This kind of love is dangerous! Antlers and bones both offer dogs similar benefits. When deer antlers are purchased whole, they stay supple and do not dry out and become brittle. Our elk antler chews are natural chews and have no artificial ingredients added that can cause any possible hazards. Will your dog like one over the other? Sharp edges can occur and you may need to sand these down. Split elk antlers are easy for dogs or puppies to chew on since eating a split elk antler makes it extremely easy for your dog to eat the bone marrow which is rich in nutrients. It depends. Before anything else! Your veterinarian is a great resource for recommendations of safe chew toys, and you can also check out this list of veterinarian-approved chews from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Excessively hard chew toys are a common cause of broken teeth in dogs. Dental problems are one possible complication associated with antlers. Cleans your dog's teeth as they chew. A real area of concern is broken teeth, especially with dogs who chew aggressively. Safety Concerns. Elk versus d eer antlers —a re there any differences? I’m talking about deer or elk antlers used as chew toys.. So, if you do decide to give your dog antlers, make sure you do it the right way. Cleans your dog's teeth as they chew. They offer antlers exclusively harvested from North America that have been naturally shed and are Grade A or B.Â. Elk antlers are natural thus they are safe for dogs to chew on. Just like any other bone or chew toy, you should take the elk antler chew from your dog when it gets very small, at which point it could become a choking hazard. If antlers are so dangerous, why would you risk giving them to your dog? Elk vs. Our biggest concern is our dogs chipping or cracking a tooth. That way you will know if the bone breaks or splinters and needs to be removed, or if something does go wrong, you are on hand to help your dog immediately. 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. May 31, 2020 - This Pin was discovered by Helen Sage. Antlers are 100 percent organic and -- in their natural state -- do not contain any substances hazardous or poisonous to dogs. New antlers also reproduce every year in a highly sustainable cycle. Labradors generally have strong teeth and are one of the breeds for which antlers might be appropriate, but consult your vet to better understand your dog’s overall dental health. It is always a good idea to consult your vet before starting your dog on antlers, as they can guide you on whether your dog’s teeth are strong enough. Dogs love chewing on bones and antlers. !Hey all! Antlers are also an extremely long-lasting treat in comparison to other dog chews.. You can choose from whole and split antlers. Puppies should not be given antlers until their adult teeth are completely grown in. The Oldest? In and of themselves, antlers are neither good nor bad for your dog. After all, chewing helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and it also redirects destructive tendencies and anxiety into an acceptable outlet. Preferred by dogs: Dogs seem to truly prefer the texture and smoothness of a deer antler. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Learn more how to choose the right dog antler chew by reading this post. Deer Antlers for Dogs. Elk bones are made from antlers that are shed by the elks each year. Antlers. For this reason, they are often seen as an environmentally friendly chew for dogs and also a natural choice, since dogs would have picked them up in the wild. The hardness of antlers also means they can damage your dog’s teeth and gums if they chew too aggressively or if they have weak teeth. Antlers are generally appropriate for dogs of all ages. They’re loaded with natural vitamins and minerals, including joint-boosting chondroitin, and the antler velvet (the cartilage growth phase of the antler) has been touted for everything from a sexual tonic to an immune booster. Perhaps this because it is closer to their wolf heritage! Broken teeth are extremely painful and can lead to abscesses and infections. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Knowing what healthy dog antler chew to choose is important in making sure your dog is chewing on a nutritious and safe dog chew. Dogs will chew on pretty much anything – but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to let them! Gnawtlers - Premium Elk Antlers for Dogs, Naturally Shed Elk Antlers, All Natural Elk Antler Dog Chew, Specially Selected from The Heartland Regions (Extra Large) 4.4 out of 5 stars 6,012 $24.99 $ 24 . Chewy readers give mostly good reviews. My dog loves them. All Right Reserved. Antlers are digestible for dogs. Those are good questions. Will your dog like one over the other? If you’d like to read more information about deer antlers for dogs then check out the product description for USA Bone & Chew Deer Antlers. Yes, they are real deer and elk antlers. The opinions of vets are based on anecdotal evidence from their personal experiences. I believe that hard plastic or nylon chews, sterilized bones, cow hooves and antlers are too hard to be safe for most dogs. All of their antlers are also low odor and none are treated with chemicals, bleach, dyes, or formaldehyde. This fact is reinforced in cartoons, the media, advertising, and even in our speech. I personally know dogs who have fractured teeth on elk antler, so I advise clients against all antler. Deer and elk antlers are considered safer for dogs than rawhide, primarily due to the fact that they don’t easily splinter, and are an all-natural chew. Antlers are best for passive to moderate chewers, who prefer gnawing on rather than completely consuming their chews. You should consider, though, that antlers and other excessively hard chews are a common cause of broken teeth in dogs. Antlers do not appear to splinter as easily as bones or other toys; they last a long time, saving you money on chew toys for powerful chewers; and they appeal to our sense of what is “natural” for our dogs. Just like any other bone or chew toy , you should take the elk antler chew from your dog when it gets very small, at which point it could become a … Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. The best advice is to speak to your vet. Is it safe for him to … Learn why our antlers are a safe, all-natural, superior choice for your dog. Safety Concerns. OUR PICK: USA Bones & Chews Elk Antler Burr. A broken tooth is extremely painful and can sometimes become abscessed. We recently received an email from our Guide Dog group that we wanted to share with our readers. Plus, strong chewing dogs will whittle down antlers … Elk antler dog chews are soft and provide a nutritious, yet delicious, core marrow for your dog. Some vets say it is absolutely fine and good for their teeth, while others say to never give your dog antlers as it can break their teeth and cause serious dental problems. Elk antlers are relatively soft, and good for the occasional chewer or smaller dog. Dogs left unsupervised to chew antlers are especially at risk, since you may not know that they have swallowed part of their antler until they have started showing symptoms, or worse, choked. It depends on the dog. "Antlers can cause your dog's teeth to fracture resulting in pain and infection that may remain hidden." Most of the hard dog chews available on the market come with risks, as the hardness of the chew can do damage to your dog’s teeth, but antlers are one of the better options on the market. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In fact, chewing on hard products like elk or deer antlers for dogs can lead to dental problems like fractured teeth, and internal damage from splintering. Bones, antlers, rawhide, and even Nylabones are all controversial when used as chew toys … 100% natural, North American deer or elk antlers are ideal for puppies, aggressive chewers, and large dogs because they last a very long time and rarely split, splinter or chip. Finally, if dogs swallow chunks of broken antler, they can cause stomach blockages which need to be removed by surgery, or can even be fatal. When starting a young dog on antlers, it is a good idea to give them the chew for a shorter period of time and also check their mouth carefully to ensure they are not hurting themselves by chewing too aggressively. Best Answers 100% natural antler chews help clean teeth & last and last! The biggest risk is a cracked tooth, which will not only hurt your dog but can result in an infection in the area. However, split elk antlers will not last as long as whole elk antlers because they are already broken. I have plenty of chew toys for the new one, kongs, etc., but wondering about the deer or elk antler. If they make short work of other chews, such as bones, then they probably have the teeth for antlers. While Prairie Dog’s deer products are their best, they do also offer elk and moose options. Finally, we will look at the best places to buy antlers for dogs. If you do decide to give your dog antlers, we will also look at what kind of antlers are best for dogs and how to safely give your dog this treat. Antlers are also known to improve a dog’s coat. Not all dogs will have problems with antlers. They’re long-lasting and have no smell. There is a big question mark over whether or not we should be giving antlers to dogs. When fresh, they tend not to splinter, and they’re loaded with minerals. This means you can feel good about giving your dog our elk antler chews because they are safe, delicious, and nutritious. Learn how your comment data is processed. Antler chews are a great option for dog chew bones. Possibly because they are big, tough, and less likely to snap than deer antlers. Antler chews are also full of nutrients such as calcium. If you’re a proud puppy parent or even just a dog-lover who has seen “Marley and Me” one too many times, it’s easy to close your eyes and imagine every owner’s worst nightmare: you come home from a long day of work or a much-needed date night to utter chaos. However, no dog should be left wholly unattended when chewing antlers either. It can feel, sometimes, like nothing is safe for dogs anymore. Elk antlers are a popular choice for dogs to chew because they are thought to be slightly softer and easier to chew than other types. This is the strongest section of the antler, but it isn’t too strong for your dog when it is cut into slices, exposing the softer marrow on the inside. You are absolutely right that certain dogs are more aggressive chewers than others, but giving a dog an antler to chew is just not a risk I would take. You just pick the size antler appropriate for your dog. In today’s article, we will start by investigating the question of whether it is safe for dogs to chew antlers. This is why your dog should always be supervised while chewing antlers in the hope that you will realize if the antler breaks apart and can remove any pieces before they do any damage. Deer antlers aren’t completely safe for dogs – there are risks that can be very expensive to treat. You just pick the size antler appropriate for your dog. All of their antlers are also low odor and none are treated with chemicals, bleach, dyes, or formaldehyde. In my video from a couple weeks ago I showed the pups with antlers. Reindeer: Reindeer antlers are heavier and tougher than standard deer antlers, and a little less commonly available through retailers – probably because no one wants to give Rover a chew toy that used to be Rudolph. Antlers for dogs as chew treats are also controversial, with mixed opinions on whether they are safe or cause major dental problems. Elk antler dog chews that are made from premium quality antlers, and have not been artificially flavored or colored, should be safe for your dog to consume. Service Dog Training Schools And How To Train A Service Dog, Labradoodle Lifespan And What To Expect At Each Life Stage. 99 They even pack their own nutritional punch. Yes, they are real deer and elk antlers. In my video from a couple weeks ago I showed the pups with antlers. It can also be ideal for aggressive chewers, as the flat shape means the burr won’t splinter or chip and cause potential choking issues. No, not like that! They come in a wide range of sizes to select the right fit for your dog’s size and chewing behavior. This makes them a good alternative choice if you are worried that antlers are a little too hard. Those antlers don’t come out until December. Antlers are also an extremely long-lasting treat in comparison to other … Thanks. Elk antlers vary in density depending on which part of the antler is selected. Just about any brick-and-mortar pet or feed store, or your favorite online retailer, sells antler chews for dogs. Keep Your Dog Safe with His Antler Chew If you are looking for a safe hard chew for your dog, you may be frustrated, as it seems that nothing is safe. While it is important to ensure your dog has strong enough teeth for antlers and to make sure you give them these hard chews in an appropriate and supervised manner, they can be a great way to entertain your dog and keep their teeth clean and healthy. Are antlers safe for dogs? Deer and elk antlers are considered safer for dogs than rawhide, primarily due to the fact that they don’t easily splinter, and are an all-natural chew. A number of people posted comments asking about whether antlers are safe for dogs. Keep Your Dog Safe with Antler Chews As with any chew toy, be sure to monitor your dog as they chew antlers. So, whether antlers are safe for your dog will depend on your individual dog. It suggests that while a lot of dogs have no problem at all with antlers, some dogs have had their teeth damaged by these incredibly hard chews. No chemicals, dyes, or preservatives. As your dog grinds their deer antler down, they will be treated to bits and pieces of the goodness inside. Both the marrow and elk antler, in general, are slightly softer; it is an easier experience for your dog. You should also pick chew toys that don’t fit all the way into your dog’s mouth. As with any product that is ingestible antlers can also cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. You can even find other types of “antler” chews that are made from water buffalo horns. After all, they’re natural and “sustainably harvested” (elk and deer shed their antlers naturally). They are shed periodically and then picked up and gnawed by other animals. Might want to keep an eye on it and replace it once the dog has really chewed it down, but it should be fine otherwise. Elk are typically much larger than deer, so their antlers are bigger and more durable as a dog chew. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. I believe that hard plastic or nylon chews, sterilized bones, cow hooves and antlers are too hard to be safe for most dogs. Unfortunately, antler chews aren’t recommended for strong chewing dogs. However, antlers can pose some hazards that you should consider before you buy the antler treat you’ve been eyeing at the pet store. They are both hard chews, which help clean your dog’s teeth, and as they chew the bones and/or antlers, your pooch digests valuable vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Some types of antler are softer and easier to chew than others. If you do decide to give your dog antlers, make sure you check their teeth after each chew to ensure no damage has been done. Share your experience with the community in the comments below. You May Also Enjoy: Sustainable and humane: Deer and elk shed their antlers in a natural process with no harm to the animal. Dog’s should only be given antlers and other chews for about 10-15 minutes at a time, so they do not chew too much and inflame their gums through excessive chewing. Antlers are also known to improve a dog’s coat. No chemicals, dyes, or preservatives. Are Elk Antlers Safe for My Dog? Perhaps the biggest irony when it comes to hard chews like antlers is that we, as owners, believe we are helping to keep our dogs’ teeth clean. Elk are typically much larger than deer, so their antlers are bigger and more durable as a dog chew. 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). Animals that belong to the group cervids, like the elk, whitetail deer, moose, among others, have antlers. The trace elements and minerals in elk antlers are an added nutritional bonus. They weren't killed for their antlers. Make sure your antler dog chew is large enough so that there is no possibility that your dog could choke on it. Good choice as we already established, they are just as safe your..., Nylabone ; they all present different risks as chews for dogs eer antlers —a re there any?! 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