Stupid question about chewing!

[honeybun]

Sorry if this is a stuid question but I don't remember my old Harry being much of a chewer and I am a bit perplexed at Oscar's skills in this area.

He is almost one now and is constantly chewng. We are fortunate in that he doesn't go for furniture or shoes etc (the odd sock if he gets the chance but the men folk have been warned and it's their own fault!). He loves to chew cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, anything in the garden that has no leaves and looks even vaguely like a stick. He will even eat the post if I am not quick enough. I read somewhere that labradors go through a second chewing stage which isn't related to teething and I am assuming this is it.

I have bought him chewy toys and nylabones which he destroys. Raw hide chews are good but last about 10 minutes and he can't be constantly having those. Now I'm worrying that by keeping on giving him lost of things to chew I am encouraging the habit and could have a long term problem as a result. Can anyone advise?

Norma

[carlajay]

Hi

I don't have any advice sorry as Ivors wasn't a chewer but I think Cammy will be so I just thought I'd bump this up the list so someone see's it and can help

xx

[LISAK9LJG]

Not sure what to suggest but I would have thought if you do not supply the toys/ chews etc for him to chew on he may turn his chewing attention to your furniture. I would carry on giving him things to chew on but thats only my opinion.

[-Angela-]

I think dogs like to chew, I wouldn't stop giving him suitable things to chew or worry that you are making it worse.

Norma, you could try the Galileo bones if he is getting through Nylabones. They're really hard (not fun if one gets dropped on your foot) and although they're not cheap they last for AGES. I can't remember last time I bought a new one.

I have always bought them online but I think Pets at Home sell them now. I buy the biggest size (£13) which is fine for Mins and she's a small and dainty thing.

[rubyrubyruby]

The Range sell sterilised bones - Oscar will have trouble getting through those

Chloe

[LauraWhiskey]

Whiskey is exactly the same - loves a sock, paper, platic literally anything goes!!! I've told him he has til he's two to stop it, or else! However, that's now only 12 days away!

The only thing I find helps is lots of excercise and keeping his brain busy with tricks - but he still chews when he gets bored so any other suggestions would be gratefully welcomed!!!

[sarahjane16]

Oscar sounds like Mole She has a habit of helping herself out of the recycling bin in the kitchen. The kitchen floor looks like a rubbish tip some days Luckily she doesn't swallow any of it, just shreds everything

[pam1]

Have you tried the white bones from pets a home or wilkensons. They got a crap filling in them, which I scrap out. They last for ages. The chalk off them keep the teeth white. When they get dirty I just re wash under cold water.

down side is when one of my girls drops it on my foot

[RubyLou]

I experienced the second chewing stage with Ruby around 12 months old so I would assume this maybe the case with Oscar too.

Ruby had a Pup Treads recycled rubber tyre which has so far out lasted any other chew toys

[inglenook]

Oooh I like the look of that tire toy!

With Tess I've always offered her something she's allowed to replace what she's not allowed, and that has worked reasonably well.

Have you tried the black Kongs for power chewers?
My friend's flattie needs them that strong as he is a chewaholic