Pig ear strips, pressed rawhide

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Maisie Lynn

Boxer Buddy
Piggy ears and rawhides are sold in many forms and in every pet store and the store employees will all tell you that these chew treats or ok for pets. Do you agree? Does anyone have any info about these products and are they ok to give to our fur babies? I cook up shank bones sometimes for chewing treats but I was wondering if there was something else I can offer for chewing besides kongs and toys.
 

Jan

Reasonable Moderator
Staff member
Pig Ears, rawhides and cooked bones are not good for your dog in any shape or form. You might try Bully sticks. They are not too bad and most boxers love them.
 

gmacleod

Elusive Moderator
Staff member
Maisie Lynn said:
Can you explain to me why they are not good?
Well, if you were to do a search of the forums using the terms "rawhide" and pigs ears, you'd find that they're probably THE foremost choking hazzard for dogs. Several people on this site have lost dogs to those things, and many many more have come close.

If that's not reason enough to give them safer things to chew, they also frequently cause obstructions when dogs swallow large pieces. And they're also a leading cause of food poisoning. Last but not least - they're covered in toxic chemicals. The hide/hair has to be removed somehow - but it's not with chemicals that are going to do your dog any good to ingest.

There is more about what is wrong with giving raw hides, or any other bit of bacteria-laden leather to chew on on our FAQ page: www.boxerworld.com/faq

As for cooked bones - those are similarly dangerous. When bones are cooked (and that includes the smoked and sterilised horrors you find in petstores) they become dried out and brittle. They're then liable to splinter, risking perforation of the stomach and intestine. That's where all the horror stories vets have to tell about bones come from. Bones are only safe when they're raw - when they're still moist and pliable, and do not splinter into sharp shards.
 

Boatrider

Boxer Pal
Bully Stick

Bully Sticks are an all natural treat that contains no additives or preservatives. Bully Sticks are a great way to maintain your dog's teeth and gums while satisfying their desire to chew. Do a google on it...
 
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