What do vets recommend for dog chews?
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Dogs have been chewing on antlers probably as long as they have both existed, but only recently have city-dogs been able to get their teeth on them. Pet Expertise introduced antlers for dogs, and they remain one of our biggest sellers to this day. We get tons of wonderful feedback from happy dog owners so we figured wed share a bit of what we have learned about them. Below we will briefly explain antler biology, where we source our deer antlers for dogs, why they make great dog chews, how to keep your dog safe with his/her antler chew, and how to get the most out of your antler dog chews.
Antlers are unique to the deer family and are composed of a bone-like material that regenerates each year and branches out. They grow on the heads of more than sixty kinds of deer, including moose, reindeer, caribou, and elk. Antlers grow only on males, who use them as weapons to fight other males for leadership or possession of a mate. The only exception is female caribou, which also grow antlers. Antlers for dogs generally come from deer and elk. Chews from moose antlers are also available, but they are typically so flat that they are not ideal for dogs.
Deer grow a new pair of antlers each year from the time they are a year old. Antlers begin as layers of cartilage that slowly mineralize into bone. They are soft and easily damaged until they completely mineralize in late summer. Antlers grow very quickly – faster than any other kind of bone – up to one inch per day during the summer! As they get larger, they begin to branch out and are covered with a thin skin of fine fur called velvet (antlers for dogs that contain velvet are even more nutritious). At this time, the blood that flows to the antlers stops causing them to harden. When the antlers have reached their full growth, the protective velvet covering dries, and the deer will eventually rub the velvet off on trees. Finally, in the winter, the antlers fall off, but with each successive years growth, the antlers branch into more points until the deer has reached his prime.
The hardened antlers are composed of calcium, phosphorus, and as much as 50% water. Antlers are truly amazing structures. Biologists are studying antlers in hopes of learning the secrets of fast cell growth, which may unlock cures to various forms of cancer.
When should I throw away my dogs antler?
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.
How to use deer antlers to your advantage when training your puppy!
A deer antler bone is a super healthy chew treat for your dog! It helps to keep his teeth clean and releases ‘happy’ brain chemicals. This satisfies your dog while you – as an owner – also benefit from this perfect pet treat. Not once, not two, but ten (!) times. Just read more.