Since many of the risks associated with antlers are due to their hard texture, you might wonder how to soften deer antlers to minimize the risk to your dog. If you notice any weakened areas, be sure to dispose of the antler immediately. Check for damageįinally, check your dog’s antler chews regularly for signs of cracks, damage, or sharp edges. Smaller dogs could crack their jaw on a large antler, while large dogs could swallow a small antler and develop an intestinal obstruction. It's also very important to choose the right antler size for your dog. Careful supervision can decrease the risk of these harmful effects. These chews can cause choking, and your dog can swallow loose antler fragments. Always supervise your dogĪlways supervise your dog with an antler chew. However, if you choose to give your dog antler chews, there are ways to minimize the risk: 1. How to minimize the risk of antler chewsĪntler chews will never be entirely safe for any dog, and the risks of damage to the teeth, mouth, jaw, or guts will always be there. It’s best to avoid any antler chew until a puppy’s adult teeth have fully erupted and their bones are mature.ĭogs reach skeletal maturity at different ages, based on their size and breed, but most puppies should avoid antler chews until they are at least one year old. At what age can puppies have split antlers?Īlthough split antlers are supposedly softer and more suitable for puppies, they still pose a risk. For similar reasons, small breed dogs are also more susceptible to damage to their teeth and jaws, so choosing an appropriately sized antler or avoiding them altogether is essential. In some cases, a puppy’s jaw may not tolerate the force of chewing on an antler. In addition to their small teeth, puppies also have growing bones that are not yet fully mature. Puppy teeth are very fragile, with short roots, and they are easily damaged by chewing on firm objects like antlers. These teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth in the first six months of your puppy’s life. Just like human babies, puppies are born with small temporary teeth (baby teeth). (Image credit: Getty Images) Are antlers safe for puppies? Unfortunately, even with aggressive treatment, some obstructions and intestinal perforations can be fatal. If your dog develops a blockage or the intestines are damaged, your dog may require emergency surgery. If this occurs, antler fragments might cause an intestinal blockage or even pierce the stomach or intestines. These fragments can be swallowed and travel down your dog’s digestive system. When your dog chews an antler, large or sharp pieces of the antler can break off. Some dogs chew antlers without any problems, but this is a relatively common side effect of antler-chewing. When a tooth becomes damaged and the pulp cavity is exposed, it must be extracted or a root canal must be performed. Not only are broken teeth painful for your dog, they can also serve as a source of jaw infection. Unfortunately, antlers are so hard they can crack or chip your dog's teeth. However, there are some significant potential hazards when it comes to antlers. With so many potential benefits, antlers may sound like the perfect choice.
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