Opinions, please (labs, black, skin, teeth) - - City-Data Forum

Fontucky · 07-01-2010, 01:58 PM

Two 11 month old Lab mix girls. My niece just adopted them last week. They're chewing everything they find, so she bought 30 bucks worth of rawhide bones for them to chomp on.

Soliciting suggestions for something better and better for them.

Thank you.

luvmycat · 07-01-2010, 02:03 PM

I would say something natural would be a lot better, most pet stores have "jerky style" tendons, etc. that won't lead to the gastro-intestinal issues rawhide does. Also, CHEW TOYS! The ones that are a thick braid with big knots at the ends are usually great for this. Last (but definitely not least!) the Kong toys...can't say enough good about them, it keeps them busy for a long time and helps with teething as well...the treats go inside and they have to get them out, which usually isn't easy. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

jordan5 · 07-01-2010, 02:09 PM

What about the sterilized bones they sell at Petsmart and other pet stores that come filled with stuff in the middle...its like a big treat in the middle and the bone on the outside and once they eat through the treat part you can fill it with peanut butter or the Kong paste and freeze it then give it to them again. There's also the bones that are made from pork skin versus rawhide which is easier to digest..I think the brand is called Pork Chomps

ShelbyGirl1 · 07-01-2010, 02:12 PM

Rawhides are extremely dangerous. I have a very good friend come home and find her dog dead from suffocation. Rawhide swelled in the dogs throat from the saliva and he choked. Very sad!
My dogs have always loved Nylabones....Some dogs don't like to "start" them...and then we have always smeared some peanut butter on the end...one time is all it takes...once they get it going, they all seem to love them.

maciesmom · 07-01-2010, 02:22 PM

Second the Nylabones or Kongs....

Fontucky · 07-01-2010, 02:25 PM

All these suggestions are going inside an email I have ready to send her. Thank you all.

Any opinions on raw beef bones, such as big marrow bones from the leg?

latetotheparty · 07-01-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fontucky

All these suggestions are going inside an email I have ready to send her. Thank you all.

Any opinions on raw beef bones, such as big marrow bones from the leg?

that is EXACTLY what i give bailey and dave for a special treat.... get 'em at the grocery store.... they call them soup bones or some such......

the important thing here is that they are not cooked and thusly won't splinter when worked on.....

kongs are also good .... stuffed with peanut butter or frozen yogurt......

Dashdog · 07-01-2010, 04:22 PM

My dogs too get the raw bones as a special treat and will chew them for hours . They also love kongs stuffed with treats and you can vary the stuffing to keep it interesting. The stuffed bones from pet sores are good too and as someone said you can restuff them. But if they are strong chewers you need to keep an eye on them with the bones as pieces will break off and could get caught in their digestive system or even in their throats.I hide them and kongs both stuffed when I will be gone for long periods and that keeps them very busy.

The toys that you can put treats in can really keep some dogs busy as they chew and play with them trying to get the treats, there are quite a few on the market these days.

I do stay away from rawhide but will give an occasional bully stick. Raw hide can cause a lot of issues when they swallow it and often the hides come from places like China and who knows what has been put on them.

Racelady88 · 07-01-2010, 04:40 PM

The best thing for tough chewers like that is deer antler. US Antlers - Deer (http://www.petextras.com/pogosusantlers.html - broken link) They last a LONG time, do not splinter, are 100% digestible, and even offer some nutrition. When Shadow was a young dog she was a buzz saw. One of the small antler lasted her for 2 solid days, and I mean for you to know that she chewed non stop for nearly 48 hours.

grannynancy · 07-01-2010, 07:14 PM

A powerful chewer can crack a molar on the large let and joint bones of cattle. They are fine for smaller dogs that cant get them in the back of their mouth and can only work away at them. I have had that happen to a GSD and a lab has jaws every bit as large and powerful.

I second the nylabones or black or blue rubber kongs. For labs - you may want the blue as they show up on x-rays.