Just give a dog a bone?

657 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Shell, May 3, 2018

Rosealima

Discussion Starter · May 2, 2018

Hello!
I just received a few sterilized bones
I really have no idea what to do with them & I would appreciate the most detailed of 'directions'=)
1. Do they need to be refrigerated?
2. How long will they last before being opened? I noticed some 'oil spots' in the box they were shipped in, is that normal?
3. Do I have to put them up between uses?
4. When people stay they stain, does that mean that I have to not let my puppy chew on my wood kitchen floor for fear of them leaving a mark? What about carpet, totally a no-no?
5. We plan to have these for the puppy during supervised play. But, can we leave her alone with a bone for awhile? How long is too long?
6. What exactly am I looking for when I hear to 'inspect the bone for cracks/splinters'
And...most importantly,
7. Are these definitely safe for our mild-chewing 12 week old puppy?
Thank you for any help you can give!

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Shell

· #2 · May 2, 2018

A good rule of thumb is no cooked bones. IMO, if these bones are a new purchase, I woulf return for a refund.

Weight bearing bones of large animals (cow, buffalo) can be a risk for tooth chipping even when raw but can be OK for supervised gnawing if they are meaty and the dog does not tend to bite straight down on them.

Larger bones are better in terms of not being able to bite off unsafe hunks. Knuckle bones with lots of cartiledge are a favorite of mine, a local meat processor sells such "dog bones" and beef or pork ribs are popular for people with smaller dogs.

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Rosealima

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 2, 2018

Shell said:
A good rule of thumb is no cooked bones. IMO, if these bones are a new purchase, I woulf return for a refund.

Thank you for the response, Shell!
I did not realize sterilized bones were cooked. I suppose this should have been obvious since 'sterilize' involves heat, but I thought the general warning that I have seen regarding cooked bones was referring to ones from my own kitchen.
These bones are very large (5-8 inches) hickory smoked bones & knuckles. I ordered them from Dr. Fosters/Smith, trusting that anything they would sell would be quality. We intend to supervise at all times now that we have talked about it...the use being when she's with us in the yard or in the evening when we all sit by the fire in the house reading so she can get some puppy energy out in a productive way.
So...are these trustworthy based on my description, or do they still quality as "cooked bones" and are, therefore, unsafe?
Thanks to any and all responders!

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Crantastic

· #4 · May 2, 2018

They are cooked and are not safe. And, speaking as someone who has spent hundreds of dollars at the vet after her dog broke teeth chewing on antlers, I can tell you that giving them super hard things to chew is not worth the risk.

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MastiffGuy

· #5 · May 3, 2018

At 12 weeks I would not advise a bone.

Your dealing with puppy teeth, and while they might feel like a Great White shark is attacking, there pretty easy to dislodge and have chip.

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Rosealima

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 3, 2018

She is not a strong chewer at all, but these testimonies, advice and other information elsewhere lead us to want to return these. Finding something else? A crazy pursuit! In the evening when she is her version of wound-up (mild), or when she is meandering outside/having to sit at our feet on the patio being asked to not eat rocks, we want to give her something that will:
be more enticing than rocks
not be upsetting to her already soft-stool system
take awhile to eat

Beside bully sticks, what else fits this? What about the brand treat: Smart Bones, rawhide alternative? Anyone use & like those? As long as they last ½ hour, we'll (and she'll) be happy.
Any opinions on SmartBones?

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Crantastic

· #7 · May 3, 2018

My dogs have enjoyed Himalayan chews, Whimzees, and of course bully sticks as you mentioned. They also adored antlers, but both dogs chipped/broke teeth on them, so those are out now.

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Shell

· #8 · May 3, 2018

For edible items, bully sticks are good but can get pricey if the dogs chews a lot. Raw pigs ears or trotters are an option if you can find at a local food mart.

The original Kong, stuffed with wet dog food and frozen. Or filled with greek yogurt and some kibble and frozen.

Westpaw also makes good durable chews that can be filled will treats.

Or for something to occupy her that is not a chew, consider a treat toy like the Kong Wobbler or the Tricky Treat ball.

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