How Long Do Deer Antlers Last For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

How long do antler dog chews last?

They’re long-lasting

Lastly, antlers will last your dog a long time. The average lifespan of an antler chew can be as long as

six months to a year

. With that said, this will depend on the size and cut of the antler, the hardness of the core, and how aggressive of a chewer your dog is.

Are old deer antlers safe for dogs?

While

most veterinarians advise staying away from antlers for dogs

, if you do choose to give your dog an antler, it is a good idea to supervise him while your dog chews on it (or any chew toy).

Do antlers expire?


Antlers are rarely broken, and will wear slowly over time providing many hours, days, weeks, months, and in some cases even years of chewing enjoyment

. Whole antler chews and tips that are dense with less spongy center exposed are the most durable and longest lasting.

How long do antlers last in the woods?

Mule deer, whitetail deer and other ungulates shed their antlers once a year. It can take as little as 24-48 hours for the antlers to actually fall off, but the shedding process takes between

two to three weeks

and then new antlers will regenerate throughout the summer.

Do you need to clean deer antlers for dogs?

They are strong, durable, and lasts for months at a time. They also don’t wreak havoc with your dog’s digestive system. If you’re not experienced in giving antlers to your dog, you need to know how to sterilize deer antlers for use as dog chews.

The best and easiest way to sterilize deer antlers is by blanching them

.

Do antlers deteriorate?

However,

without special care, natural tissue breakdown and gnawing from rodents will cause the antlers to deteriorate

. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can use to keep your shed antlers looking as nice as possible.

Can deer 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

.)

Which antler lasts the longest?

It is advised that larger breeds select a chew from the base of a

moose antler

. This will be of highest density and will be longer lasting.

What age can puppies have antlers?

Although many split antlers are suggested to be softer and more suitable for puppies, they are still a risk. So, it wouldn’t be advisable to give a puppy any antler chew until their adult teeth have come through entirely and their bones are more mature. Therefore, a minimum age of

eight to ten months

would be sensible.

What age can puppies have antlers to chew?

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.

Are dog antlers good for dogs?

High in nutrition:

Antlers are packed with healthy minerals your dog needs, like calcium, potassium, iron and zinc

. Made by nature: One of the biggest benefits of antlers is they do not contain any artificial ingredients or other nasty and harmful chemicals.

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 does it take deer antlers to decompose?

Every year, whitetail deer, mule deer, elk and various other hoofed mammals shed their antlers. The dropping of the antlers may take place within 24 to 48 hours, but the entire shedding process may take as long as

two to three weeks

before the antlers actually fall off.

Do deer sheds decompose?

Antlers are made of bone or calcium which

doesn’t decompose as flesh does

. Some do get carried off and chewed on by members of the canine family. If they are buried by leaves and soil they will eventually breakdown but not quickly.

Do deer antlers grow back?

All deer species shed their antlers in winter, after a sustained drop in testosterone ends their life cycle. Several months later,

the animals regrow their antlers from spring through late summer

. The antlers start as nubs in April and reach their full potential by August.

How do you preserve old antlers?


Wrap the skull in paper to protect it during restoration. When the skull is dry, use molding compound to lightly coat the antlers, filling in holes and crevices

. Again, this step is only necessary on badly deteriorated antlers. Use as little compound as possible to preserve the antlers’ character.

How do you preserve old deer antlers?

What do you do with old deer antlers?

  • Dog Treats. I know. …
  • Crafts (Painting, Ornaments, Etc.) This is one for those who are more artistic than myself. …
  • Mantle Décor. I like to display the truly nice sheds in places people can see and enjoy them. …
  • Knives. …
  • Coat Hanger/Holder. …
  • Table Legs. …
  • Curtain Holder. …
  • Chandelier.

Are deer antlers safe for puppies to chew on?


Yes! High quality Deer Antlers are completely safe for your dogs to chew

, this is because they are very unlikely to split and leave sharp edges. Deer antlers stay supple, don’t dry out, splinter or become brittle.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.