{"id":1825,"date":"2022-07-15T17:38:29","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T17:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging2.kipandtwiggys.com\/?p=1825"},"modified":"2022-09-18T12:50:56","modified_gmt":"2022-09-18T12:50:56","slug":"deer-antlers-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kipandtwiggys.com\/deer-antlers-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Deer Antlers for Dogs (by Jo the Vet)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Have you ever longed for a natural treat which doesn’t add calories to your dog’s waist? Or do you have a dog who is endlessly wanting to chew your shoes and furniture and you want to redirect his chewing habits onto something else? Are you looking for a treat which also has added health benefits to it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deer antlers for dogs may be what you’re looking for!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article we will explore what deer antlers are, their benefits and their risks, as well as answer some common questions about them. So, keep reading to find out all you need to know about this marvellous treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always supervise your dog when he has an antler.<\/p>
Choose 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.<\/p>
Remove the antler if he is becoming too aggressive with his gnawing to avoid dental fractures.<\/p>
Throw away the antler when it has worn down to a small size which your dog can fit entirely in his mouth.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Antlers are unique to the deer family, and grow on more than sixty kinds of male deer. They are made up of a bone-like substance, which originates as cartilage and slowly mineralises. Antlers are shed every year, and a whole new one grows for the breeding season. During that time, they are very soft, flowing with blood and covered in a soft layer called velvet. Towards the end of their growth, the blood flow stops and the antler mineralises, ready to impress females and fight off competing males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Antlers are commonly confused with horns, but horns and antlers are very different structures. Horns can be found on both males and females, unlike antlers which are typically only on males. Horns have a core of bone, covered in a layer of keratin, much like our fingernails, and are permanent structures which don’t shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though antlers are naturally shed annually, most that are used for dog treats are by-products of the hunting industry. This way none of the hunted animal goes to waste. Anyway, most dogs prefer fresh deer antlers, rather than ones which have been drying out in the sun for weeks before they are harvested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once harvested, the antlers are cut down to size and the sharp points are removed or sanded down. They are then blanched to sanitise them. (Bone products should never be fully boiled as it can make them brittle). That’s all the processing which is done, so they are truly natural products!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, are the antlers from different deer all the same? Not at all. Some antlers from deer such as fallow or red deer, are relatively hard and better suited for bigger dogs and more intense chewers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elk antlers are relatively soft, and good for the occasional chewer or smaller dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Antlers are made up of mainly calcium and phosphorus, but also includes other vital minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, sulphur and zinc. These minerals are vital for keeping bones and muscles strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main health benefit of deer antlers though, is their use in aiding in dental care for your dog. Gnawing helps to remove plaque on the teeth, and keep them clean. Most dental treats on the market are either full of calories, or brittle and can break off in your dog’s mouth. Deer antlers are neither of these, and an excellent solution to helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n