As a pet owner, you want to make sure your pup is entertained and safe. Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, but you may be wondering if it’s safe for them to chew on antlers. Antlers are an increasingly popular chew toy for pups, but you may be wondering if they are right for your pup. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of puppies chewing on antlers. We’ll discuss potential safety risks, the pros and cons of antlers, and give you the information you need to decide if antlers are an appropriate chew toy for your pup. We’ll also provide some tips on finding and choosing the right antlers for your pup. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of puppies chewing on antlers.
Are Deer Antlers For Dogs A Good Chew Toy?
Deer antlers are obviously no longer appropriate to use as a chew toy or supplement for our guide dog puppies, but we also never had the opportunity to do so.
By the way, I’m relieved that I did not have to deal with severe diarrhea while raising my dogs.
I don’t buy my dogs deer antler chews because I’m afraid that all three of them will get diarrhea.
QUICK UPDATE: Numerous dogs have cracked their teeth on deer antlers, as several readers have noted in the comment section. In my personal experience, I’ve had one friend inform me that their dog also has a cracked tooth. I know this is not the case with all dogs. One thing I’d recommend is to know your dog. Try a softer chew like a KONG if your dog chews excessively. If a reader can’t dent it with their fingernail, they won’t give it to their dog.
Therefore, I think we should limit ourselves to using Sterile bones, Nylabones, and occasionally pressed rawhide bones. (UPDATE Pressed rawhide bones are no longer recommended).
Dublin (and now Apache) are fortunate in that they enjoy Nylabones and Sterile Bones, so we don’t often give them any other types of dog chews.
Our current favorite dog chew toys are
We also like the following chews:
The Nylabone Wishbone gets a little jagged when our dogs chew on it, but has remained in one piece. Just be careful not to let your dog drop it on your bare feet—OUCH! The KONG Dog Toy has been essentially indestructible.
Deer Antlers and other long lasting chews
From puppies onwards
Our shed Deer Antlers for dogs are 100% natural. They are an excellent option for canines on low-fat diets. These low-fat, long-lasting dog chews are rich in calcium and phosphorus and other minerals that contribute to good oral health.
We also offer split deer antlers, which are less durable but easier on the teeth.
For dogs who like to chew but aren’t power chewers, split deer antlers make a great source of entertainment. Dogs can easily access the honeycombed interior of split antlers, which is better for their teeth and jaws than our standard deer antlers.
Our NEW RECIPE Yak Bars are natural dog chews that are healthy, long-lasting, and a great option for puppies as young as eight weeks old. Made from 100% compressed, hardened yak milk are virtually odourless. Our Yak Bars are great for allergy sufferers because they are high in protein and gluten-free. Have you tried our Yak Popcorn?.
Our Deer Hide is a fantastic addition to our Exotics Range and an incredibly durable, healthy natural treat for dogs of all sizes. Due to the natural drying process, each stick varies in size and weight and measures approximately 15 cm.
Our Camel Scalp is a fantastic addition to our Exotics Range and an incredibly long-lasting, low-fat, natural healthy treat for dogs of all sizes. Due to the natural drying process, our camel scale is available in 15 cm (approximately) sticks that range in size and weight.
Can I Give My Puppy Antlers?
Antlers are not suitable for puppies. Puppies all go through a teething stage. Owners of Labradors will be aware of how difficult and stressful this stage can be, but this does not mean that you should use antlers as a substitute.
Teething puppies can benefit from having something to chew on. However, they are still susceptible to dental problems like broken teeth from hard chews. So it’s best to stick to an alternative. For teething puppies, many pet stores sell specialized chew toys that are much safer for the puppies’ teeth.
There are numerous chew toys available on the market that were created specifically to allow dogs to engage in recreational chewing without risk of harm. Our toy reviews are available in this section of the website. Additionally, a variety of items marketed as dental chews promise to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and lower the risk of periodontal disease.
Vet Brett Beckham has produced a fact sheet for dog owners on avoiding tooth fractures. The recommendations include avoiding antlers, and giving your dog products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The VOHC has a list of products that it has approved as safe for dogs to chew. Each product has to pass two separate trials (carried out on different dogs) in order to pass. By safe, they mean that the product won’t cause the following:
FAQ
What age can puppies chew antlers?
What size and type of antler is best for my dog, and when can they have one? Our Split Deer Antlers are a great chew for puppies from 10 weeks of age. For teething puppies, the split antlers are slightly softer on the teeth. Most dogs love to chew on the texture of the antler’s interior, which resembles honeycomb.
Are antlers safe for puppy teeth?
Antlers and Dental Health You should keep in mind, though, 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.
What kind of chews are safe for puppies?
- Best in Show: KONG Puppy Toy. …
- Best Budget: Nylabone Puppy Dental Chew. …
- Best Edible: Best Bully Sticks 6-Inch Thin. …
- Best of Both Worlds: Nylabone Chill’n Chew Freezer Bone. …
- Best for Interactive Playtime: Mammoth Flossy 3-Knot Chew. …
- A Note on Safety.