Because antlers are formed of bony substance, they make wonderful dog chews. This means that they are durable, long-lasting, odor- and stain-free, and keep your dog engaged. They are harder than a Nylabone but tastier and more nutritious. Not all dogs enjoy gnawing on each antler. Unless the antlers are particularly top-notch (people typically can’t tell the difference), older and pickier dogs are typically less interested in chewing them. Younger canines who simply love to chew are frequently those who enjoy chewing antlers the most. Dogs can benefit greatly from chewing on antlers in numerous ways. It keeps their teeth clean, uses up energy, keeps them out of mischief, and keeps them off the floor. Dogs can get plenty of minerals from deer antlers, including calcium.
Are antlers OK for dogs?
Here’s why using antlers on dogs is not advisable: Antlers are dangerous for dogs for three reasons, regardless of how they are cut or what species they come from:
- Broken teeth can be painfully caused by antlers.
- Smaller antler fragments might be a choking risk.
- Chewing on antler chews can result in obstructions that may need to be surgically removed.
Are dogs prone to biting off antlers?
Can dogs safely consume antlers? Both dogs and dog owners enjoy giving antlers to their pets as chews. However, the safety of antlers for dogs is a contentious issue. On the one hand, antlers can provide certain essential nutrients to dogs and are generally enjoyed by them as a food source. On the other side, if your dog swallows any extremely sharp bits, hard antler chews can result in fractured teeth, internal obstructions, and internal punctures.
There isn’t much research or evidence to support the safety of antlers for dogs. According to a number of reputable veterinary websites, physical play and gnawing on particularly hard items like antlers are the main causes of canine tooth fractures.
The antlers of many species of deer are built from actual bone, unlike cow horns, which are made of keratin. They are particularly special in that they are a bony extension of the animal’s skull. Each year, antlers are typically shed, and a fresh set develops in their place.
When compared to other non-weight-bearing bones, the hardness of antlers is one of its distinguishing characteristics. Antlers are incredibly tough. Wild animals frequently pick up shed antlers and nibble on them. Therefore, it could seem reasonable for dog owners to presume that antlers are safe for domestic dogs as well. especially considering the wide variety of dog antlers available for purchase online and at pet shops.
What does a dog antler contain?
In addition to calcium and phosphorus, antlers also contain important elements like potassium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, and zinc. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
However, using deer antlers to help your dog’s dental hygiene is their greatest contribution to health. Plaque on the teeth is removed and kept clean by gnawing. The majority of dental treats available are either brittle and break off in your dog’s mouth or loaded with calories. Both of these are false, and deer antlers are a great way to keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
Are antlers from various deer all the same, then? In no way. Elk antlers are reasonably soft and suitable for tiny dogs or opportunistic chewers. The harder antlers from more domesticated deer species, such fallow or red deer, are better suited for larger dogs and more avid chewers. Antlers from reindeer, which are extremely similar to those from deer but can be taken from both men and females, are also available for purchase.
Do antlers cause tooth decay in dogs?
I’m referring about antlers from deer or elk that are used as chew toys. Antlers were really discovered by Eko before I did, in actuality. Eko had unrestricted access to the farm in Montana while visiting there with a buddy. Eko hurried out while out strolling and returned with an antler he had found in a field.
He felt really good about himself. Eko consumed his gift for the entire week.
I didn’t learn about antlers possibly being harmful to a dog’s teeth or gums until Eko had the antler for over a year. My veterinarian and I spoke right away, and he said Eko’s teeth looked fantastic. Eko was overjoyed that he could keep his preferred chew toy.
However, it is highly likely that dogs could hurt themselves with antlers. You should take into account your dog’s chewing style as well as the antler’s hardness. I advise staying away from pet stores where you could discover older, tougher antlers if you want to buy an antler for your dog.
My antlers are purchased from eBay. People collect, chop, and sell the antlers that deer and elk have shed. There are many trustworthy stores that let you choose the size and, more importantly, the toughness.
Dogs enjoy the challenge of chewing on the antler’s edges to get the marrow.
I advise individuals concerned about their dog’s teeth to begin with a “supple core Although the antler will swiftly degrade, it will also be gentler on teeth. You can attempt if everything goes okay “moderate cores. I purchase these for Penny and Eko.
And when it came time to share with Penny and I only had one antler, Eko would give me the saddest looks.
Although antlers are pricey, I’ve found that they are well worth the money. They last a long time, leave no odor or trace, and dogs adore them.
The typical disclaimers apply.
When your puppy tries antler play, keep an eye on them, and make sure their teeth and gums are healthy and intact by seeing your veterinarian.
Antlers are definitely not for every dog, especially those who are excessively aggressive chewers, but for many puppies, they provide a terrific alternative to the standard dog bone.
How much time should I give my dog the antlers?
Many dog owners prefer to give their dogs deer antlers to chew on. Although there are many different kinds on the market (such as split versions, fallow antlers, or whole antlers), are they all safe?
Because they are extremely unlikely to split and leave sharp edges, high quality deer antlers are perfectly safe for your dogs to chew. Deer antlers don’t dry out, split, or become brittle; they remain flexible. They are the ideal, long-lasting chew since it takes your dog time, patience, and effort to break down the antler.
Deer antlers have a low danger of choking since they are too big to swallow whole (but you should remove the antler once it is suitably worn down).
Yes, surprisingly. The deer antler begins to shrink as your dog chews on it because bits are being swallowed and worn away. Natural components of antlers include zinc, iron, calcium, and potassium, all of which are beneficial to your dog’s diet.
Puppies as young as 10 weeks can chew on our split deer antlers. The split antlers are ideal for teething puppies because they are a little kinder on the teeth. Most dogs love to chew on the texture of the antler’s interior, which is similar to that of honeycomb.
Our Full Antlers, which take longer to chew on, may be preferred by more forceful chewers. However, if your dog has unusually strong jaws, exercise caution since if they bite down too hard on deer antlers, their teeth could be broken. Antlers should be chewed, not chomped.
If you have a chewer who enjoys long-lasting chews, you might want to think about our Yak Bars, Camel Scalp, and Deer Hide.
The main advantage of deer antlers is that they serve as a natural dental chew in addition to providing entertainment for your dog. Your dog’s teeth will stay clean and white by gnawing on the antler to help remove plaque. It has been demonstrated that a dog may reduce the plaque on their teeth by 70% by chewing on an antler for thirty minutes each day.
Additionally hypoallergenic, antlers are ideal for pets with more delicate stomachs.
You don’t need to hide it outside or in another room because they don’t smell, which is a great departure from most other treats. There won’t be any stench, so your dog can sit peacefully next to the antler in the same space.
We give our naturally shed deer antlers a big thumbs up because Dolly and Reggie both adore them.
I found a deer antler in the woods; may I give it to my dog?
Not every dog will react negatively to antlers. No matter how much your dog likes them, antlers are not guaranteed to be safe even though some owners give them to their dogs for years without any issues.
While the majority of veterinarians advise against giving antlers to dogs, if you do decide to do so, it is a good idea to watch your dog while he chews on the antler (or any chew toy).
Do pups okay with antlers?
Split antlers are allegedly softer and safer for puppies, yet they still present a threat. It’s preferable to wait until a puppy’s bones have fully developed and adult teeth have fully sprouted before letting them chew on antlers.
Depending on their size and breed, dogs reach skeletal maturity at various periods, but for the most part, puppies should refrain from chewing on antlers until they are at least one year old.
Can Antlers Make Dogs Sick?
Antlers are organic goods, so if they have been properly processed, they shouldn’t contain any terrible substances that could poison your dog or make them ill.
Antler chewing, though, can still be unhealthy for your dog. The largest danger is a cracked tooth, which not only hurts your dog but also raises the possibility of an infection.
Additionally, the antler can seriously hurt your dog’s gums if it scrapes against them too forcefully.
Another danger is that antlers could split and lodge in your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach as minute fragments.
This is why you should constantly keep an eye on your dog when they are chewing on antlers so that you can remove any pieces before they cause any harm.
Antlers can also result in diarrhea and upset stomach, just like any other product that can be consumed. This has been reported to happen frequently when buying lower-quality antlers, in particular.
At What Age Can A Dog Have An Antler?
Before their adult teeth have fully erupted, which typically takes place at roughly six months, dogs shouldn’t be given antlers.
It is a good idea to start a young dog on antlers for a shorter period of time and to carefully inspect their mouth to make sure they are not injuring themselves by chewing too forcefully.
Before introducing antlers to your dog, it is usually a good idea to speak with your veterinarian. They can advise you on whether or not your dog has strong enough teeth.
Can Antlers Hurt Dogs?
Dogs can be injured by antlers, yes. Even though antlers are tough, they can splinter, and these fragments can become stuck in your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach and hurt him or her.
Antlers are hard, which means that if your dog chews them too forcefully or if they have weak teeth, they could hurt their gums and teeth.
Can Dogs Digest Antlers?
Dogs are capable of digesting antlers. The antler will get smaller as they gnaw on it and swallow tiny bits of antler. The calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc found in antlers are all very beneficial to dogs’ health.
Are Antlers Better Than Bones For Dogs?
Bones and antlers both have advantages for dogs. Both of them are tough chews that help your dog’s teeth stay clean, and when they gnaw on the bones or antlers, your dog is able to absorb important nutrients like calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.
Antlers are frequently recommended as a preferable alternative to raw animal bones since they are more durable than the bones of most other animals and are less likely to break and endanger your dog.
Antlers, on the other hand, may be more prone to harm a dog’s teeth due to their tougher nature.
Cooked bones should never be given to dogs since they become more brittle throughout the cooking process and are therefore more prone to break apart, posing a choking and cutting risk to your dog.
What makes the finest chew toy for dogs?
As they explore the world, puppies and dogs frequently gnaw on objects. A dog can achieve a variety of goals by chewing. It offers young canines a means of easing pain that potential future teething may bring. It’s nature’s method of keeping aging dogs’ jaws strong and their teeth clean. Additionally, chewing prevents boredom and eases moderate tension or frustration.
Rule Out Problems That Can Cause Destructive Chewing
separation phobia Usually exclusively chewing when left alone or chewing most vigorously when left alone, dogs who chew to ease the tension of separation anxiety. Other separation anxiety symptoms include whining, barking, pacing, restlessness, urinating, and defecating. Please read our article, Separation Anxiety, for more information on separation anxiety and how to address it.
Clothing Sucking Some dogs chew, lick, and suckle on fabrics. According to some specialists, this behavior is a result of the baby being weaned too soon (before seven or eight weeks of age). It’s probable that a dog’s fabric-sucking activity has become compulsive if it persists for extended periods of time and it’s challenging to divert him when he tries to indulge in it. For information on how to locate a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB), a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (Dip ACVB), or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) with specialized training and experience in treating compulsive behavior, please see our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help.
Hunger A canine on a calorie-restricted diet may chew and damage items in an effort to find more food sources. Dogs typically chew on things that are connected to food or have a food-like fragrance.
