Can You Give Deer Antlers To Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Overall,

antlers are safe chews for your dog to enjoy with proper supervision

. They are a cruelty-free and sustainable chew that will last your dog a long time. Elk and deer antlers are rich in protein and a natural source of many different nutrients for healthy dogs.

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.

How do you prepare deer antlers for dogs?

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.

Do you need to clean deer antlers for dogs?

Boiling a Deer Antler to Soften it

If the deer antler splinters when your dog is eating it, they will need surgery for gastrointestinal blockage. However, you can boil a deer antler to kill off bacteria.

Deer antlers from the woods need to be properly sanitized

.

Are naturally shed antlers safe for dogs?

But, on the other hand, hard antler chews can cause broken teeth, internal blockages, and internal punctures if your dog swallows any particularly sharp pieces. When it comes to the safety of antlers for dogs,

there is neither much evidence, nor much research

.

Do deer antlers carry diseases?


Our finding of prions in antler velvet of CWD-affected elk suggests that this tissue may play a role in disease transmission among cervids

. Humans who consume antler velvet as a nutritional supplement are at risk for exposure to prions.

How long do antlers last for dogs?

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.

Why do dogs like chewing on antlers?

WHY GIVE YOUR DOG ANTLER CHEWS? Antlers make excellent dog chews

because they are made of bony material

. That means they are hard, long-lasting, don’t smell or stain, and keep your dog interested. They are similar in hardness to a Nylabone but tastier and healthier.

Can dogs eat bleached antlers?

The short answer is-

YES!

Antlers are great for dogs because they are all natural, do not splinter, long lasting, clean your dog’s teeth, and do not cause stomach upset.

Why do people look for deer antlers?

Some people enjoy the hunt itself and the reward of admiring a fresh shed antler.

Deer and big game hunters acquire valuable information about animal behavior

by finding their prey’s shed antlers. This information aids in piecing together a hunting strategy for the next season. Others hunt them for economic gain.

What can you do with deer antlers?

Deer antlers are edible, and not just as a pill used in eastern medicine or a health supplement. Antlers can be used to make gelatin by boiling the ground antler and straining off the remains, which could be used to make fruit gelatin or added to homemade jellies. Processed antlers can also be used in baking recipes.

How do you sanitize 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.

When should you throw out elk antlers?


Once the antler has been gnawed down to a swallowable size

, it’s important for the dog’s safety to throw it away and get a new one. Our Two Pound Bag of Medium Antlers is perfect for restocking.

Do deer antlers for dogs smell?

A:

Antlers have a unique aroma and scent that dogs are attracted to due to their natural state and nutritional content

. Split antler chews may have a slight odor, but whole antler chews or tips with minimum spongy center exposed are virtually odorless (unless you make a habit of sticking them up your nose).

What is the best thing for a dog to chew on?

Offer your dog some edible things to chew, like

bully sticks, pig ears, rawhide bones, pig skin rolls or other natural chews

. Dogs can sometimes choke on edible chews, especially if they bite off and swallow large hunks.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.