Do you need to clean antlers for dogs? A Step-by-Step Guide

How Do I Soften a Deer Antler For My Dog?

Below are steps to soften the deer antler to avoid your dog breaking its teeth or having bleedings gum.

Make sure to get a clean dog pan big enough to contain the antler. People will typically use a buck for whole deer antlers or a pot for smaller deer antlers.

Fill it with clean water or a dog safe broth to make the antler tastier. Many people will use some type of chicken or beef broth to soak the deer antler in.

Put the deer antler in the water or broth to soak. Make sure the antler is submerged in the water or broth.

Leave the deer antlers to soften for a day or two, depending on how aggressive your dog chews. We typically leave it in the water for 24 hours.

Remove the antler from the water or broth and leave to dry up before serving your dog.

Natural antler dog chews can come from a variety of sources. Each type has different textures. Deer antlers for dogs can have a harder texture than other varieties of antlers. They come in a wide range of sizes to select the right fit for your dog’s size and chewing behavior. Elk antlers for dogs are usually large in size, and can often be available in a split form. Elk antlers vary in density depending on which part of the antler is selected. Moose antlers for dogs are softer than other antlers, and are often sold in different slices and shapes to choose what works for your individual dog. You can even find other types of “antler” chews that are made from water buffalo horns.

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. After all, chewing helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and it also redirects destructive tendencies and anxiety into an acceptable outlet. For owners of powerful chewers that destroy conventional chew toys in a manner of hours, antlers seem like a gift from nature herself.

You should consider, though, that antlers and other excessively hard chews are a common cause of broken teeth in dogs. Broken teeth are extremely painful and can lead to abscesses and infections. While your dog’s suffering is usually enough of a deterrent, a broken tooth typically costs hundreds of dollars in repair or removal, offering an economic incentive, as well as a moral one, to consider carefully whether antlers are the right chew for your individual dog.

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. No matter what chew toy or object you decide to go with, always make sure you get the right size for your dog, and look out for any recalls, especially if you select a jerky chew product or another food product. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC download

On the surface, antlers for dogs seem like the perfect object for our pets to chew on. 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.

Problems with deer antler chews

Not appropriate for dogs with sensitive teeth – Deer antlers are very hard. In fact, they are one of the toughest dog chews available, which makes them not appropriate for puppies with soft, growing teeth. Older dogs or dogs with dental problems risk tooth breakage with antlers. It’s important to make sure your dog has good dental health before giving them a deer antler chew.

Not everything you buy is good quality – Antler chews that are not sustainably sourced or properly prepared are dangerous for dogs. Antlers that have been lying on the ground for extensive amounts of time become brittle and splinter when your dog chews on them. This makes them a choking hazard.

If antlers aren’t sterilized properly, they can be full of bacteria. Make sure any antlers you give to your dog are reputably sourced and fresh. If you look at a cross-section of the antler (on the cut end), multiple colors should be visible. If the antler is pure white, it has been bleached and shouldn’t be given to your dog.

Cost – Deer antlers can be expensive to buy at pet stores. Because they last for months, it’s assumed that dog owners will owner buy two or three a year. If you have access to deer antlers, it is more cost-effective to source and prepares them on your own. This also gives you quality control over the antlers your dog chews on.

If you’re looking for an alternative to deer antlers for your aggressive chewer, there are several options.

Dental chews – great for your dog’s teeth, not as long-lasting as deer antlers

Knuckle bones – a very popular natural treat. They still require supervision, however, as they are more likely to splinter or break off in chunks during chewing.

Cow hooves – similar to antlers, low calorie, but can splinter easily.

Horns – a similar option to antlers but smaller

Rawhide chews – a great option to keep your dog busy chewing. If your dog swallows his chews, they can cause digestive issues as rawhide does not digest in a dog’s stomach.

Nylabone makes a great bone antler alternative, available here

It comes in two sizes, medium and large, and either chicken or venison flavors. It’s made of nylon, so it won’t splinter and cause a choking hazard. The textured surface provides the same dental benefits as antlers and satisfies the needs of dogs who like to chew.

How do you prepare deer antlers for dogs?

You know how much your pup loves to chew, and as a responsible dog owner, you want to ensure that you are looking for a long lasting chew that is safe for your dog. One of the best choices that you could make is antlers.

Your dogs health matters, and its vital that you choose the chew that is based on the chew style of your dog. Antlers have been proven to be the best for passive to moderate chewers. These are the dogs who prefer to gnaw on their chews rather than completely consume them. Antlers are hard dog chews that are designed to scrape away dental plaque buildup to improve their dental hygiene. Chewing is healthy behavior that you want to encourage in your dog, especially as its a natural stress reliever.

If you ever have any worries about your dog or the chews that they are eating, the best person to ask about your concerns is your veterinarian. They would be happy to answer all of your questions about the health of your pooch.