Top 40 How To Soften Rawhide Bones For Dogs The 74 Detailed Answer

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If your dog isn’t used to chewing on bones it is best to soften the bone through boiling. Also boiled bones are great for puppies to get them accustomed to chewing on bones.How long does it take a dog to digest a rawhide? Rawhide doesn’t appear to break down completely in a dog’s digestive tract. But pieces may pass in less than 24 hours or — if problems arise in the digestive tract — it may take days.Rawhides are meant to be long-lasting chews that break down into tiny, soft pieces over time.

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How long does it take to soften rawhide?

How long does it take a dog to digest a rawhide? Rawhide doesn’t appear to break down completely in a dog’s digestive tract. But pieces may pass in less than 24 hours or — if problems arise in the digestive tract — it may take days.

Does rawhide get soft?

Rawhides are meant to be long-lasting chews that break down into tiny, soft pieces over time.

How long can you soak rawhide?

You can always soak it in a clean bin for a period of 24 hours to achieve the same results. Rinse the skin in a large body of water overnight. Once the rinsing process is complete the next stage is to stretch the hide & dry it out.

How do you flatten rawhide?

(Even bringing it out of the house for several hours, then returning it can subject it to humidity changes.) The only good partial solution to keep rawhide fairly flat is to physically wrestle with it and try to bend it over the knee, etc., in the areas that are warped the worst in an effort to get it somewhat flat.

How do you shrink rawhides?

Anything made from rawhide will shrink as it dries. Rawhide lacing on snowshoes is a great example of this effect. Laced while wet and left to dry, the rawhide lacing shrinks length-wise further tightening each strand and augmenting the structural strength of the snowshoe!

Why does my dog pant after eating rawhide?

With each grind of their back teeth their bodies absorbed the minerals locked inside the bone and their teeth were naturally cleaned by the grinding action. After about an hour they lifted their heads, panting from the exhaustive physical and mental effort it takes to eat a raw bone, and rested contently.

Is rawhide really bad for dogs?

Rawhide is bad for dogs for a number of reasons. Topping the list of risks associated with rawhide are: contamination, digestive distress, choking hazard, and intestinal blockage. These concerns are so big, that the Humane Society and ASPCA both discourage the consumption of rawhide for pets.

Can I give my dog rawhide everyday?

Rawhide bones and other edible chews can pose a choking and blockage risk. In fact, this is a much bigger risk than contamination or digestive irritation. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract.

How do you soften a dog’s chew?

Pet parents have softened hard dental treats by steaming them. You can wrap them in a damp rag or paper towel and warm them on low heat in the microwave. You can also just try wrapping them in a hot rag or towel and then test whether they’re ready by bending them and checking how hot it is to the to…more.

Can you over soak rawhide?

Don’t Soak rawhide for too long you will break down the fibers. soak it until it just starts to get pliable and then the best thing too do is place it in a plastic garbage bag and put it in the refrigerator for about 12-24 hours before you work it.

Does rawhide dissolve in the stomach?

No, rawhide does not dissolve in the dog’s stomach. In fact, the opposite is true — the rawhide swells up. Far from being broken down, rawhide forces your dog to pass the pieces they swallow, making for a risk of bowel blockage.

Can you over soak rawhide?

How do you soften a dog’s chew?

How to make Rawhide

Throw Your Dog a Bone – Literally! – The Dog Knowledge

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Throw Your Dog a Bone — Literally!

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Help! My Dog Swallowed a Rawhide! What Do I Do? Updating Dogs who swallow rawhides may experience life-threatening complications. We explain what you’ll need to do and the symptoms to watch for here.
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What to Do If Your Dog Swallows a Rawhide

Signs of Trouble Things That Warrant an Immediate Trip to the Vet

Consider Rawhide Alternatives in the Future

Use Caution With Rawhides and Stay Safe

Dog Swallowed a Rawhide FAQs

Help! My Dog Swallowed a Rawhide! What Do I Do?

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Your Dog’s Chewing Style

Rawhide Ingredients

Rawhide Digestibility

Are Rawhide Chews Dangerous for Dogs? – American Kennel Club

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Summary of article content: Articles about How to Soften Rawhide Bones for Dogs – [Answered] To soften a rawhe bone, simply soak it in water for 30 minutes. You can then dry it off and give it to your pup. They’ll love the taste, and it will be easier … …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Soften Rawhide Bones for Dogs – [Answered] To soften a rawhe bone, simply soak it in water for 30 minutes. You can then dry it off and give it to your pup. They’ll love the taste, and it will be easier … This will render it effortless for them to chew and digest. So, you may ask, how to soften Rawhide bones for dogs?
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Why Do Dogs Chew Rawhide Bones

How to Soften Rawhide Bones for Dogs

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Are Rawhides Safe For My Dog

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Help! My Dog Swallowed a Rawhide! What Do I Do?

As pup parents, we’ve all been there: Your pup’s sitting on the floor nomming away on his favorite rawhide and then poof — down the hatch it goes. The panic is instantaneous, even if your doggo seems perfectly content with his forbidden gulp.

But your worry is warranted, as a swallowed rawhide can be a very big problem. Not only can it lead to obvious dangers, like choking, but it can also lead to some hidden trouble in your pup’s stomach.

Below, we’ll discuss what to do if your dog swallows a rawhide and how you can avoid future issues.

My Dog Swallowed a Rawhide: Key Takeaways

Dogs who swallow rawhides may be at risk of life-threatening complications. Some dogs will pass swallowed bits of rawhide, but others may choke or suffer from intestinal blockages, which are veterinary emergencies.

Some dogs will pass swallowed bits of rawhide, but others may choke or suffer from intestinal blockages, which are veterinary emergencies. Though you needn’t panic if your dog swallows a rawhide, you should spring into immediate action. Start by ensuring your dog isn’t choking, take away any remaining bits of rawhide, and then call your vet.

Start by ensuring your dog isn’t choking, take away any remaining bits of rawhide, and then call your vet. Rawhides aren’t particularly digestible, so owners are wise to offer them cautiously. Fortunately, there are several other, safer rawhide alternatives on the market, which present fewer risks.

All Your Rawhide Questions Answered Below! We’re primarily focusing on what pet parents should do in the case of a swallowed rawhide in this article. But we also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these chews at the end. Just scroll down to the FAQ section to find out whether rawhides are digestible, if they can kill your dog, and the answers to other common rawhide questions.

What to Do If Your Dog Swallows a Rawhide

First thing’s first: As scary as a swallowed rawhide can be, you don’t want to panic. While swallowing a rawhide can lead to serious trouble, it doesn’t always spell disaster.

You want to follow a few key steps to make sure everything is A-OK, however, including:

Check your pup’s mouth and airway. Examine your dog’s mouth to ensure the rawhide isn’t wedged in his throat or mouth. Sometimes, your pup will “cheek” a goodie he doesn’t want to share, be sure to thoroughly check out his entire mouth. This includes pulling your dog’s tongue forward so you can visualize his throat.

Examine your dog’s mouth to ensure the rawhide isn’t wedged in his throat or mouth. Sometimes, your pup will “cheek” a goodie he doesn’t want to share, be sure to thoroughly check out his entire mouth. This includes pulling your dog’s tongue forward so you can visualize his throat. Remove debris and perform the doggie Heimlich if need be . If you can see the rawhide, try to remove it with your fingers (while being careful not to push it further in or suffer a bite at the hands of your panicking pupper). If it’s still stuck, switch to the canine Heimlich maneuver by going behind your dog, wrapping your hands around his abdomen, and squeezing your clasped hands just below his rib cage, as you would if a human were choking. The pressure may help expel the lodged item.

. If you can see the rawhide, try to remove it with your fingers (while being careful not to push it further in or suffer a bite at the hands of your panicking pupper). If it’s still stuck, switch to the canine Heimlich maneuver by going behind your dog, wrapping your hands around his abdomen, and squeezing your clasped hands just below his rib cage, as you would if a human were choking. The pressure may help expel the lodged item. Clean up the area. Always remove any uneaten rawhide pieces to prevent further consumption. You don’t want to compound the issue by allowing him to add more rawhide to his stomach.

Always remove any uneaten rawhide pieces to prevent further consumption. You don’t want to compound the issue by allowing him to add more rawhide to his stomach. Call your vet. It’s best to check with your vet if your dog swallowed a large piece of rawhide, especially if he has any preexisting conditions, like digestive issues. He or she can advise whether to monitor your pup at home or to bring him in for an immediate exam. This is important, as even small bits of swallowed rawhide can lead to trouble in some dogs.

It’s best to check with your vet if your dog swallowed a large piece of rawhide, especially if he has any preexisting conditions, like digestive issues. He or she can advise whether to monitor your pup at home or to bring him in for an immediate exam. This is important, as even small bits of swallowed rawhide can lead to trouble in some dogs. Monitor your mutt. If your vet recommends a “wait and see” approach, keep an eye on your pup and make sure he’s acting normally. There shouldn’t be any noticeable changes in his eating, drinking, or potty habits.

If your vet recommends a “wait and see” approach, keep an eye on your pup and make sure he’s acting normally. There shouldn’t be any noticeable changes in his eating, drinking, or potty habits. Be ready for complications. If you notice a change in your dog’s eating, drinking, behavior, or bathroom routine, it’s time to head into the vet or emergency clinic.

If you notice a change in your dog’s eating, drinking, behavior, or bathroom routine, it’s time to head into the vet or emergency clinic. Stay on potty watch for the next several days. This isn’t the most pleasant activity, but you need to ensure your dog expels the rawhide safely. Your pup may pass the rawhide in small bits mixed in with his regular stool that you barely notice, or he might defecate large, twisted pieces that can be painful. If you notice any blood in his feces and around his behind, or strange colors in his poop, give your vet a call.

On the flip side, if your dog seems constipated and isn’t pooping, you also need to call your veterinarian right away. Constipation can be a sign of bowel obstruction.

Signs of Trouble: Things That Warrant an Immediate Trip to the Vet

Unfortunately, not every swallowing oops goes smoothly, and sometimes, your dog may run into trouble. If you notice any of the following, your dog must be seen as soon as possible by a veterinarian:

Stuck rawhide : If you can’t dislodge a rawhide in your pup’s throat with your fingers or the doggy Heimlich, get him to the vet immediately. The stuck rawhide may cover his windpipe, which is obviously a medical emergency.

: If you can’t dislodge a rawhide in your pup’s throat with your fingers or the doggy Heimlich, get him to the vet immediately. The stuck rawhide may cover his windpipe, which is obviously a medical emergency. Breathing difficulties : Breathing trouble can also indicate that your dog is choking or experiencing pain — particularly if he’s taking quick, shallow breaths. Also, if your pooch still appears to be struggling to breathe after removing a trapped rawhide, he may have a piece wedged deeper in the esophagus.

: Breathing trouble can also indicate that your dog is choking or experiencing pain — particularly if he’s taking quick, shallow breaths. Also, if your pooch still appears to be struggling to breathe after removing a trapped rawhide, he may have a piece wedged deeper in the esophagus. Repeated vomiting : If your pooch is repeatedly retching or vomiting after swallowing his rawhide, take him to an emergency clinic ASAP. There’s a chance that the rawhide is lodged in his digestive tract.

: If your pooch is repeatedly retching or vomiting after swallowing his rawhide, take him to an emergency clinic ASAP. There’s a chance that the rawhide is lodged in his digestive tract. Inability to poop / straining : Tenesmus — unproductive straining — can indicate a bowel obstruction. Rawhide has a nasty habit of absorbing fluid in the stomach, which can make it hard to pass.

: Tenesmus — unproductive straining — can indicate a bowel obstruction. Rawhide has a nasty habit of absorbing fluid in the stomach, which can make it hard to pass. Poop problems : If your dog is trying to pass a chunk of rawhide that seems to be stuck in his rectum, never attempt to remove it yourself. This can cause serious injury, especially if the object is twisted or features a sharp edge. In cases like this, he should be seen by a vet immediately.

: If your dog is trying to pass a chunk of rawhide that seems to be stuck in his rectum, never attempt to remove it yourself. This can cause serious injury, especially if the object is twisted or features a sharp edge. In cases like this, he should be seen by a vet immediately. The production of runny or watery stools : Conversely, loose or runny stools can also be a sign of a bowel obstruction or some other intestinal issue, as his body struggles to pass it, and only the liquid portion can get around the obstruction.

: Conversely, loose or runny stools can also be a sign of a bowel obstruction or some other intestinal issue, as his body struggles to pass it, and only the liquid portion can get around the obstruction. Extreme lethargy: Your dog’s behavior is a window into how he’s feeling, and if he seems hesitant to do much of anything, there could be a serious problem. Just compare his behavior against his baseline; if your husky is normally bouncing off the walls, but he suddenly seems strangely inactive, get your vet on the horn.

Your dog’s behavior is a window into how he’s feeling, and if he seems hesitant to do much of anything, there could be a serious problem. Just compare his behavior against his baseline; if your husky is normally bouncing off the walls, but he suddenly seems strangely inactive, get your vet on the horn. Signs of panic : Extreme pacing, excessive drooling, and heavy panting are just some of the ways that your dog shows distress. In this case, it may indicate a blockage, which will often cause him to freak out pretty thoroughly.

: Extreme pacing, excessive drooling, and heavy panting are just some of the ways that your dog shows distress. In this case, it may indicate a blockage, which will often cause him to freak out pretty thoroughly. Signs of pain: Whining, walking with a hunch posture, and refusal to settle are all indicators that your pup is in pain, likely brought on by internal injuries or blocked plumbing.

Treatment for a swallowed rawhide will vary by case, though bowel obstructions almost always result in complicated veterinary procedures.

Typically, your vet will first perform a physical exam and an x-ray or ultrasound to confirm the rawhide’s location. Small pieces may pass without intervention, but large pieces may cause more damage (and necessitate more invasive treatment) the farther it passes through the intestines.

Consider Rawhide Alternatives in the Future

Unfortunately, accidents happen, but with a few tweaks to your pup’s treat arsenal, he might still be able to enjoy all the fun of a chew without as much of a risk.

Just check with your vet first, especially if he’s required surgery for a prior swallowing adventure, and always monitor him when he has a chew.

With all that in mind, you need to look at what your dog is chewing to avoid these kinds of issues in the future.

Rawhides are a touchy subject with pup parents, and with good reason, as these dried and rolled beef hides aren’t the safest option out there (although some brands of rawhides are certainly better than others).

Like all chews, they have an inherent risk of choking, but they also expand when wet, upping your pooch’s risk of a bowel obstruction if swallowed.

This is worsened as he drinks water, trying instinctively to flush it from his system. Because of this, many owners opt to skip rawhides entirely, opting for other dog chews options.

Your dog can chew a little safer with rawhide alternatives, including:

Collagen chews : Made with beef collagen, these chews are easily broken down by your dog’s stomach, greatly reducing his risk of obstruction. They come in a variety of cuts, too, like chips and rolls, which makes them ideal for keeping variety in your pup’s chewing routine.

: Made with beef collagen, these chews are easily broken down by your dog’s stomach, greatly reducing his risk of obstruction. They come in a variety of cuts, too, like chips and rolls, which makes them ideal for keeping variety in your pup’s chewing routine. Bully sticks : Like collagen chews, bully sticks are easier for your dog’s body to break down, as they’re a natural material: penis. Bull or pig penis, to be exact. They’re typically uniform in size, though you can find some braided bully sticks if your dog needs something a bit thicker.

: Like collagen chews, bully sticks are easier for your dog’s body to break down, as they’re a natural material: penis. Bull or pig penis, to be exact. They’re typically uniform in size, though you can find some braided bully sticks if your dog needs something a bit thicker. Yak cheese: A newer product on the scene, yak cheese is yak’s milk that’s hardened into a chewable stick and sometimes flavored with smoke. Yak cheese is easily digested and lacks sharp edges that can cause stomach and potty issues.

Use Caution With Rawhides and Stay Safe

Sometimes you have to make a decision for your dog’s own safety, such as eliminating traditional chews altogether. This is critical if your dog is a repeat swallowing offender.

There are, however, a few workarounds that your dog can still enjoy, like:

Homemade Pupsicles : Frozen treats have a little more oomph to them than regular cookies.

: Frozen treats have a little more oomph to them than regular cookies. Dog Jerky : Like pupsicles, jerky requires more chewing than a traditional cookie treat.

: Like pupsicles, jerky requires more chewing than a traditional cookie treat. DIY Dog Chewy Treats: These are a bit of Frankenstein’s monster with their fruit leather look, but these are a homemade, digestible goodie that your pooch can get some chews out of.

Dog Swallowed a Rawhide: FAQs

Owners are often understandably upset when confronted with a dog who has swallowed a rawhide, and they often have a number of questions that pop up. We’ll try to help below, by answering some of the most common questions about rawhides and dogs who’ve eaten them.

What happens if a dog swallows a rawhide? A lot of different things can happen when a dog swallows a rawhide. In a best-case scenario, your dog will simply pass the rawhide within a few days; in a worst-case scenario, the rawhide could cause him to choke or lead to a life-threatening intestinal blockage that necessitates emergency veterinary attention. What is rawhide made of? Rawhides are exactly what they sound like: raw pieces of animal skin or hide. In other words, they’re pieces of (usually) cow skin that haven’t been subjected to the tanning process. Does a rawhide break down in a dog’s body? According to the data available (which examined rawhide digestibility in vitro, or inside test tubes filled with simulated digestive fluids), rawhide breaks down a tiny bit in a dog’s stomach, and then it breaks down a little bit more in a dog’s small intestine. But — in the best-case scenario — the rawhide only broke down 41.6% (and this took 18 hours), which means that the majority of the rawhide remains undigested. What do I do if my dog ate a rawhide? First, you’ll want to take away any remaining rawhide bits to prevent things from getting worse, and then make sure that there are no pieces stuck in your dog’s mouth or throat. From there, you’ll want to call your vet, monitor your pooch, and seek immediate veterinary care if instructed to do so or you notice your dog exhibiting any troubling symptoms. How long does it take a dog to digest a rawhide? Rawhide doesn’t appear to break down completely in a dog’s digestive tract. But pieces may pass in less than 24 hours or — if problems arise in the digestive tract — it may take days. In some cases, it may not pass at all, which will represent a veterinary emergency. Are rawhides safe for dogs? “Safe” is a relative term, and all owners will have to make the best decisions they can on behalf of their pets. That said, rawhides do present some legitimate dangers, and there are several other, safer options on the market. Can a rawhide kill my dog? Yes. Bad outcomes certainly aren’t guaranteed, and many owners give their dogs rawhides on a regular basis without experiencing any problems. But, in a worst-case scenario, your dog may choke on a rawhide, fall ill from exposure to bacteria or dangerous chemicals used in the processing, or suffer an intestinal obstruction. Are there any alternatives to rawhides for dogs? You betcha! Bully sticks, collagen chews, and yak cheese all appear to be safer than rawhides to varying degrees. Check out our complete guide to long-lasting chews to learn more.

***

Has your dog ever had a run-in with rawhide? Do you use any awesome rawhide alternatives? Let us know in the comments.

Are Rawhide Chews Dangerous for Dogs? – American Kennel Club

When it comes to choosing the right dog chews, the options are seemingly limitless. You’ve likely heard that rawhide chews are particularly bad for dogs, filled with awful chemicals and waiting to be lodged into your pup’s intestine. But is this really the case? Are rawhide chews safe for dogs, or are they delicious death traps? Many dogs love rawhides. They are great long-lasting chews that keep puppies and dogs busy, are a tasty snack, and even help clean teeth and promote oral health. The short answer to their safety however, is “it depends.” The safety of any rawhide depends on several factors.

Your Dog’s Chewing Style

It should be no secret that every dog is different. The safest treats and toys are highly dependent on your dog’s individual chewing style. For example, a Chihuahua is likely to be a much softer chewer than a Rottweiler. The age of the dog plays a role, as well, because most young puppies and senior dogs have softer mouths than their adult counterparts. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that your own dog’s chewing style will change over time, and the treats considered safe for your dog will vary alongside those changes.

Rawhides are meant to be long-lasting chews that break down into tiny, soft pieces over time. However, strong chewers are typically able to break off large chunks that can pose a major choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage, and both are life-threatening events. You can help prevent this from happening by offering an appropriately sized rawhide, but it’s best to avoid them if your dog is a very heavy chewer. For dogs that are soft chewers, rawhides are generally considered to be safe treats because these dogs don’t break them down into chunks.

Rawhide Ingredients

In recent years, many dog owners have become concerned about the ingredients in their dogs’ food and treats. You may have even noticed that many rawhide chew manufacturers are promoting their “natural, digestible chews.” Does that mean that rawhide chews are not all one and the same? That’s exactly what it means. Rawhide chews are made from dried animal skins, which seems natural enough. What’s important to consider, however, is where these rawhide chews are made. Rawhides made in the United States are few and far between, and much pricier than your average chew, but the benefits are well worth the cost.

Rawhide chews are made from the leather industry’s leftovers. Most hides are taken directly from the kill floors at slaughterhouses and placed into high-salt brines, which helps slow their decay. Most rawhide chews are manufactured in China, and it can take weeks to months before these brined hides actually make it to the tanneries for their final manufacture. Once the hide arrives at a tannery, it is soaked and treated with lime to help separate the fat from the skin, the hair is removed by chemical and physical efforts, and the hide is rinsed again. Unfortunately, the salt brines cannot prevent decay, no matter how long they delay it. It is best to fully rinse a rawhide in water prior to giving it to your dog.

Rawhide Digestibility

Rawhide digestibility can vary from dog to dog and from chew to chew. Generally speaking, rawhides are not easily digested, which is why large chunks broken off and swallowed pose such high obstruction risks. Any pieces your pup breaks off will have to pass through his digestive system in chunks, since they will not be broken down as well as the rest of his food.

It is best to manually remove the chewed up rawhide before the dog ingests it, as it can not only potentially cause an esophageal or intestinal obstruction, but it can last for months in his stomach, causing gastrointestinal issues.

That said, dogs that truly take their time chewing on rawhides and do not swallow large pieces should have no digestive problems with the treats. Some manufacturers even make rawhide chews out of more digestible ingredients, and although they do not always last as long, they are excellent alternatives for dogs that might have stomach issues. There are also rawhide alternative treats that are similar in texture and look to traditional rawhide, but are formulated to be digestible.

The decision about whether to offer rawhide chews is going to be yours and yours alone. Consider your dog’s individual chewing habits and health, decide if you’re willing to accept the extra expense of high-quality, American-made chews, and consult with your veterinarian. Make sure you read the label carefully, and remember that the thicker the hide, the better, since it will take longer for your dog to chew.

There are many great alternatives to rawhide chews, but for the right dog, these treats can be a perfectly safe option. It all comes down to your comfort level and ability to recognize the risks involved in providing them to your dog.

Rawhide Lacing – Woodland Ways Blog – Bushcraft and Survival

In this blog we are taking a look at making our own rawhide lacing.

There are many types of binding that all perform differently to one another from both flora and fauna sources, making them more suited to specific tasks than others. The time of year may also be a factor to their abundance or lack of, there is also the processing of the various materials to take into consideration, some taking many weeks like in the case of lime bark due to the retting process to obtain workable fibres. Others you can use immediately like elm bark in binding the top of your stick when ponassing fish over the coals of an open fire.

Lacing, soaked and ready to use

One of the other considerations is how the fibres behave in application. With plant fibres there can be some give, but in using animal skin the opposite occurs. We can use this to our advantage in binding say two poles together which need to maintain their integral strength, in say the frame of a small water craft. The main disadvantage of this material however is that upon becoming wet it will begin to swell and loosen. For such a craft this would prove problematic, so precautions to waterproof it must be taken if it is to be used in this format. An example of a proofing agent could be birch tar or pine pitch, both of which repel water and are thermo setting glues, adding to the strength of the structure. Lets have a look at some of the examples.

Bound frame of a water craft

Binding two hazel rounds together

In some applications this is less of a concern, as in the case of the Maasai who use buckskin lacing to bind sheets of rawhide to a wooden frame to create their shields. Pigments can also be used to add some waterproofing properties.

Maasai shield constructed with rawhide lacing

Rawhide webbing on the back of a rucksack, smoked to preserve it.

Now let us have a look at how we produce rawhide lacing in the first place.

To start with you will need your animal hide, in this blog we will be using a fallow deer. You will first need to remove any excess flesh that remains on the hide. To do this you need a length of material with an edge, but not sharp as you do not want to cut into your precious hide. Traditionally this can be done with a worked shin bone from the fallow deer, there are however purpose made fleshing tools available on the market. Alternatively the blunt edge of one of the blades from a pair of garden sheers makes a good alternative.

After the fleshing process has been completed we need to soak the hide in a lye solution such as wood ash mixed with water, which becomes potassium hydroxide. This opens out the pores to allow the hair to slip and be removed easily. Alternatively you can use sodium hydroxide for this purpose, often sold as drain cleaner. With any chemical product please observe the handling instructions. Use a suitable container ideally with a lid to prevent children/pets gaining access. Below you can see we have used a dustbin for this purpose. A fallow skin will need to soak for between 7 to 10 days depending on temperature.

Dustbin used to soak the skins in the lye solution.

Test a small area of the hide to ensure the hair slips freely. Once you are satisfied it is time to remove all the hair from the hide. Below you can see me using a fleshing beam to do this. I am using the same fleshing tool to do this. Using a cloth or rubber gloves works to push the hair from the grain once the hide is in the right condition. Be careful not to push too hard if using the fleshing tool as you will end up removing the grain and you will have entered the process of making buckskin, which is not what we want here.

Using a fleshing beam and tool to remove the hair from the grain layer.

Hair all removed.

Once we have removed all the hair from the hide we need to rinse the hide to remove all the excess alkali. This can be achieved in a large body of water or flowing water overnight. Place the hide in a net or mesh bag to allow the water to flow through. You can always soak it in a clean bin for a period of 24 hours to achieve the same results.

Rinse the skin in a large body of water overnight.

Once the rinsing process is complete the next stage is to stretch the hide & dry it out. We do this by lacing it to a frame. When you do this, ensure you stretch the hide out evenly. The time taken to dry the hide out will vary greatly and depending on the temperature, size and thickness of your hide it can take between one and three days. As it dries the hide will become increasingly firm. This is your rawhide, like the dog chews you get in the pet store. Don’t make the mistake of thinking they are a viable alternative to producing your own, dog chews have been boiled and are brittle to use and so make poor rawhide lacing.

At this point it is worth mentioning to pet owners that they may at this stage wish to keep the hide out of their reach to avoid any unwanted interest on their pets part.

Once the hide is nice and dry it is time to section it up. Firstly you will need to remove the outer edges of the hide where you have made the holes in order to stretch it out. This can be used at a later date to produce hide glue. We talked about this in an earlier blog.

Edge of hide removed, to be used later to make hide glue.

You will notice that the hide has different thickness in different areas and this varies from species to species. This is nature’s way of adding extra protection to the deer in the vulnerable places their natural predictors would attack. In the case of fallow deer the area around the neck & shoulders is the thickest part and the under belly is the thinnest part of the hide. You can see this clearly illustrated below, it is graded from 1 to 5, five being the thickest.

Hide all marked out, antlers mark the head end

Usually you can expect to get two large areas of relatively consistently thick hide on one hide. This can vary depending on where the animal was dispatched. On the hide above I have highlighted in black the entry and exit wounds. The path that it follows interrupts the second larger area I was hoping for and so have had to work around it, maximising the areas without the wounds appearing within them.

All cut out and ready to make lacing

You will find the larger and rounder the plates you produce the easier the lacing will be to produce. In order to produce the lacing we will spiral in from the outside edge in. There are many ways you can achieve this, the simplest is to use scissors for this process. Other alternatives are to set up a gig, this will help with the constancy of your lacing. Below we have attached a right angled block onto a round of wood. I have then set a Mora knife at the required distance from the block to act as a gauge for my desired thickness. This will depend largely on the thickness of the hide you are using and it’s application as to what this measurement will be. I varied mine from 3mm to 10mm.

Starting off the lacing

With care the rawhide disc can be threaded through the gauge safely. Ensure you do not push it through the gauge, instead pull the lacing through using your other hand purely to guide it through. If you have any doubt in using this method then use scissors only. If you want to add extra protection to the feeding hand wear welding gloves. At no point in this process did I feel unsafe, which is why I chose not to wear protective gloves.

Pulling the lacing through

Above you can start to see me pulling the lacing through, rotating the disc as I do so. Below is another alternative way of producing lacing using a freehand technique. You will discover that counter-intuitively the thicker rawhide is a little easier to produce lacing than the thinner ones using this guided method.

Alternative freehand method

One length of lacing

Above, the finished product, In using the lacing you need to soak it for roughly one hour until it is workable. As you soak your binding you will need to stretch the lacing as much as you can as you go and tie a suitable knot to prevent it unravelling when you are done. As the lacing dries it will then begin to shrink, producing a vice like grip on whatever you have bound. Have fun in using it in whatever you have decided that may be.

Happy Bushcrafting, Jay

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