Can Antler Bones Make Dogs Sick?

Like most dog owners, you may often come home to find your favorite pair of shoes chewed to pieces or a table leg gnawed down to the nub.

Chewing is your pet’s natural way of exploring the world around them. However, it can be difficult to replace these items all the time.

You may have tried everything from bitter apple spray to putting your dog in time-out to stop this destructive behavior.

But what if we told you there was another way? That’s right.
You can try curbing the destructive behavior by giving your dog antler bones to chew on instead.

This new chew toy comes from deer antlers, contains essential nutrients, and is tough enough to withstand vigorous chewing.

At Pet Expertise, we have a diverse collection of natural deer antlers as dog chews for your pup. They are a healthier alternative to rawhide, which can often be full of chemicals and preservatives. Besides, they do an excellent job of keeping your dog occupied, so no more household destruction (yay)!

But can antler bones make dogs sick? Are deer antlers for dogs safe?

Let's find out.

Are Deer Antlers Bad for Dogs?

Deer antlers have become a popular dog chew toy in recent years. Many people believe they are beneficial for dogs, while others think they may be harmful.

The sharp edges don't do much to put a dog parent's mind at ease, do they?

Turns out, deer antlers are a safe chew toy for your pup – and they offer a lot of health benefits!

One of the biggest advantages of deer antlers is that they are a great source of  protein, minerals, and other nutrients for dogs. Antlers are bones rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus. They also contain cartilage with glucosamine and  chondroitin - two substances known to improve joint health. Also, antlers are a good source of protein and fat, which is suitable for working dogs and those with a high activity level. They can also help improve cognitive function in canines by providing mental stimulation. What else could you ask for? For those concerned about the sharp edges injuring a dog's mouth, deer antlers are pretty soft on the inside and unlikely to cause any damage. As long as you choose a deer antler that is the right size for your dog, there is no need to worry about this. Another speculation that may keep dog owners from giving antler bones to their dogs is the possible splintering of antlers. People are afraid the splinters can pose choking hazard or cause internal damage if swallowed. Yet, the truth is that antlers make the best treats for dogs because of their tough exterior. Once your pup gets through the hard layer, it can enjoy the delicious one marrow inside. Rest assured that the process of grinding the chew down is slow and safe, so there's little to no risk of choking. Your dog can swallow the little bits of antlers that break off during gnawing, which leads us to the next question. Not only this, but chewing on deer antlers can help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. The theory behind this is that because they are natural and not processed like most dog chews, antler bones are better for your dog's teeth and gums.

Are Antlers Digestible for Dogs?

Yes, antlers are digestible for dogs. Even if your pup has a sensitive stomach, you don't have to worry about digestibility issues.

When chewing antler bones, dogs only ingest but-sized pieces. Hence, their stomachs can quickly break down the nutrients and dispose of the excess. Additionally, the bone marrow also promotes healthy digestion in dogs.

However, that doesn't mean you should be feeding them to your pet all the time. Antlers make great treats for dogs, but they should not be their only source of nutrition.

Do Antlers Upset a Dog's Stomach?

An antler won't upset your dog's stomach as long as you let them consume it in moderation. That said, these treats are a natural source of sodium, which can be harmful to canines if consumed in large quantities.

Apart from this, there's no reason your pup will end up with an upset stomach after gnawing on deer antlers. The only protein found in these treats is elk, which doesn't trigger any reaction in dogs. Besides, antlers contain calcium and iron, which have excellent soothing properties.

However, if you're still worried about antlers upsetting your pup's stomach, you can soak our deer antlers for dogs in water for one or two days to get rid of anything nasty that could be bad for your dog.

Do Antlers Give Dogs Diarrhea?

While deer antlers are generally not bad for canine stomachs, some pups (below six months) can get diarrhea because of the high protein content in these treats. While older dogs don't face any stomach issues, give your dog only the freshest, 100% natural antler bones to avoid health concerns.

What Can You Do to Prevent Antler Bones from Making Dogs Sick?

Deer antlers are a safe and healthy treat for canines. However, as with any toy, you must monitor your pup when they chew on one, at least a few times after introducing them to it.

Here are a few tips to ensure safe chewing for your dog.

• Choose the right size of the antler for your dog (it should be big enough to not fit into their mouth).
• Speak with your veterinarian first to ensure antlers are the right chew for your pup.
• It's best to introduce your canine to an antler once they've crossed the six month mark.
• Look for sharp edges or pieces on the antlers that could hurt your pup and sand them down.
• Wash the antlers with non-toxic soap and rinse them before giving them to your dog.
• Give a precise dose of the antler bones daily; a 30-minute playtime is enough.
• Throw the antler away once it's small enough for the dog to swallow.
• Make sure your furry baby doesn't chew the antler in an attempt to break it into pieces. Take it away if this happens.
• Check the treat and look out for any cracks it may have developed from the gnawing.

Treat Your Furry Baby with All-Natural, Grade-A Deer Antlers for Dogs

Now that you know the answer to "Can antler bones make dogs sick?" isn't affirmative, you should consider getting deer antlers for your pup.

If so, look no further than Pet Expertise!

It's a one-stop-shop offering 100% natural, whole deer antlers as dog chews in various shapes, sizes, colors, and thicknesses. We provide the highest quality products from the US to ensure your furry baby stays safe, healthy, and happy, enjoying some of the best natural chews.

Make sure to choose the right size for your dog, and supervise them while chewing.

What's more?

We use using biodegradable and recyclable materials for our antlers and follow eco-friendly shipment practices to promote a greener environment.

Order our Antler Rope Chew for Dogs – Natural Antler on Cotton Rope and Natural Whole Antlers for Dogs and introduce your pup to a whole new world of yummy, nutritious treats while impacting the world!