Do You Need to Clean Deer Antlers for Dogs?

If you're a dog owner who loves to go hunting or for random adventures in the woods every few days, we have good news for you!

You don't have to spend much money experimenting with different dog toys for your aggressive little chewer anymore. The deer antlers you may often find lying in the fields can serve as a great chew for your furry friend once you clean them properly.

Deer antlers are the best natural chews for canines, offering several health benefits due to their high nutrition content. So, the next time you spot antlers on your hunting expedition, you might want to pick them up and bring them home!

Do You Need to Clean Deer Antlers for Dogs?

Yes. Absolutely.

You need to clean deer antlers found outside before giving them to your pet because they tend to be covered in layers of bacteria. Besides, you never know how long they were on the ground before you picked them or if the animal that shed them was sick.

Antlers can be dangerous for your dog if not cleaned, sanitized, and prepared correctly.

How Do You Clean Antlers for a Dog Chew?

Dog owners use various techniques to clean deer antlers and turn them into nutritional chews, depending on the condition of the bones. You can do it at home with some simple tools and supplies.

Follow the steps below:

Step 1

The first step is to remove any dirt or debris from the antlers. You can do this by rubbing them with a piece of cloth.

Step 2

Next, you must get rid of organic matter or hair on the antlers. You can simply wet the cloth or use a wire brush to scrub the bones.

Step 3

Lastly, you must disinfect the antlers to let go of the grime. You can do this by soaking them in a solution of a mild detergent and water for five minutes.
Once soaked, rinse them off with clean water.

There you have it; clean antlers ready to be used as dog chews!
But first, dry them off with a towel or hang them up to air-dry for a few hours.

How Do You Sanitize Antlers?

When the dangers of unclean deer antlers for your dog are so serious, it makes sense to take extra precautions and sanitize the bones after scrubbing off the dirt, grime, hair, and organic byproducts.

One of the main dangers of un-sanitized deer antlers is the risk of bacteria growth, which simple cleaning techniques may not eliminate. Antlers can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can then be transmitted to your dog when they chew on them. This can lead to serious health problems for your dog, including gastrointestinal issues and infections.

That's why it's so important to sanitize deer antlers before giving them to your dog. You can do this by blanching them. This method is the most effective for getting rid of everything nasty on the bones – and luckily, it's simple enough to be done at home in just a few steps.

Follow the instructions below:

This process will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present on the antlers. Wait for a few hours and let them cool before giving them to your dog.

Do You Have to Boil Deer Antlers?

While some dog owners like to boil deer antlers found in the wild, you don't necessarily have to do so. As long as you follow the above instructions for blanching the antlers, they'll be safe to use as dog chews. But some say that boiling helps remove the smell from deer antlers.

If you want to try boiling deer antlers, make sure you know exactly how to do it and for how long. Otherwise, boiling water can hurt the bone structure and pose the risk of splintering, which can cause a choking hazard for your dog.
Follow the steps below to boil deer antlers properly.

The bones will become brittle if you let the deer antlers boil after the recommended time. When your dog chews on these structures, he may end up swallowing some pieces.

Can You Find Properly Sanitized Deer Antlers for Dog Chews at Online Pet Stores?

Yes. At Pet Expertise, we do all the hard work to ensure you get 100% clean and safe antler chews for your dog.

We have Natural Whole Antlers and Antler Rope Chews in different sizes for you to choose from. No matter your furry friend's breed or age, you can find the perfect chew toy at our online shop.

Rest assured that we don't add artificial flavors or colors to make deer antlers appealing to dogs. All our products are free from preservatives and harmful chemicals because we genuinely care about your pet's health.

Furthermore, our antler chews are super affordable. If you buy one pack today, it'll last you several months. The durability of antlers is something all dog owners rave about!

So, what are you waiting for?

Check out our collection of antler chews today and get the tastiest, healthiest, and most durable treats for your furry friend.