Antlers for dogs are good natural alternatives to nylon chew toys. Find out if they are suitable for your dog by knowing their pros and cons, and tips on how to make dog-safe antler chews.
Where do antlers for dogs come from?
Antlers for dogs mostly come from deer, elk, and moose. These horns grow on males and are used to attract the opposite sex. Males naturally shed their antlers every year to make way for larger horns.
Unlike other animal horns, antlers are edible for our canine companions and more durable compared to dog bones. Hence, they are commonly sold as dog chews.
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What are the pros and cons of antlers for dogs?
Antlers are good alternatives to the regular chews for dogs. However, dog owners should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of antler dog chews before buying these for their furry friends.
The Advantages of Antlers for Dogs
- Prevents plaque and tartar build-up
Antlers do not only satisfy the chewing urges of pooches. These keep their teeth clean by removing plaque and tartar. As dogs chew, the antlers scrape off the gunk from their choppers, helping them maintain good dental health.
- Can last for a long time
As we have mentioned earlier, antlers for dogs are highly durable. They typically last for 6 months to a year. However, keep in mind that if your dog is an aggressive chewer, he can finish up the antler dog chew within a few days or weeks.
- Rich in nutrients
Antlers for dogs are an excellent source of protein and amino acids, which are vital for the body function of canines. These dog chews are also loaded with various minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
But it is advised to give antler chews to your dog in moderation. Allowing him to consume too much can cause digestive problems.
- Free from funky smells
In comparison to other dog chews, antlers are odourless. Thus, these will not stink up your home whilst feeding them to your canine companion.
Moreover, antlers for dogs do not contain any residue that may cause staining on fabrics. So cleaning up after giving it to your pooch is the least of your worries.
The Disadvantages of Antlers for Dogs
- Can damage a dog’s teeth
Antlers for dogs are difficult to chew because of their excessively hard texture. This can lead to broken teeth, which may cause infections in pooches. It might also involve vet treatment that can cost a lot of money.
Only anecdotal claims currently exist about antler chews causing teeth damage in canines. Significant research is still necessary to find out whether or not antler chews are safe for dogs.
Just to be on the safer side of things, it is best to supervise your dog whilst he gnaws on antler dog chews.
- Potential choking hazard
Antlers for dogs can accidentally get stuck in your dog’s oesophagus and cause choking. Even if they manage to swallow it, the dog chew may block their digestive system, which can be fatal.
Immediate surgery is often needed to extract the antler from their stomach. This is another reason why dogs should never be left unsupervised whilst eating antler dog chews.
- Not all antlers for dogs are premium-quality
Some antler dog chews are poorly sourced and prepared. If left on the ground for long periods, antlers become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.
Antlers for dogs may also become less durable and easily splinter. This may happen if the animal who owns the antler is prone to catching diseases. For this reason, dog owners need to be meticulous in sourcing antler chews.
Ensure that the animals that the antlers are harvested from are regularly tested for health problems. Always aim to choose 100% natural and fresh antlers for dogs too.
Do not purchase antler chews with yellow bone marrows. This is a sign that the dog chew is old and brittle.
Avoid antlers for dogs with bright white colours as well. They may have been bleached, which is extremely dangerous for your pooch to consume.
We have established the pros and cons of antler chews. Hence, let us answer the question: “Are antlers for dogs safe chews?”
Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. Dog owners need to choose the right variety of antler dog chews and prepare it properly to make it safe for their pooch to consume.
As you read on, you will be able to gather more valuable information relating to these topics.
What are the different types of antlers for dogs?
The most commonly sourced animals for antler dog chews are deer, elk, and moose. Let us find out how these 3 differ from one another.
Deer Antlers for Dogs
These often come in 2 variations: whitetail deer antlers and mule deer antlers.
The whitetail deer antler is the hardest and densest of all antlers but contains less marrow. It has higher chances of enduring gnawing from aggressive chewers than other antlers.
On the other hand, the mule deer antler is softer than its whitetail counterpart and has a darker colour. It may not withstand constant chewing.
Many dog owners ask, “Are deer antlers safe for dogs?” Yes, they are, provided that dog owners supervise their pooches as they chomp on them.
This way, a dog owner can monitor if their dog is chewing on the antler with too much force. In this case, it would be best to take away the chews, but make sure to offer a dog treat whilst doing so. This avoids triggering the pooch’s guarding instinct.
Elk Antlers for Dogs
This type of dog chew has a softer outer core, making it less difficult to gnaw on. Since it is easier on the teeth compared to deer antlers, it is good for senior dogs and pooches with sensitive teeth.
Needless to say, elk antlers are not ideal for an aggressive all-day chewer.
Moose Antlers for Dogs
Out of all the 3 types, moose antlers are the softest. They are not as long-lasting as the first 2 antler types. But a chew from the base of the moose antler is a bit durable since this portion has a high density.
Although moose antlers are not the sturdiest of dog chews, they make engaging and delicious dog treats. That’s because they have the highest marrow content that many dogs love.
Which antlers are best for dogs?
Generally, elk antlers are the best antlers for dogs. They are durable for chewing, but also have enough give to make it a bit easier for pooches to work through.
However, every pooch has a different chewing frequency. If your dog has sensitive teeth and less prone to chewing, it might be best to opt for moose antlers. Consider opting for deer antlers if he loves to chew all the time.
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Split or Whole Antlers: Which One to Pick?
Antlers for dogs are usually sold in 2 forms: whole and split. Know which one is better for your furry friend as we look into their differences.
Whole Antlers for Dogs
These are more suitable for aggressive chewers. It gives them the challenge of gnawing through the exterior to reach the delicious bone marrow inside. Whole antlers will keep them busy for extended periods.
Split Antlers for Dogs
These are great for puppies, seniors, and dogs that are not chew-motivated. It is easier for them to chew and makes them access the bone marrow without much effort.
This is not the best choice for an aggressive chewer. He will quickly work through the antler and consume the tasty portion. Your pooch will quickly lose interest in the split antler dog chew.
How to Prepare Antlers for Dogs
Ready-made antlers for dogs can be purchased in pet stores. Dog owners also have the option to make antler dog chews at home. Here are the guidelines when preparing these natural chews for your canine friend:
- Avoid using antlers found in the woods. As we have mentioned before, they may be brittle and contain harmful bacteria. Look for a reputable farm or sanctuary where you can source high-quality antlers.
- Choose large antlers for dogs. Ideally, it should be about the size of your pooch’s head. This significantly lowers the risk of him accidentally choking on the dog chew.
- Get rid of any sharp edges that can damage your dog’s mouth and teeth. Rub these edges on sandpaper to smooth them out.
- Sterilise antlers for dogs by simmering them in water for about 30 minutes. Do not boil the antler chews because this will make them easily break into splinters.
- Make sure that your dog consumes antler dog chews in moderation. He should not have more than an inch of antler per day. Keep in mind that eating too much can cause diarrhoea and an upset stomach.
- Allow your dog to gnaw on antler chews for about 10–15 minutes at a time. Setting this limit will prevent inflamed gums caused by excessive chewing.
What to Do if Antlers for Dogs Are Too Hard
“How to soften deer antlers for dogs?” is a prevalent question when it comes to preparing this type of dog chew. Soaking them in water for 1–2 days is one of the most common ways to soften their tough exterior.
Dog owners can also use dog-safe broth instead of water to make the deer antler tastier for their pooch. Let the dog chew dry completely before giving it to your dog. This method is also applicable for other antler dog chew types.
When should you throw away antlers for dogs?
Check the size of the antler chew. Throw it out if it is worn down to a small size that can fit in your dog’s mouth. Replace it with an antler that is appropriate for his size to avoid the dangers of choking and intestinal obstruction.
How much do antlers for dogs cost?
The price of antlers for dogs may vary depending on several factors such as the size, type, and brand. They can generally cost anywhere from £4–£20.
Make sure to check the credibility of the company that is producing the antler chews before purchasing. Also, note that expensively priced dog chews do not always mean they are of premium quality.