According to veterinarians and pet supply experts Dr. Rory Foster and Dr. Marty Smith, bones such as rawhide can improve a dog's dental health and eliminate undesirable chewing habits. Chewing on bones removes tartar and plaque from a dog's teeth, leading to healthier gums and fresher breath. In addition, dogs have an innate desire to chew and bones can prevent them from gnawing on valuable household items and clothing.

On the Other: On the Other: Toxic and Digestive Danger

Oglala Lakota, a rawhide maker for over 30 years, asserts that the process to make rawhide should detract people from giving it to their dogs. Rawhide makers soak the product continuously in a corrosive lime solution to remove all of the animal hair. In addition, rawhide is tough and can be hard to digest. When a dog's saliva mixes with rawhide, it can cause it to swell in the dog's stomach, leading to gastrointestinal problems or possibly death.

Bottom Line

Oglala Lakota's extensive experience in making rawhide shows that it can be toxic and dangerous to dogs. Although Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith extol the benefits of rawhide bones, they do recognize the danger and recommend supervision to lessen the chances of choking and intestinal obstruction in dogs.

Source:

Doctors Foster and Smith: Bone FAQs

Great Dane Angel Network: A lurking danger to your pets (From Raw Hides to Rawhide Treats)