It’s that time of the year; muzzleloading season. Since I began saving the antlers for our furry children, he has stopped saying he is “going hunting” and instead refers to it as “collecting chews for the dogs.” ”.
So by the end of the weekend, I can anticipate having fresh venison in the deep freezer chest, more antlers for my dogs, and a few friends.
We’re here to dispel some myths and perhaps even inspire you to go out and collect your own antlers.
On the surface, antlers for dogs seem like the perfect object for our pets to chew on. Antlers do not appear to splinter as easily as bones or other toys; they last a long time, saving you money on chew toys for powerful chewers; and they appeal to our sense of what is “natural” for our dogs.
The biggest irony with hard chews like antlers is that we, as owners, think we are doing our dogs’ teeth a favor by giving them to them. After all, chewing encourages the release of destructive urges and anxiety into a healthy outlet while also assisting in the reduction of plaque and tartar buildup. Antlers appear to be a gift from nature herself to owners of strong chewers who can destroy traditional chew toys in a matter of hours.
Your veterinarian is a great resource for recommendations of safe chew toys, and you can also check out this list of veterinarian-approved chews from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. No matter what chew toy or object you decide to go with, always make sure you get the right size for your dog, and look out for any recalls, especially if you select a jerky chew product or another food product. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC download
However, you should keep in mind that antlers and other unusually tough chews are frequently to blame for dogs’ broken teeth. Broken teeth can result in abscesses and infections and cause excruciating pain. While your dog’s pain is usually enough of a deterrent, the cost of repairing or extracting a broken tooth can run into the hundreds, providing both a financial and moral incentive to carefully consider whether antlers are the right chew for your particular dog.
Natural antler dog chews can come from a variety of sources. Each type has different textures. Deer antlers for dogs can have a harder texture than other varieties of antlers. They come in a wide range of sizes to select the right fit for your dog’s size and chewing behavior. Elk antlers for dogs are usually large in size, and can often be available in a split form. Elk antlers vary in density depending on which part of the antler is selected. Moose antlers for dogs are softer than other antlers, and are often sold in different slices and shapes to choose what works for your individual dog. You can even find other types of “antler” chews that are made from water buffalo horns.
Benefits of Deer Antlers for Dogs
Calcium and phosphorus make up the majority of antler composition, but other essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, and zinc are also present. These minerals are vital for keeping bones and muscles strong.
However, using deer antlers to help your dog’s dental hygiene is their main health benefit. Plaque on the teeth is removed by gnawing, keeping them clean. The majority of commercially available dental treats are either calorie-dense or brittle and prone to breaking off in your dog’s mouth. Deer antlers are neither of these, and they’re a great way to keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
Deer and elk antlers are thought to be safer for dogs than rawhide because they don’t easily splinter and are an all-natural chew, so the short answer is yes, antlers are safe and dogs can chew on them. Additionally, compared to other dog chews, antlers are a treat that lasts a very long time.
Antlers are a naturally occurring source of protein and amino acids and aren’t processed like rawhide bones. They’re simply collected, cleaned, and cut. They are never treated with harsh chemicals or dyes. Antlers also contain many naturally occurring nutrients, such as zinc, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.Because they are rich in protein, dogs should not chew more than a half-inch or so per day, or else they may get an upset stomach.
Antlers are naturally odorless treats, but as your dog chews, their saliva will add a faint scent. Keep an eye on your dog while they chew, and make sure they are using their antlers safely.
Like any chew, antlers can pose certain risk for dogs. While a safer and more humane chew than rawhide, there are still some things to keep in mind when buying your dog an antler chew. Antlers are very hard, and this can mean that if your dog chews too aggressively, they can chip a tooth or hurt their gums. This can be avoided by buying split antlers for first-time chewers and observing your dog as they chew to ensure they’re not chewing too hard. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the size of the antler over time. Once it gets to be quite small, throw it out to avoid it becoming a potential choking hazard.
Be the first to know about upcoming sales and promos. Get a 10% discount coupon when you subscribe!.
FAQ
Can dogs eat fresh Deer antler?
Deer and elk antlers are thought to be safer for dogs than rawhide because they don’t easily splinter and are an all-natural chew, so the short answer is yes, antlers are safe and dogs can chew on them.
Should I boil Deer antler before giving to dog?
The antlers are harvested, then the sharp points are ground off or sanded down. They are then blanched to sanitise them. (It’s never a good idea to fully boil bone products because it can make them brittle.) Since there has been no further processing, these goods are truly natural.
Do you need to clean Deer antlers for dogs?
Deer antlers have grime and bacteria when picked fresh. One of the best ways to remove anything from the surface that could be harmful to your dog’s health is to boil them. But before you take this route, you should be aware of a few things.
Can dogs get sick from Deer antlers?
Deer antlers generally don’t upset a dog’s stomach, but some puppies (under six months) may experience diarrhea due to the high protein content in these treats. Give your dog only the freshest, 100% natural antler bones to prevent health issues, even though older dogs don’t experience stomach issues.