I have just given my 14 week ridgeback puppy a large knuckle bone to chew.  Needless to say he is loving it.  How long can i leave him to chew it - i'm working in the same room so its not a question of leaving him alone with it, I'm just not sure whether its bad for his jaws to let him chew it for ages?  Is there a recommended period of time?  He's been happily gnawing away for about 30 mins and shows no signs of getting bored!

Hiya,

You can let him chew away if you're watching :-)  You might want to just build up gradually though, as it's his first it may give him a bit of a dicky tum, half an hour an hour should be no probs. Once he's used to them it should be fine to let him munch till his hearts content.  It used to be the only way I'd get an hour or twos peace was to give my Dobergirl a bone to chew on, actually it still is :-)

Karen

Thanks for that.  How often can i give my dog bones?  I was hoping to rotate them with stuffed kongs as I dont want to give him hide chews etc and he loves to chew.  Should they be rationed?  Also does anyone have any experience of nylabone?  I have heard a lot of positive stuff about them however have also read some nasty ones too?

My 11 month old golden always has a bone around - during the summer I tend to get a fresh one every other day because of the smell and it going off etc, but they keep much better when it's cold.  Once the marrow and any meat and fat has gone, then the bone itself is great for recreation -keeps him busy for hours - he's had the large bones since being about 10 weeks old.

At first you might need to remove some of the marrow and fat as it can make them a bit loose - and I always keep my eye on him with bones just to make sure :rolleyes: