Can Deer Antlers Make Dogs Sick?

We often think we give our pets too much variety when in reality all of them may not be helpful or safe. For example, antlers might seem like an excellent chew toy because they’re hard on your puppy’s teeth and gums while keeping him entertained for hours! But did you ever wonder whether this is really good or bad? Can deer antlers make dogs sick?

We know that it’s important to keep our dogs engaged with new and interesting treats. Antlers are a popular choice because they have many benefits for the dog, but can also cause some health issues if used incorrectly.

Stay put as we discuss how safe or unsafe antlers are to our furry friends and how to prepare them safely..

Are Antlers Safe for Dogs?

Since antlers have been prepared from natural products, they shouldn’t pose a problem for your dog. However, chewing on an antler can still make them unwell. 

The most significant risks of feeding antlers to dogs include;

Teeth Fracture

One of the most significant risks involved in feeding dogs antlers is tooth fracture. Dogs have a lot more teeth than humans, and their jaw pressure can be up to 100 pounds per square inch, while ours stand at about 70 pounds per square inch.

This means that they put significantly more force into chewing on food items like bones or antlers than we do when eating chicken breasts with our little front incisors alone. Repeatedly biting down hard enough will eventually cause blunt trauma which inevitably leads to fractures.

Many dogs are fed raw antlers to help clean their teeth. If your dog has a weaker dental system, there is an increased possibility that the hard and strong parts of the antler will damage them.

Choking 

What’s the worst thing that could happen to your dog if you feed them antlers? Choking!

Dogs can’t chew their food like humans do. The last time I fed my dogs some deer antler, they were so excited for it and gobbled up as much of it as fast as possible. But then instead of chewing on what was left in their mouths or spitting out bits there wasn’t enough room inside with all those sharp edges. 

It took a while before we realized our best friends couldn’t breathe anymore because an entire large hunk got stuck in his throat. Only one inch away from life-threatening airway obstruction.

Antlers are a choking hazard. One of the most significant risks associated with antler feeding is that they can easily be swallowed whole. If not chewed properly due to their hardness, this could lead to serious or fatal consequences for your furry friend.

Do Antlers Cause Diarrhoea in Dogs?

Antlers to dogs are similar to food with people. Certain people have certain sensitivities to certain foods, such as high-fat dairy products or spicy dishes that could cause diarrhea if ingested by the wrong individual. 

Dogs can also be sensitive about what they eat and this includes marrow from antlers which some dogs may not enjoy while other breeds find it appetizing with no side effects at all.  A few have sensitivities or allergies that could lead to stomach troubles; the only way you know what will happen is if they try it out first.

Reasons Why Antlers Are Popular Chews

Many dog anglers know deer antlers to be popular chews because of the following reasons:

Tasty

Forget dog biscuits. Give your pup a chew that will be popular with the animal kingdom, deer antlers! These tasty treats are sold for their crunchy nature and dogs have never had enough of them so they’re sure to keep coming back for more when it comes time to replace old ones.

Dental Hygiene

Many pet owners are often concerned with the health of their dogs’ teeth, and deer antlers act as a natural toothbrushes. These chews tend to be very popular among dog lovers because they solve dental problems by leaving your pup’s pearly whites sparkling clean.

Natural and Long-lasting

Deer antler chews have been popular for some time now, but there’s no denying that interest has spiked recently due to their natural origins in comparison with most of the pet store options available. Not only are they safe, healthy and all-natural, but they also last much longer too.

Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Hunters and pet owners alike can benefit from deer antlers as a supplement for their dog. Not only are the mineral- rich, but they also provide an alternate source of calcium and potassium to maintain strong teeth.

Guidelines on Feeding Antlers to Dogs

What Is The Right Age to Start Feeding Your Dog Antlers?

When starting a young dog on antlers, make sure they are six months old. It is essential to pay close attention to their teeth and mouth.  The vet will tell you if your puppy’s teeth are strong enough to chew if you feel unsure about the same. But before that happens, check them very carefully, so they don’t hurt themselves by chewing too aggressively.

How to Choose the Right Antler Size for Your Dog

 Dogs are not one-size-fits-all. There is an antler for every dog depending on the size, age, and type of your hound and the size of the antler.

Here’s a table summarizing the information

Size of Deer Antler	Dog Size	Most Common Dog Type
Small Sized Deer Antler	5- 20 pounds	Chihuahuas, Miniature Poodles, Pugs, spaniels, Dachshunds, Shih Tzu Papillon, and Small terriers
Medium Sized Deer Antlers	20- 50 pounds	Border Collies, Beagles, Scotties, Miniature Schnauzers, Corgis,  and Whippets.
Large Deer Antlers	50- 90 pounds	Basset Hounds, Goldens German Shepherds, Huskies, Boxers, Rottweilers, Australian Shepherds, Labs, Collies, and English Sheepdogs

Between Bones and Antlers, Which Is Better for Dogs?

Dental health is important for dogs, and chewing can help keep their teeth clean. Bones or other toys are often not the best options though because they can easily splinter into tiny pieces that pose a choking hazard for your dog.

Antlers last longer than most bones and do not seem as likely to break apart. This makes them an excellent choice when looking at natural options of what you should give your four-legged friend so he doesn’t get bored with his chews too quickly.

How to Safely Prepare Deer Antlers For Your Dog

One of the safest ways to prepare deer antlers for your dog is through blanching and simmering. You can boil them in a pot on low heat, then immediately put them into cold water after one minute has passed so that they don’t break down. The key here is ensuring that you aren’t providing choking hazards or introducing bacteria by accident.

Conclusion

We started by looking at whether deer antlers are suitable for the health of our dogs, and I guess you have gotten your answer. 

Antlers are beneficial to dogs as they are a source of minerals, help with dental hygiene, and are tasty too. They however pose some risks as they can sometimes crack or chip a dog’s teeth or blockage when swallowed.

But when we look past this small disadvantage against everything else they have to offer, these natural treats may be just what your pup needs..

Antlers are a healthier, and a more sustainable alternative to the common dog treats.