Can I give my dog antlers to chew on?
Overall, antlers are safe chews for your dog to enjoy with proper supervision. They are a cruelty-free and sustainable chew that will last your dog a long time. Elk and deer antlers are rich in protein and a natural source of many different nutrients for healthy dogs.
Are antlers safe for dogs 2020?
Yes, antlers can hurt dogs. While antlers are hard, they can splinter and these pieces can become lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach, causing damage as well as pain. 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.
What happens if my dog eats an antler?
The little round chunks of antler should be taken away from your dog if you notice one but because antlers are digestible, if swallowed they pose no health concern. Because antlers are naturally fat free, they do not cause the same stomach upset.
Can antlers break dogs teeth?
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.
Can antler make a dog sick?
The most serious issue, however, is internal. Antlers that break or splinter can get lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines, causing dangerous blockages that could require emergency surgery.
Can dogs break teeth on antlers?
Pet owners often view them as natural and “sustainably harvested” (elk and deer shed their antlers naturally). 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.
Can dogs get sick from deer antlers?
Avoiding Health Complications from Antlers Antlers that break or splinter can get lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines, causing dangerous blockages that could require emergency surgery.
How long should you let your dog chew a bone?
Whether you give your dog a raw bone, a bone-shaped treat, or a non-digestible chew toy, you should always supervise their chewing. Dogs will chew for hours if you let them, so make sure you remove the chew after 10-15 minutes.