BONES

[lillysmom]

When I leave Lilly in the A.M., I lure her into her crate with a small treat. Is it safe to give her bones to knaw on all day? If so, what type should I give her?
Thanks!
Paula

[April]

I would be careful about that.  I don't think I'd give rawhide or something like that because they could pull off little strips and swallow them/or not.  It really depends on how aggressive a chewer you have I think.  The more aggressive shewers I'd be hesitant to leave anything like that with, but maybe a Kong would be good.  With Cajsa I know she just sort of "nibbles" at her rawhides or other bone/chewies unless she's in a lap so she would probably be safe with one down all day.  I don't though.  Gretchen is a hardcore rawhide chewer and would eat a 7" rawhide bone while I was gone to work so I wouldn't leave her with one.  She can destroy one in a few hours when I'm there with her.  She loves the Kong even when it's not really got anything in it.  She also can't chew it into little pieces so I don't feel bad about leaving one down for her.  Other more aggressive/destructive chewers I wouldn't because Kongs *can* be chewed up and swallowed. 

It's really a question you have to answer for yourself based on the type of chewer you have. 

[Barb]

I agree with April - but I myself won't leave my kids with a bone or chew stick.  I want to be able to watch them and make sure I can take it away when it gets too small.  Actually, lately with their bully sticks - when it gets down to an inch - I tell Rudy - It is too small now, come to the kitchen and he brings the small piece, drops it and gets a drink of water....of course he knows I will then give him a treat !!!  HA !!!   I am just proud I don't have to chase him down for the small soggy piece !!!

[TerriL]

I'm with April and Barb.  Better safe than sorry.
My Buelah just nibbles away at her chewies but Toby and Oscy get right into it!  I have had to take small pieces from them quite often so I keep a close eye when they have chews.