Hi, haven't posted for a while, been really caught up with dog training - finally got a behaviourist to help with Ripple's biting and inability to settle issues, trying to catch up with my garden, and problems with elderly relatives. Anyway, I think I mentioned before I was trying to introduce Ripple to bones and some raw foods; we've been successful with duck wings and necks, but today I gave him a beef rib. This kept him occupied for ages but right at the end of it he was being silly and throwing it about when he managed to get it stuck sideways across his mouth jammed between his teeth . After a split second while he panicked and I REALLY panicked, I managed to grab him and hook it out, although it was quite difficult to dislodge. So that's left me with several questions - should I have taken it away before it got really small? Will it be ok to try him again with a beef rib as I still have one left in the freezer? Is this a common thing? He's now none the worse for the experience, but it's really shown me the importance of supervising dogs with bones. I'm surprised that he didn't crunch it up before it got that small - but not having much experience of bones I suppose I never thought that could happen. Perhaps Pongo could send Ripple a few bone eating tips as I believe he's a seasoned bone eater.
Good for you managing to hook it out! I always keep an eye on Poppy with bones, and if I don't like the look of whatever she's got left (if it looks splintery, or a nasty shape or size) I swap it out with something else. I've never given beef ribs; I imagine they are quite tough. I've given Poppy venison ribs, off young deer (yearlings), and also lamb ribs; both of which were fairly soft and quite easy to chew up totally.
I should think it would be fine to give him the second bone though; just keep a bit of an eye out. He will have learned as well, and probably won't be tempted to play daft games with it!
Exactly this happened to Pongo a few months ago... I don't think it actually hurt him, but it certainly gave him a shock and (bless 'im) he came running over to me for help. Once I'd figured out why he was shoving his face at me with his mouth open, I managed to pop it out pretty easily and he was none the worse for wear. He has been a little more cautious with bones since then so yes, I think it probably did him good and he learned a lesson.
Well Ripple is none the worse for wear. We went to the park, he played with his ball, ran riot with a springer spaniel, found a muddy puddle to play in , and cleaned himself in the stream. Then we went home, he had his dinner and a Kong, and is now fast asleep with all four paws in the air. @Rosie how clever of Pongo to come to you, not sure what Ripple would have done if I hadn't been right there watching him.
I have heard of this happening too. Don't remember if it was a rib though. It can happen with any bone that ends up of a size that can fit into the roof of the mouth, wedged between the rows of teeth. Checking on your dog is the answer, also not giving anything that can't be eaten entirely in 15 mins or so. Glad Ripple is ok!
