Puppies & bones

[gymangel812]

So I just recently got myself an Australian Shepherd puppy. She really loves to chew, especially on the healthy edibles nylabones but she chews them pretty quick. She didn't want the regular nylabones. What are some good long lasting, safe to leave in the cage bones? Or should I just assume it's not safe to leave in the cage? I'm so paranoid that I'll give her something wrong! Her breeder said rawhide is NOT ok.

 

[Gempress]

Congrats on the puppy! It sounds like you're looking for a toy to leave in the cage long term, for the puppy to play with when you're not around. I wouldn't leave bones or similar edible chewies in the cage. They should be given under supervision.

I would go with a tough chew toy instead, like a kong. It has a center you can fill with yummy things, like treats or peanut butter. Kongs are much safer to give when you're not around. They also make toys (like Buster cubes) which are specifically designed to safely amuse dogs while their owners are away.

Good luck with the new little one!

 

[gymangel812]

Congrats on the puppy! It sounds like you're looking for a toy to leave in the cage long term, for the puppy to play with when you're not around. I wouldn't leave bones or similar edible chewies in the cage. They should be given under supervision.

I would go with a tough chew toy instead, like a kong. It has a center you can fill with yummy things, like treats or peanut butter. Kongs are much safer to give when you're not around. They also make toys (like Buster cubes) which are specifically designed to safely amuse dogs while their owners are away.

Good luck with the new little one!

I'll have to try a kong. I tried one but she ate the filling in about 10 mins and was no longer interested. I did some reading and I think I need to freeze it.

I am looking for a good bone/attention keeper for when she's supervised and when she's in a cage by herself.

 

[bubbatd]

I don't see how a fresh butcher shank or knuckle bone could hurt . Not the pet store baked or basted bones .... they shatter .

 

[Whisper]

Definitely try freezing it, it will last much longer. I used to put unfrozen stuff (like peanut butter, treats, a little honey, etc.) in there and it only took them minutes to clean it all out. When you freeze it it lasts much more time.
I agree also about the Buster cubes, there are interactive toys that keep the dog occupied. I'll look for links to some of those toys.

 

[Whisper]

My dogs love (raw always of course) marrow bones, too.

Also, here is a link to some interactive/treat-dispensing toys available from Petsmart.
http://www.petsmart.com/family/inde.../2767187&fbc=1&fbn=Taxonomy|Interactive&fbx=0

 

[fillyone]

Never leave a dog along with a marrow bone

Note:Not my dog, found on the internet but I personally know 2 people who had this happen to their dogs.

 

[Whisper]

Just in case, you're referring to me, I don't leave my dogs alone with marrow bones. She asked for recommendation for entertainment for both under supervision and by herself in a crate.

 

[gymangel812]

i think i'll try some raw bones (my other 2 dogs will love these too). anything i should look out for or avoid? odd question, but the dogs can't get sick (like people) from eating raw? can I leave it out for hours and they won't get sick?

 

[fillyone]

Just in case, you're referring to me, I don't leave my dogs alone with marrow bones. She asked for recommendation for entertainment for both under supervision and by herself in a crate.

Nope Just throwing it out there for all since it happens a lot!

 

[ihartgonzo]

Never leave a dog along with a marrow bone

Note:Not my dog, found on the internet but I personally know 2 people who had this happen to their dogs.

Fozzie did this, with a marrow bone that I NEVER would have thought could fit around his bottom jaw. D: Thank God I was able to wiggle it off! In general, not a big fan of marrow bones, after that. They are completely bare, which makes them both unsafe and not very useful for teeth cleaning.

Knuckle bones are great for keeping a dog busy and cleaning teeth... but definitely with supervision. I feel that way about all raw meaty bones, particularly with a puppy.

Some of my favorite puppy-entertainers: Stuffed/Frozen Kongs (check out the kong website for a bunch of recipes), Tricky Treat Ball full of kibble, Lamb ears, Cow tails, Bully sticks, Frozen teething rings, Ice cubes (made of chicken broth), Dried chicken strips, and I know I'm forgetting a bunch.

 

[Gempress]

i think i'll try some raw bones (my other 2 dogs will love these too). anything i should look out for or avoid? odd question, but the dogs can't get sick (like people) from eating raw? can I leave it out for hours and they won't get sick?

Don't worry, it won't make your dog sick. Many people (including myself) actually feed their dogs raw diets, meaning they get raw meat and bones on a daily basis.

 

[houndlove]

To be fair, I've heard people adamantly claim you should never leave your dog alone with _______ for pretty much every single toy and food item there is. Kongs, bones of all kinds, stuffies, nylabones, rope toys, everything.

At a certain point you just have to decide, I've watched this dog interact with this thing a million times and he's never come close to having an accident with it, it's time to just stop worrying so much.

 

[mayzismom]

Be careful with raw meats and bones make sure you clean up after them well, not a problem for dogs, but you can get ecoli and salmonila from them, but good clean up will take care of that.

 

[Lilavati]

I think whether you can leave them alone depends on your dog's behavior . . . and the particular item. The round marrow bones do get hooked around jaws. I've seen Sarama do it once, and have a neighbor who had to make two trips to the vet over it. (Sarama's came off without medical help).

Basically, if its too big to swallow, and there's not thing to get hooked, AND your dog isn't in the habit of actually chewing bones into pieces, its probably ok. But there's always a risk, which is why people say not to do it.

I'm a great fan of Twin Hoofers . . . but they're expensive and maybe too much for a puppy . . . but they keep Sarama busy for a LONG time.