On August 23, 2008, a large puppy mill breeding facility was discovered deep in the woods of West Virginia. Best Friends Animal Society is on site working with Wood County law enforcement officials, the Humane Society of Parkersburg and the Humane Society of the United States. The organizations have teamed up to rescue the dogs from Whispering Oaks Kennels. Authorities were alerted to the kennel due to complaints that the property owner was creating excessive pollution.

Authorities convinced the kennel’s owner to relinquish all of the dogs and sign a document that bars her from ever owning and operating another breeding facility. Hopefully, further legal action will be taken against the operator of the facility.

“Right now, we are concentrating on removing the newborns, the pregnant mothers, and any dogs who need immediate medical attention,” said Rich Crook, rapid response manager for Best Friends Animal Society. “The dogs, most of them dachshunds, Chihuahuas, poodles and other small breed dogs, were confined sometimes four or five to a cage measuring just two feet by three feet,” Crook said. “Many cages had feces in them. All had poor ventilation. The sheer number of animals was overwhelming, and the odor of urine in 90-plus degree heat was stifling.”

By Saturday evening at least 200 dogs had been removed from the site and transported to an emergency kennel set up by the Humane Society of Parkersburg. This organization is accepting monetary donations to help cover the costs of this emergency rescue effort. In addition, they are in need of clean towels and rolled newspapers.

Whispering Oaks Kennels has been operating for nearly two decades, keeping these empathetic and soulful creatures in squalor and depriving them of socialization and proper care. The kennel bred Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles and Jack Russel Terriers and other small breeds.

Puppy mills are commercial mass breeding operations that keep their dogs in unbearably inhumane conditions and supply pet stores and internet sites with irresponsibly bred puppies for sale to the public. It is estimated that puppy mills produce four million dogs per year, contributing to the massive pet overpopulation problem. The estimated number of euthanized homeless cats and dogs totals around 6 million.

Although many of us consider dogs dear family members, these commercial breeding facilities view our companions as profit making business, turning dogs into baby making machines that never leave their putrid cages or know the loving touch that a human can give.

By continuing to flush out such awful facilities, we give these pooches a chance to start fresh and begin a new life, without sadness, neglect and cruelty. All of the aforementioned organizations, Humane Society of Parkersburg, Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of the United States are working together to get these animals ready for adoption as soon as possible.

Please take a moment to visit these sites and contribute assistance to these precious animals in any way you can. Their new chapter is in our hands.

Bookmark It

All dogs deserve the best, right? We pamper our pooches with spa quality grooming products, holistic diets, alternative medical care and more toys then the dogs know what to do with! In fact, in American, many dogs live lives filled with more luxury then most humans around the world will ever experience!

Now, I am all for spoiling our precious pets, especially when while doing so, we can offer Fido and Fluffy something to improve their overall health.

Satisfying Fluffy’s natural urge to chew can get expensive and confusing. We avoid rawhide because of how dangerous it is. The very popular Greenies are also unhealthy sources of chewing pleasure, indigestible and the cause of a lots of trips to the vet!

Bully Sticks, which dogs love, are great, all natural, digestible and low in fat. They help satisfy chewing urges and keep those toothies clean. But dogs chew through them quickly and at about $9.00 a pop, pet owners need to take on a second job just to keep Fido in dried bull penises! (Yes, thats what Bully Sticks actually are, so while its gross, just remember how much your dog loves them!)

I have two absolutely awesome solutions. The first are Antlerz, which I have written about in the past (click here). The Antlerz are an awesome, extremely long lasting and healthy choice.

But what about other options? I just discovered Canine Cavier Fish Stix. Awesome. These chewy treats are completely natural, with no preservatives, chemicals and made of fish cartilage and skin. They are durable (though not quite as durable as Antlerz) and each one holds up to my dogs chompers for at least a week.

The Canine Caviar is a great way for your dog to get necessary jaw and neck exercise, keep his teeth clean and they are a high quality source of chondroitin. Chondroitin helps maintain the integrity of your dog’s bones and it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Chondroitin also works to prevent destructive enzymes from breaking down joint tissue and in addition it helps to prevent clotting in the arteries!

So what are you waiting for? Every dog deserves some champagne and caviar dreams!

Bookmark It

Hiya! Ella Bean here, and yes, I am dressed like an Angel. Know why? ‘Cause I am!

Ella Bean, Rescue Angel, reporting!

I am hanging out with my new pal Oliver, a Toy Poodle who just joined my aunt Kara’s family. My cousins, Scarlett and Cayenne, also Toy Poodles went with the humans to the Howard County Animal Rescue. Oliver was there, waiting for his forever home. He had been used as a stud for a kennel of some kind, which means he was a daddy to lots of puppies, but he never had any humans to love him.

Oliver, like his namesake in Charles Dicken’s novel, Oliver Twist, has been treated with cruelty and lived a loveless life for the past five years. Like Oliver Twist, our Oliver has remained innocent and kind. He is skittish around people and didn’t know how to use stairs when we got him home. Household noises scare him and he won’t take food from human hands (which I, for one, cannot understand!).

Together with Louis and Oliver’s sisters, Cayenne and Scarlett, we are teaching Oliver how to be a dog. He has learned quickly to sleep on the human’s bed and he is already going up and down stairs.

We are working on potty training, which I know is really hard. It took my Beanie self a really long time and sometimes I still slip. Whoops! We are also teaching Oliver how to accept love and belly rubs. He just doesn’t know about this stuff!

Millions of homeless dogs face euthanasia each year. Though plenty of organizations take in these pooches and do their best to rehabilitate them and find new homes, there simply aren’t enough humans adopting their pets. Adopting a pup really is saving a life. Each of us is an individual with an awesome personality, just waiting to blossom.

Although I know and trust my awesome humans and they have become my family, before them I met some pretty awful humans who hated dogs. From my Beanie perspective, humans are living in a culture of instant gratification. They throw away whomever and whatever doesn’t quite fit in or is an inconvenience. They surrender their canine companions to shelters without much concern as to their future. Like Oliver, I was adopted. You can read my story here.

Louis, my big brother is from a responsible breeder. I know that Louis came to my mommy without any emotional baggage and Oliver and I came with loads…but that doesn’t even guarantee success. Humans surrender their purebred pups as well, even after paying lots of money for them.

Yes, we tend to go potty where you don’t want us too, we vomit and make trouble…but no one will love you like a dog will.

Oliver is already enriching the lives of his family and new friends. I am right by his side, helping him along, telling him that I was also totally scared and didn’t know to trust humans when I first met my family. I was scared of everything and now I am a rambunctious little superstar, with my own column on this awesome website!

Louis, my big brother is also super helpful. Since Oliver and Louis are both guys, Oliver seems to be following his lead, walking with him and doing some playful sniffing and tail wagging.

With all of our love, Louis and I, together with Cayenne, Scarlett and the humans will teach Oliver everything he needs to be spoiled silly, just like us!

Bookmark It

Besides euthanasia, cancer is the number one killer of domestic dogs over the age of two. Statistics suggest 1 out of every 4 dogs will develop cancer. Grim as it is, canine oncology is one of the fastest growing fields in veterinary medicine.

Numerous studies are underway to find new ways of treating the various manifestations of canine cancer. One of the most interesting ramifications of these studies is the discovery that canine cancers are of the same types from which humans suffer, making canine cancer patients the ideal models for research - without the need to use lab animals. Pre-existing canine cancer patients are plentiful. There is no need to induce cancer in animals for research purposes or support any organizations that harm or induce cancer for the sake of ‘research’.

Many foundations exist that sponsor the vital research on treatment that helps to save both human and canine lives. The fabulous project, 2 Dogs 2000 Miles is taking a different approach and conquering cancer from a new perspective.

Inspired by the loss of his beloved companion, Malcolm, Luke Robinson has started a 2,000 mile journey, accompanied by his two great Great Pyrenees, Hudson and Murphy. Dedicated to finding the cause of canine cancer, the walk is generating money that will be used to finance the first ever nationwide epidemiological study on cancer in dogs. Finding the cause provides hope for man and his best friend that there will be a path to prevention and/or more successful and less invasive therapies.

Luke and his dynamic duo started their journey in Austin, Texas and plan to make the trek to Boston. They’ll be stopping along the way for press events and of course, plenty of rest! Luke’s top priority is the health and safety of his dogs and has drawn up thorough contingency plans in addition to traveling with a first aid kit. Luke expects this journey to last about 8 months, more if inclement weather or health issues arise.

The trio are receiving plenty of press in addition to a growing list of corporate sponsors and supporters. They are drawing positive attention to an issue that directly affects humans, helping to raise awareness and funds. The money will go directly to The Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) to be used in this revolutionary study. The ACF works to ensure that those afflicted receive the best possible treatment. They do not fund research that would either harm or induce cancer in dogs. The ACF has two major goals, the first to fund and develop research focused on the biological similarity of cancer in dogs and humans, providing insight and treatments to benefit both; the second goal is to provide information to the scientific community and public regarding the similarity of human and canine cancers, utilizing comparative oncology to provide state of the art treatments, prevention and ultimately, eradication of cancer.

For more information on this great cause, to donate or volunteer, please visit 2 Dogs 2000 Miles. You can also follow Luke, Hudson and Murphy’s journey by visiting their blog.

Good luck to Luke, Hudon and Murphy and wishing them safe travels and success in their courageous and meaningful endeavor!

Bookmark It

My mom always says she tries to copy my attitude. I am totally relaxed.

Wherever I go, thats where I am, whomever I am with, thats who to lick and cuddle. There is no sense getting stressed about things like car rides, baths or the vet…I pretty much just enjoy being me and whatever comes my way, I think its an opportunity to make new friends and play!

Plus, there’s always something new and fun to do!

New places and people to sniff, new places to mark my territory…and really, when I am at a loss for how to occupy myself, I just lick my nether regions for a while and then take a nap.

You humans could really take a cue from me. I believe smiling and tail wagging is the best policy - at all times.

My sister, Ella Bean doesn’t like change. She prefers a schedule - otherwise she gets all nervous and shaky. I always tell her to just chill…theres always more food, treats and people to love.

She claims this to be untrue and she comes from a doggie jail where there wasn’t good eats or lots of lovin’. I tell her, relax! That’s the past! Live in the moment and don’t waste a second enjoying all the great things that have come your way! If your busy shaking in the corner, you just might miss a really good treat.

Slobbers,

LR

Bookmark It

The fact is, all dogs have the potential to bite. Never provoke a dog by sticking your hand in a strange dog’s face or staring them directly in the eyes. Click here for a link on how to avoid being the victim of a dog attack.

Our dog loving culture depicts dogs as loyal and friendly, we know them to be man’s best friend! What happens when the tables turn and movies, media and print showcase the opposite of the friendly pooch we are used to? Here is a list of ten dogs whose fame was due to their anger and ferocity, rather then loyalty and love!

1. Cujo

OK, I know, Cujo is an obvious one. The Stephen King novel turned horror movie featured this friendly St. Bernard who becomes rabid and terrorizes the characters. Clearly, avoiding rabid dogs is a good idea. On a side note - I recently read a great article in The BARK Magazine where the voice actor, Alysia Gray Painter, who did the canine sounds for the movie Cujo explained the difficulty of turning the sweet, lovable St. Bernard actor into a monster. Between the sound effects and makeup - Cujo is still one dog I would not recommend making pals with!

2. Sam - Winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition

The now deceased Chinese Crested, Sam, who won the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California three consecutive times (2003, 2004 and 2005). The pictures speaks volumes. I love dogs, but I know I’d run screaming if I saw this pooch approaching me! In spite of his appearance, Sam was well loved by his owners and his passing at age 15 was a devastating blow to his family. Rest in Peace, Sam!

3. The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is so famous for his unpredictable personality that many homeowners insurance policies won’t even include the breed! Anyone who caught the Chow Chow episode of Groomer Has It! on Animal Planet knows what I am talking about! One of the oldest breeds of dogs, DNA tests confirm that the Chow Chow was developed over 4,000 years ago. Chow Chows are cute and fluffy looking, however, when not properly socialized they can be aggressive. A distinguishing physical feature of the Chow-Chow is his purplish-blue tongue. That said, like any breed, a properly socialized Chow Chow can make a great pet and companion as long as the knowledgeable owner takes his charge seriously.

4. Puffy, the terrier from There’s Something About Mary (after he ate the amphetamine spiked treats)

Owned by Mary’s (Cameron Diaz) neighbor, Magda, Puffy had discriminate taste when it came to men. Both Mary and Magda relied on Puffy’s character judgment when dating. After Matt Dillon’s character fed amphetamines to Puffy, in effort to thwart Ben Stiller’s character’s attempt to woo Mary, the Puff-ster attacked and clamped down onto Stiller’s privates. Yikes. Amphetamines and terriers don’t mix!

5. Devil Dog: The Hound From Hell

This 1975 cult classic horror made-for TV movie about a family who adopts a dog - only to later find out their pooch is possessed by demonic forces…chaos ensues!

6. Trouble Helmsley

Trouble, the 8 year old Maltese, was left a $12 million dollar trust when her owner and companion, Leona M. Helmsley “The Queen of Mean” passed away in 2007. Taking after her notoriously nasty mistress, the uber-wealthy dog is the target of a lawsuit by Zamfira Sfara, 48, a former housekeeper for Mrs. Helmsley, who claims that Trouble caused permanent nerve damage after Ms. Sfara sustained multiple bites from Trouble. Trouble had been the target of multiple accusations for her biting ways! Meanwhile, Trouble’s inheritance has been reduced to $2 Million. I wouldn’t want to be in the same room as the dog when she gets news of her trust reduction!

7. A Pack of Angry Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas have become extremely popular in mainstream culture, however, they aren’t famous for their kindness! In an extremely odd news story that took place in Fremont, California in December 2005, a pack of five chihuahuas attacked a police officer. The officer sustained bites to his ankle, however was able to return to duty later that same day. Ouch. Also of note, Chihuahuas tend to be ‘one person’ dogs and not really like children. My apologies to chihuahuas everywhere. I underestimated you.

8. The War Dog of Brittannia

A now extinct breed of dog, the War Dog of Brittannia is one of the progenitors of the modern dog breed known as the English Mastiff. Used in ancient battles, these dogs outmatched all other war dogs in neighboring regions. Immortalized in paintings and other memorials, these war dogs were intensely loyal to their humans. The modern Mastiff is one of the world’s largest dogs in terms of mass and while calm and affectionate with his humans, he will act protective and guard against any harm. In spite of his threatening appearance and guarding instincts, the breed is known to be gentle, calm and good natured with people he knows.

9. Frank, The Alien Dressed as a Pug in Men in Black

Frank, a pug in the 1997 movie, Men in Black, is actually an extra-terrestrial being in disguise. He is an alien dressed as a dog. Freaky! Frank also appeared in the sequel, Men in Black II. Frank was actually played by a well trained dog named Mushu and Tim Blaney provides the voice. Assuming Frank was real, I think its probably wise to avoid aliens dressed as dogs!

10. Son of Sam Dog

David Berkowitz, also known as Son of Sam told police upon his capture that a black Labrador Retriever, ‘told’ Berkowitz to go on a yearlong murder spree - resulting in 6 dead and 7 wounded. Eventually, Berkowitz would shoot the black Lab, whose name was actually Harvey. Harvey was saved from the shooting by a veterinarian.

In an attempt to plead insanity at his trial, Berkowitz tried to convince the court that demons had told him to kill through the dog, Harvey. The insanity plea was dismissed and David Berkowitz continues to serve his 365 year sentence in prison. I guess running into Harvey is only scary if Berkowitz’s claims were true…

Bookmark It

Over the course of the last year, when I’ve been asked what inspired me to start BLUEBLOOD Luxury Goods for Dogs, I’ve always quickly answered that it was my love for design and of course, my adoration for dogs. However, when I sit and think about what truly drives me to be in the dog business, I realize it’s something far deeper, perhaps less obvious.

I have loved animals since I as far back as I can remember. Growing up, I traveled the world with my parents - From Europe to Asia, North to East Africa, and many countries in between. I spent numerous summers in third world countries where, without fail, I would always find a filthy dog in an alley. Although I was always warned not to touch them, I couldn’t help myself. I was drawn to them, like a fish to water, and found it impossible not to scoop them into my arms.

When I was 11 years old, my loving, yet Obsessive Compulsive Mom finally succumbed to years of pleading and surprised me with my first dog, “Sasha.” She was a gorgeous and regal German Shepard puppy. Mom finally gave in because at the time my father, whom I adored, was dying of cancer. “Happy” is not a strong enough word to describe what it felt like to awaken each morning, my heart beating with excitement. I fell in love with Sasha and at that moment knew that animals had a greater healing power than any medicine or prayer. I knew that a dog could make my pain melt away.

The next dog to come in my life was my yellow Lab, Tubby. Tubby was a birthday surprise purchased by my college boyfriend. Bringing a yellow lab puppy home to his 22-year-old girlfriend, living in an apartment in New York City was not the most prudent decision. Nonetheless, there appeared a scrumptious yellow lab puppy with a big red bow around his neck. His mouth moved faster than the speed of light and it was all I could do to cuddle up to him without his razor sharp teeth tearing into my face. He immediately gained an appreciation for shoes - the higher the price tag, the tastier they became. Tubby also loved books, clothing, umbrellas, all home decorative objects and even a Braun cappuccino maker. This of course is not an unusual Labrador story, but is certainly an extreme one. Tubby lived up to his name at one point when he reached a mind-blowing, 115 pounds. He attained his heavy weight title after moving in with my mom and my gourmet cook, step-father, who loved feeding him eggs and duck fat each morning.

As much as I loved Tubby, it took many years before I felt “ready” for another dog. Two and a half years ago, my husband and I finally received the “go ahead” from our landlord in San Francisco. He had not allowed previous tenants to have a dog in his beautiful Victorian building, but after knowing us for several years, he made an exception. I had wanted a Basset Hound for many years and always loved their expressive faces and adorably strange bodies. They also seemed incredibly lazy which probably attracted me to the breed more than anything. In February of 2006, we found Gretel, who turned my life upside down. Gretel and I bonded immediately when I climbed in the back seat to comfort her on our 2 1/2 hour drive home from Placerville to San Francisco. She instantly knew I was her mommy and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Within weeks everyone in my Pacific Heights neighborhood knew Gretel. I made tons of new friends and best of all, I met Tina, my business partner at our local dog park. Tina came to the park with her Schnauzer, Salty, as often as I came with Gretel. We instantly bonded as we played with our dogs and discussed our personal lives, careers and interests. Here, I thought, was a girl with equal dedication and adoration for her dog as I had for mine. At the time I was struggling as a free-lance graphic artist, always fulfilled with the work but rarely compensated for it. After years of finding my way as an interior and graphic designer, Tina asked if I’d ever considered designing for dogs. I thought the idea was perfect and if there is such a thing as “serendipity” this was it.

This month is exactly one year since we launched our business, which is thriving and growing each week. We are enjoying and every moment of our journey and are amazed with its rapid success. What I have found most rewarding and remarkable is the incredible international interest and response we have received. Each week we hear from a different country- Switzerland, Holland, Portugal -places I would have never thought would have any interest in spending money on their dogs. I knew the dog business was pretty massive in the U.S, but never imagined the rate at which it is grows around the world.

It is so fitting and beautiful that all the significant experiences of my life are somehow tying together. My love for travel, different cultures, all areas of design and yes, dogs. The reality is that dogs bring love and happiness to all people. People of every race, ethnicity, economic bracket or religion share in the deeply bonded relationship between human and canine. This bond is so profound because dogs are creatures who practice unconditional love, who live their lives as we humans should aspire to live ours. They are the essence of love.

_______________________________

Author and co-owner of BLUEBLOOD Luxury Goods for Dogs, Alexis Moran lives in San Francisco with her beloved Bassett Hound, Gretel, along with her business partner, Tina Pao. Moran is a graduate of Columbia University and Sotheby’s New York. In addition to designing and running BLUEBLOOD with Pao, Moran is a talented writer and interior designer. Previously, she was featured in an interview with Cup of Dog, regarding her experience in the ever growing canine industry. Special thanks to Alexis for her wonderful contribution to Cup of Dog!

Bookmark It

Now officially a member of the jet set, I am super psyched for my next vacay. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, traveling from Miami to Washington D.C. then to New Jersey and back to D.C. again before flying home to Daddy in Miami.

While away, I got the total pampering package, including my very first professional grooming. I totally loved the attention and the shampoo/massage part was amazing. That lady really worked out my stress knots. Its hard being a Bean, you know. The only bad part was that my ‘do was shorn a little too short, but every gal has to deal with growing in hair at some point…Other then that, I looked amazing and felt totally relaxed! The dining was nothing but gourmet, so Louis and I worked those calories off during some leisurely, scenic jogs.

Along the way, I was asked so many times, what kind of dog I am. Well, dammit, I am a Bean Dog. I may not have a pedigree, but I can pee on a tree as well as any other bitch out there!

Not knowing who my biological parents are is usually of little concern to me - however everyone demands to know! After some time, the questions did begin to wear on me. Who am I? Where am I from? Who were my parents and where are they now?

When my female human found me, I was in a dog jail with cages stacked to the ceiling and echoing hallways full of loud noises and the barks of strange dogs…I was really quite ill, so I don’t remember much before then.

After much discussion with Louis, who does know his biological parents (They are from a special farm dedicated to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Louis knows this is a sensitive topic for me, so he is careful never to rub his lineage in my nose), I came to realize that all that truly matters is the family I have now! This may sound totally cheesy, which I know isn’t very Bean-like, but I adore all of my humans and my big brother Louis. My Uncle Sammi, the Maltese is a little grumpy, but he let me sleep on him and play with his toys!

I realized who I am isn’t defined by where I came from, its about who I am today - and what I’ll eat tomorrow! Life isn’t always easy, sometimes pups are put in jail for no reason, but by being the best Bean I can be, I know that tummy rubs and ear scratches are in my future.

One final thought. My uber-fabulous friend, Gidget Gormley, whom I interviewed after her breakout role in Sex and the City, has stayed in touch with me and her movie-star fabulousness is only made more fab by the fact that my dear pal Gidget gives back. Gidget is super involved with Tails of Hope Foundation and her own charity, Friends of Snuffy, helping to lend a paw to the pups out there in need. Gidget was also kind enough to feature me in today’s post on her own blog.

With friends, humans and canine family like the ones I’ve got, I know its time to stop pondering the unanswerable questions of my past, the only thing that matters is that whoever my parents were, they gave me great looks! Oh and even more important then that is whatever Louis and I are eating for dinner.

Did I hear someone say duck???

Kisses,

Ella Bean

P.S. Please look at Gidget’s charities and if there is anything you can do to help, please try. There are so many pooches out there that don’t get to eat duck for dinner and really, we all do deserve it.

Bookmark It

This month, the newly launched WebVet unveiled itself online, touting itself as an interactive pet platform where pet owners can do ’symptom searches,’ read articles written about common pet ailments by veterinarians and get pet related news.

Like the human version, WebMD, WebVet does not directly provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but for those pet owners who tend to sit around Googling symptoms on their laptops, the site provides a nice comprehensive look at issues that affect pets and their owners.

The site addresses the “whole pet” and there are articles that give information on holistic care as well as conventional treatments, tips for living with you pet to ensure Fluffy has a carefree existance.

In order to ensure accuracy, WebVet has formed the WebVet Veterinary Advisory Council (WVAC), who ensures that quality and accuracy of the content. The board of reviewers are veterinarians and veterinary technicians who must review, at a minimum of once annually, all content featuring medical advice and information. After the content is approved, the article will include the WebVet Seal of Approval.

It is important to note that some of the council members are from Pfizer Animal Health, manufacturers of animal pharmaceuticals, such as the controversial weight loss drug Slentrol. Since the content managers are not unbiased, and some stand to see a profit (or loss) based on the information provided on the site, it is important to continue to work with a holistic vet that you trust for your pet’s health.

While a site like WebVet can provide a nice overview of animal health, it is still vital to find unbiased sources of information, not tainted by pharmaceutical corporations who make their fortune via unsuspecting pet owners! The WebVet Veterinary Advisory Council (WVAC) is not an official government approved council, rather an board of members selected by the sites founders to lend authenticity to their site.

Still, the site has some good, informative and useful articles and unlike many other pet sites, WebVet addresses health issues in cats, birds and small companion animals (i.e. hamsters, rabbits, ferrets and more).

Image sources: Bark Street Journal, Veterinary Advisory Council Approved

Bookmark It

Rawhide, that chewy treat available in almost all pet stores (and some grocery stores, I have noticed) is a hotly debated dog treat, one of the most common treats in the pet industry. Is it safe? What are the issues? Let’s explore.

How Rawhide is Made

Rawhide is the dried out raw hide of an animal. Rawhide chews are usually made from bulls, pigs, cows and sometimes horses. The hides are obtained from slaughterhouses, as they are a by-product, un-edible for humans. The hide is scraped of all meat, hair and fat. Originally, Native Americans used rawhide as a material in cabin and boat construction because of its extreme durability.

Modern tanneries use a bandsaw to scrape the flesh side of the hide clean. Traditional methods of removing the hair side involve hand scraping. This is timely, so modern methods resort to caustic Lye soaking of the hide for a few days. In order to remove all traces of the poisonous lye, the rawhide is then usually cleaned in a bleach solution. Yummy.

After the bleaching, the rawhide is shaped into a stick, bone or some other silly shape and then either dried or sent for smoking and/ or adding other articial flavors or colors to further entice your pup. The more time your pooch spends chewing on his rawhide treats, the greater the exposure to the host of chemicals that are used in the manufacture of rawhide.

If That Info Wasn’t Gross Enough…

Note that processed rawhide shrinks when dried. When your unsuspecting pooch chews on the rawhide ‘treat’, wetting it once more, the rawhide expands. As Fido breaks off and swallows the pieces, his gastric juices are unable to break the product down, it can continue to expand, causing tummy upset or worse. Remember - rawhide is so strong it was once used as a construction material!

Even still, it’s often marketed as ‘all natural.’ Please think twice before offering this treat to your pets. There are plenty of other options to satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew!

Chewing relieves aches and pains for teething puppies and adults use chewing as a natural anxiety reliever and satisfying activity to pass the time. Chewing proper, healthy objects also promotes clean teeth, healthy gums and strong neck and jaw muscles - all crucial to your dog’s overall health and vitality.

Safe, Healthy Alternatives

If you are looking for a healthy chew for Fido, there are plenty. Options include organic raw bones (supervise while chewing), bully sticks, muscle chews and the popular classic Kong toys, can be filled with peanut butter or another healthy satisfying treat to engage a dog’s chewing instincts. Research on the topic will turn up plenty more healthy, safe chewing options as well!

Image Sources: rawhide chew, pig skinning, raw bone

Bookmark It