Eight month old Molly is currently enjoying her first bone, a nice big fresh marrow bone. How long is it appropriate for me to let her munch on? And how long can I keep it. I know dogs favour semi-rotten carcasses sourced from under hedges, but how long before this bone becomes a health hazard to her? What do I do with it between sessions? I cannot imagine OH would be pleased to find it nestled in the fridge although apparently fishing maggots do belong there.
Re: Bones I'd let her chew off the softer cartilage on the knobby ends then chuck it in the bin (swapping it for a very tasty treat). I know dogs love them (and people love them as they keep the dog quiet for ages) but I don't give this kind of bone any more (too hard on teeth, plus it gives them a resource to potentially guard). I've had a dog break a tooth very badly on one and it wasn't pretty. Mind you, he was a power chewer who could have reduced a fossilised Stegosaurus to nothingness, given time.... These days I only give softer bones surrounded by meat that can be eaten in their entirety, as a meal. That gives a teeth cleaning benefit with no risk of tooth breakage or abrasive wearing and nothing left to guard.
Re: Bones I remove marrow bones as soon as the marrow has been licked out and the skin chewed off the outside, as big weight-bearing bones can crack the dog's teeth. Bones that consist of the 'knobby' end of a hip bone are better, as the dogs can chew them down without danger. Ribs are very good, as are chicken wings and carcasses, or rabbit carcasses.
Re: Bones Penny tends to empty out a marrow bone after about 45 mins and then starts crunching the bone itself. That's when I take it away.
Re: Bones I'm with Karen and Rachel, no weight bearing bones after the cartilage and marrow has gone.
