rawhide

Question
I already read some of your answers concerning this, but I still am concerned. We have a 9 week old Wheaton Terrier. Today he was chewing on a rawhide piece about 2" square. Now I know better, but, he chewed on it for a couple hours till it was very soft. Next thing I go to pick it up and throw it away and it is gone! He swallowed it, whole, all soft and chewy. He is not choking or anything, but I am worried about whether it will break down or will it lodge in his intestines? What do I do? I had him to the vet last week for eating lawn mushrooms that I found out were poisonous! He is trouble, but I am very worried! Please help!

Answer
Rawhide is one of the most dangerous dog chews there is.  Once swallowed, it swells from the moisture and can cause blockages.  For now, discard any more rawhide you have.  Watch him carefully the next few days.  He may throw it up or pass it OK.  If he shows signs of repeated vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, get him to the vet.  

My vet tells of repairing dogs throats that gulped the sharp cornered squares down dry.  The highly experienced dog guide school we started raising puppies for in 1991, was forbidding rawhide then.  They have added pigs ears and some more stuff now.  

The pet stores are full of toys that many dogs will quickly chew up into pieces they could choke on or cause intestinal blockages. If you are not there to watch, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs. Keep a close eye on chew toys and quickly discard anything that is coming apart in pieces. Rawhide is especially bad because it swells after being swallowed. I don't trust any of the consumable chews. The dogs just gnaw them down to a dangerous size too quickly. These problems are the worst with, but not limited to, large, aggressive chewers such as Labs.

Ropes from the pets' store quickly turn to hazardous shreds. Ones I made lasted much better. Go to a hardware or home center that sells rope by the foot. Buy 2' of 3/4" poly rope. Melt the ends, and tie knots in it. Get them as tight as possible, put it in a vise and pound it with a hammer. Watch carefully, and be ready to discard when it comes apart.