Are Antlers Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Most people consider antlers a safe chewing option for their dogs because they last longer and don’t break easily compared to rawhides and bones. However, this doesn’t mean you should introduce antlers to your dog anyhow. You must consult an expert vet to ascertain the safety of your dog. Even if the vet allows you to give antler to your dog, ensure you monitor it whenever chewing since it may lead to bleeding gums, chipped, or broken teeth. Typically, most types of antlers are rigid and can’t break easily. However, sometimes they can break and be swallowed, resulting in digestive problems like intestinal damage or blockage.

ARE ANTLERS SAFE FOR DOGS TO EAT?

This has been a subject of debate among most dog owners. More studies are underway to determine whether antlers are safe or not in dogs. There are both reasons for and against whether it’s safe for dogs to eat antlers or not. In the real sense, dogs like antler taste. These antlers have been thought to provide some essential nutrients. On the opposite side, they can result in internal blockages, punctures, and broken teeth. In terms of dog safety, there’s little evidence to support this. However, most vet websites claim that these are among the leading cause of tooth fractures in dogs. Most antlers are made of real bones, which make them quite hard.

TYPES OF DOG ANTLERS

Most dog owners don’t have any problems with giving their pets antlers. However, their major concern is the kind of antlers to buy for their dogs that won’t damage their pet’s teeth. There are many types of antlers with varied hardness levels. Some of the types of antlers are as follows:

a. Deer antlers

These are the most common and popular antlers that you’ll get in both physical and online stores. Deer antlers are considered the densest and hardest antlers for dogs that make lasting chew. They also don’t have marrow content.

b. Split antlers

Split antlers can easily be cut to make it easier for dogs to chew them and get nutrients. The external part can break your dog’s teeth.

c. Elk antlers

They’re the largest antlers in the market with slightly darker colors. Unlike their counterparts’ deer antlers, these antlers have marrow content responsible for their slight softness. These antlers are a suitable choice for split treats.

d. Reindeer antlers

They’re less popular antlers, although they’re still hard. There are specific reindeer antlers for both male and female dogs.

e. Moose antlers

These antlers have more marrow content than all other antlers, making them soft. They’re paddle-shaped and provide long-lasting chew.

ARE ANTLERS SAFE FOR PUPPIES?

Most puppies usually have undeveloped teeth (baby teeth), which fall out over time and get replaced by other teeth. The teeth are usually shallow rooted and fragile, meaning they can easily get damaged if the puppy chews hard objects like antlers. These antlers can possibly damage both the jaws and teeth of the puppy. When there are jaw fractures, it’ll be more difficult for your puppy to eat well.

ARE ANTLERS DIGESTIBLE?

If you allow your dog to chew antlers, there may be some pieces that get swallowed in the process. The swallowed pieces can be easily digested since they contain some nutrients. However, if you notice that the antler has some broken parts, it’s advisable to replace it with a new one. Sometimes, the pieces might fail to be digested, thus causing digestive problems.

BENEFITS OF ANTLERS FOR DOGS

Although antlers pose some risks to dogs, they also have some benefits, as explained below:

1. Hypoallergenic

If you want an object for your dog to chew that’s hypoallergenic, consider getting an antler. Antlers are generally low allergenic, which means they’re ideal for almost all dog breeds, especially those with sensitivity problems.

2. Dental hygiene

Most people don’t actually know that antlers provide dental hygiene benefits to dogs. When the dog chews the antler, it eliminates tartar and plaque left after eating to about 70%. The removal of tartar and plaque lessens the burden of dental cleaning and care, which sometimes tends to be quite costly.

3. Long-lasting

Most dog antlers can last for years, depending on the level of chewing. If you only give your dog antlers at specific times, they’ll even last longer than giving them regularly. Your main objective should be to provide physical and mental stimulation to ensure proper brain function.

4. Provide nutrients

Most antlers are rich sources of minerals and nutrients, including phosphorus and calcium, which are beneficial in dogs. Most dogs like the taste of antlers which makes them stick to them. This is a great recreational and relaxing activity for your dog.

5. Odor-free

Almost all types of antlers are odor-free. Most antlers have a welcoming smell that attracts dogs to chew.

ARE THERE RISKS OF ANTLERS FOR DOGS?

1. Choking risk

Antlers pose a choking risk to dogs when swallowed. Antlers can result in the windpipe or esophageal obstruction, which can be fatal. This means that the antler can make breathing and food ingestion difficult. When there’s esophageal obstruction, you’ll see some signs, including drooling excessively, swallowing difficulty, regurgitation, and gagging.

2. Dental risk

There’s a huge dental risk associated with antlers for dogs. The most common dental risk is tooth fracture. According to research, every 4 dogs taken to a veterinarian for dental cleaning tend to have severe dental injuries, with 50% being broken or fractured teeth. It’s essential to note that not all teeth fractures or damages are caused by chewing antlers. Sometimes, it could be a result of gum problems. Teeth fractures can contribute to severe pain, root abscess, and bleeding.

3. GI obstruction

Antlers can also cause gastrointestinal obstruction when swallowed. Research is underway to find out whether stomach acids can digest antlers. Some signs of gastrointestinal obstruction include vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, and poor appetite.

These are the risks of antlers for dogs. If your dog develops an allergy, you’ll see signs like sneezing, runny eyes, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea, inflamed skin, itchy ears, etc. If you want to prevent your dog from the risks associated with antlers, find the right sized antler, supervise your dog, and check for damage.