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My 5-month puppy swallowed rawhide. Should I be worried? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 30 lbs

My 5 month puppy swallowed part of a rawhide bone. Half of it was soft and chewed up but still worried

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 26th, 2019

Hello, at his point, I would not be too concerned. Most times, the rawhide will continue to be digested. If Jack does not have much of an appetite tomorrow morning, just try feeding him a little later in the day. If, however, he starts vomiting, refuses all food, gulps water & vomits afterwards, or seems painful or bloated, then get him to your vet quickly. I have never liked giving any kind of rawhide to pets. Give him more appropriate items to chew such as Nylabones & Kong toys where you can hide food, & just about anything else that a dog can gnaw on without the possibility of breaking off & swallowing whole pieces. This also includes avoiding any kinds of real bones, pigs ears & hooves which can fracture teeth or splinter off leaving sharp edges. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 31st, 2018
Poor little Maggie. My guess would be that the rawhide was irritating to her intestinal track, although it could theoretically be something related to the water if it's not supposed to be used for drinking. The rawhide is much much more likely though. I would recommend taking her to the vet today if possible, just to get her gut settled down and make sure she doesn't have intestinal parasites or something else that was making her gut less stable to begin with. If you can't go to the vet today, monitor for decreased energy or appetite and go in if you see those, or if the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours. It's easy for young pups to get dangerously dehydrated, so err on the side of going sooner than later.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 29th, 2016
It is likely that the rawhide is what has made her sick, as they are not easily digested and can cause obstructions in the GI tract. Given that she is eating, drinking, playing, and pooping normally, I wouldn't be too concerned just yet, but I would recommend keeping an eye on her. It's good she hasn't thrown up in the last few hours, but should she start vomiting again, or becomes lethargic, anorexic, or experiences a change in her bowel movements, I would then become concerned and I would take her into the vet for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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