA, a local pet hospital.
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An x-ray quickly revealed a foreign object believed to be tinsel.
Warning others against leaving tinsel within their pets' reach, Jane Cutler, a senior vet at the hospital, reminded dog owners that emergencies “don't stop coming just because it's Christmas”.
Meanwhile, another dog, a nine-year-old Italian Spinone called Ralph, was rushed for emergency treatment after wolfing down 12 mine pies last Christmas.
The cheeky pet managed to leap up onto a kitchen counter and scoff two whole packets of the festive snacks while his owners were in bed.
Mince pies contain raisings, which are potentially toxic for dogs.
