Therefore, make sure you select a large enough size which cannot be swallowed, yet small enough for your puppy to still chew it effectively. They must be provided with caution though, as puppies are more at risk of swallowing objects. In this case, when the antler has become that small, it should be thrown away.ĭeer antlers are good treats for puppies, especially when they are teething to relieve the discomfort of their adult teeth coming through. As a rule of thumb, if your dog can easily fit it entirely in his mouth, then it is too small. Luckily, antlers do not break off in pieces or shatter like bones do, and so this is only a real issue when the antler has been worn down to a small-sized piece which could be swallowed. The other concern is the risk of choking on or swallowing the antler, which could cause a life-threatening obstruction. To minimise the chances of this happening, you should always supervise your dog when he is gnawing on a deer antler. This can cause pulp to become exposed and a very painful scenario. As antlers are very hard, if your dog is particularly aggressive when it comes to chewing, he will be at risk of fracturing his teeth. For all other dogs deer antlers are a very safe treat.Įven though antlers may seem like a wonder treat, they come with their risks. However, really aggressive chewing could invite a tooth fracture. Disadvantages & Risks of Deer Antlers for DogsĪntlers are very hard, which might imply they are a great treat for dogs that chew aggressively. Deer antlers are neither of these, and an excellent solution to helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth. Most dental treats on the market are either full of calories, or brittle and can break off in your dog’s mouth. Gnawing helps to remove plaque on the teeth, and keep them clean. The main health benefit of deer antlers though, is their use in aiding in dental care for your dog. These minerals are vital for keeping bones and muscles strong. Benefits of Deer Antlers for DogsĪntlers are made up of mainly calcium and phosphorus, but also includes other vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, sulphur and zinc. You can also buy reindeer antlers, which are very similar to deer antlers, apart from the fact that they can also be harvested from females as well as males. Elk Antlers for DogsĮlk antlers are relatively soft, and good for the occasional chewer or smaller dog. Some antlers from deer such as fallow or red deer, are relatively hard and better suited for bigger dogs and more intense chewers. So, are the antlers from different deer all the same? Not at all. That’s all the processing which is done, so they are truly natural products! (Bone products should never be fully boiled as it can make them brittle). Once harvested, the antlers are cut down to size and the sharp points are removed or sanded down. Anyway, most dogs prefer fresh deer antlers, rather than ones which have been drying out in the sun for weeks before they are harvested. This way none of the hunted animal goes to waste. Horns have a core of bone, covered in a layer of keratin, much like our fingernails, and are permanent structures which don’t shed.Įven though antlers are naturally shed annually, most that are used for dog treats are by-products of the hunting industry. Horns can be found on both males and females, unlike antlers which are typically only on males. Towards the end of their growth, the blood flow stops and the antler mineralises, ready to impress females and fight off competing males.Īntlers are commonly confused with horns, but horns and antlers are very different structures. During that time, they are very soft, flowing with blood and covered in a soft layer called velvet. Antlers are shed every year, and a whole new one grows for the breeding season. They are made up of a bone-like substance, which originates as cartilage and slowly mineralises. What are Deer Antlers?Īntlers are unique to the deer family, and grow on more than sixty kinds of male deer. Throw away the antler when it has worn down to a small size which your dog can fit entirely in his mouth. Remove the antler if he is becoming too aggressive with his gnawing to avoid dental fractures. Always supervise your dog when he has an antler.Ĭhoose the right size – not one that is too small for your dog to swallow, yet not so large that they cannot chew on it easily.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |