Many pet owners buy rawhide as a natural alternative to synthetic toys, but these pieces of untanned animal skin are actually a dental hazard.
"I am not a fan of rawhides nor have I spoken to a veterinary dentist that recommends them. They are too hard and can cause severe damage to the teeth, such as fractures or damage to the inside of the tooth," said Romero.
Romero explained that internal tooth damage can be identified by looking for purple discoloration of the tooth.
Ahn added that rawhide can also cause gastrointestinal damage if swallowed.
"The pieces of rawhide can become quite small and may be easily swallowed, leading to potential problems like vomiting and diarrhea," said Ahn.