Natural does not always mean what it says on the label. It depends. But it does have the potential to be misused and can be misleading. This article has been revised and updated for 2019. Find out if deer and elk antlers are safe chew treats for your dog. But, antlers for dogs can cause more problems than they solve. Deer antlers for dogs can have a harder texture than other varieties of antlers. So it is with dogs that suffer major tooth fractures while chewing on very hard objects. While we assume animals are better suited to natural solutions, that is not always true. Come and say hello! To make deer antlers palatable and safe, soak them for a day or two in water or dog safe broth. Chose from whole or split antlers in sizes small, medium, large, xl, xxl, xxxl and xxxxl. While many people have given their dogs antlers to chew on without incident, there are risks that can be expensive to treat. However, it isn’t necessary for a raw fed dog to eat very hard bones, such as antlers or the weight bearing leg bones of larger mammals. a list of products that it has approved as safe. But 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. Save 10% more with Subscribe & Save. Antlers are made up of mainly calcium and phosphorus, but also includes other vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, sulphur and zinc. Will the antlers ever powder in the gut causing a bowel obstruction – similar to what dry, white bones can cause? Well, while deer antlers are an interesting chew material for fido, there are some things you need to consider. Like a sponge. But a great many vets consider those causes to include chewing on very hard objects. What about elk antlers for dogs? Reindeer are interesting in that they are the only deer family in which both males and females grow antlers. But are all antlers created equal? In generic terms, we would say no. Sustainable and humane: Deer and elk shed their antlers in a natural process with no harm to the animal. New antlers also reproduce every year in a highly sustainable cycle. Anecdotal evidence can be a tricky subject. So that would suggest that such fractures are not an everyday occurrence. 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). First, let’s talk about different types of antlers, and whether that makes a difference in the safety of antlers for dogs. The antlers of many species of deer are made from real bone. While antlers are hard, they can splinter and these pieces can become lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach, causing damage as well as pain. But they will still likely chew on the rest of it, so it doesn’t take away the concern about broken teeth. She is the founder of the Labrador Site and a regular contributor. Antlers for dogs should not be removed during walks or playtime. “Hard plastic or nylon chews, sterilized bones, cow hooves and antlers are too hard to be safe for most dogs,” says veterinarian Marty Becker. And there’s divided opinions on deer antlers for dogs versus elk antlers for dogs, and other varieties. And my personal feeling is that we should pay attention. Deer antlers are a particularly good alternative to provide your pet because the bonelike material is extremely dense and will stand up to a massive amount of chewing. Many dog owners get confused about natural materials. Since awareness of this problem was first raised in the veterinary press in 2013, they state, there has been a “large increase in cases seen of fractured carnassial (and other) teeth by dogs chewing on antlers and other hard toys.”. Numerous well-respected vet sites claim that chewing on very hard objects, including antlers, are the primary source of tooth fractures in dogs, along with rough play. Or after the application of some form of alternative therapy or product such as ‘body wraps’ for example. Also, look at alternative toys or chews that may provide the same pleasure and tooth cleaning benefits, without being so hard on your dog’s teeth. There are a wide range of alternative softer source of bone, such as ribs, or the bones of smaller animals. For raw fed dogs, bones are a necessary part of their diet. Again, this can happen with any hard chew toy and is not an exclusive risk to dogs chewing on antlers. It is also not easy to find deer antlers from a carcass unless you are a hunter or spend a lot of time outdoors. The general consensus is, “Better safe than sorry.”. A. And because it can often be difficult for the owner of a dog to make an objective and measured assessment of how their own dog is feeling, or how his health improving or declining. There are also other mentally stimulating activities that are safer than chewing but will keep your dog occupied. informative article of the risks, but as a purist, I’d rather her chew organic products rather than plastic as she tears into it and ingests toxins. I must admit she enjoys the hell out of it! Reindeer antlers are a slightly less popular variant of antler chews for dogs. Buy our fresh stag deer antlers and buffalo cow horn. We also try to answer common questions about deer. Yes, antlers can hurt dogs. Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of several books on dogs. This is how teeth are broken or gums are lacerated. There is a wide range of chew toys on the market specially designed to give dogs the opportunity for recreational chewing that won’t cause them injury. Trauma to oral tissues, such as fracture of teeth or laceration or penetration of oral mucosa. Are deer antlers safe for dogs to chew? These antlers can be available through game processors or hunters, or hiking through the forest. Some owners have been giving antlers to the dog for years without incident. Let’s dig in to get a more complete picture. You can also join in a discussion on this topic over on the forum. In the UK, for example, shed antlers will sometimes have mouse tooth marks in them. There are also a range of products sold as dental chews that claim to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. I find it interesting how so many vet sites will claim a pure natural antler is dangerous. Reindeer antlers are also incredibly hard, and will still present much the same issues for dogs and their teeth as other types of antlers. Even raw bones can cause broken teeth. 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