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
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.
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 !!!
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.