Are Deer Antlers Good for Dogs? Deer antlers are packed full of minerals and, unlike many other dog treats, contain no calories. Deer antlers are an excellent treat for promoting good dental health and they last a long time. Despite a few small risks, they are definitely good for dogs in the right circumstances .
What happens if a dog eats a deer antler?
Depending on the size of the piece ingested, it may cause problems for Wrigley . A small piece may pass on it’s own. A larger piece may cause a gastric or intestinal obstruction. If there are sharp edges, it is possible it could cause a perforation.
Should I boil deer antler before giving to dog?
The best and easiest way to sterilize deer antlers is by blanching them . Blanching requires placing the chunk of antler in boiling water for one to two minutes and then immediately immersing it in cold water. Boiling antler chunks will sterilize them, but because antler is essentially bone, you risk becoming brittle.
Can I give my puppy deer antlers?
Deer antlers are good treats for puppies , especially when they are teething to relieve the discomfort of their adult teeth coming through. They must be provided with caution though, as puppies are more at risk of swallowing objects.
Do antlers give dogs diarrhea?
Do not give puppies any kind of antlers to chew on. ( The high protein content can cause stomach upset and diarrhea .) And finally, if you do decide to give your dog an antler chew (or any other chew as well), always supervise them to keep them safe! No chew product is 100% safe and healthy for every dog.
Are naturally shed antlers safe for dogs?
Health benefits: North American deer and elk antlers last a long time, rarely split or chip and are non-allergic (great news for dogs with allergies). Antlers are also known to improve a dog’s coat. Sustainable and humane: Deer and elk shed their antlers in a natural process with no harm to the animal .
How do you soften deer antlers for dogs?
As a quick summary, one of the most common ways to soften a deer antler for your dog is to soak the antlers in water for 1 or 2 days , depending on how aggressive your dog chews. The longer that you soak the deer antler, the softer it will get.
How Long Can dogs chew on antlers?
How long do antlers for dogs last? Antlers for dogs can last between six months to a year , making them long-lasting entertainment for your furry friend. However, during use, they might become damaged and weakened, at which point they should be discarded.
What type of antler is best for dogs?
Whole elk antlers are a good choice for dogs that like to chew but are not heavy duty all day chewers. Upon request we can provide elk antler chews from the base of the antler (denser and longer lasting) or from the upper part of the antler (softer and easier to chew).
Can I give my dog an antler I found?
Another advantage of elk antler chews over more traditional chews is their natural availability. However, be careful about picking up any old antler found in the woods for your pet . Wild-shed antlers, or antlers that animals in the deer family lose naturally with age and seasons, can be dangerous for your dog.
Why do dogs like to chew on deer antlers?
Chewing antlers is very good for dogs in many ways. It helps keep their teeth clean, expends energy, keeps dogs out of trouble and out from underfoot . Deer antlers for dogs are also full of nutrients such as calcium.
What age can puppies chew antlers?
Also, puppy teeth fall out at around 4-6 months. So we took the plunge and allowed our puppies under 4 months to play and chew on the deer antlers. Our pups immediately loved the antlers and had no issues with cracked teeth and they barely put a dent in the antlers.
Do wolves chew on antlers?
When elk shed their antlers in late winter, forest creatures large and small race to freshly dropped antlers in search of valuable minerals. Rodents like mice, squirrels and porcupines are the most common culprits, but biologists have observed wolves, coyotes and even bears chewing on sheds.
What is inside an antler?
Antlers are extensions of an animal’s skull found in members of the Cervidae (deer) family. Antlers are a single structure composed of bone, cartilage, fibrous tissue, skin, nerves, and blood vessels . They are generally found only on males, with the exception of reindeer/caribou.
How do I get my dog to chew antlers?
If your dog is not attracted to the antler chew right away, or if it’s completely new to them, coax them to taste it and get it in their mouth, or smear it with a little peanut butter or something else they like . Once your dog gets a taste and knows it’s meant for chewing on, they will fall in love with it.
How do you sterilize deer antlers?
After giving them a good scrub, fill a large pot with water and a pinch of salt, bring it to a boil, and submerge the antlers. Allow them to boil for 30 minutes to remove any bacteria . Once your antlers are clean, allow them to air dry in the sun for a day.
Can antlers hurt dogs?
Antlers are hard enough to withstand the force of another deer’s antlers in battle, which means they’re definitely hard enough to break your dog’s teeth. Like bones, antlers can break and splinter . These splinters can get lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines.
