Short answer: Deer antler can be a good chew for an adult dog that gnaws calmly and has healthy teeth. For power chewers that bite down hard with their molars, antler is less suitable: it is so hard that a tooth can break. Always choose a piece that cannot be swallowed in one go, stay with your dog and, if in doubt, choose a tough chew that gives a little.
Is deer antler safe for dogs?
Antler is made of bone. Deer shed their antlers every year and then grow a new set. As a chew it is popular because it lasts a long time, hardly smells and leaves no greasy stains. That makes it a convenient chew to have around the house.
The main drawback is its hardness. Antler barely gives, and that is where the risk lies. Whether antler is safe for your dog therefore depends mainly on how they chew, on their age and on the condition of their teeth. For one dog it is a pleasant, long-lasting chew; for another it is an unnecessary risk. In which chews are safe for dogs you can read how antler compares with other chews.
Why can a dog break a tooth on antler?
A dog that gnaws calmly scrapes thin layers off the antler with its front teeth and side teeth. A power chewer, on the other hand, bites down with full force using its large molars and tries to break off pieces. Because antler does not give, all of that force goes into the tooth. As a result, vets occasionally see broken teeth from hard chews, especially the large tooth at the back of the upper jaw.
A handy rule of thumb is the thumbnail test. Press your thumbnail into the chew. If you cannot make a small dent in it, the chew is hard and mainly suits dogs that gnaw calmly. Antler, horn and hooves all fail this test.
After chewing, watch for signs that something is wrong with a tooth:
- your dog suddenly chews on one side only;
- they drop food or treats from their mouth or drool more than usual;
- they paw at their muzzle;
- you see a sharp edge, a discoloured tooth or a pink or red dot in the tooth.
If you notice any of these signs, have a vet check your dog's teeth. A broken tooth can be painful, even if your dog hardly shows it.
Which dogs is antler suitable for, and which not?
Antler is best suited to:
- adult dogs with healthy, strong teeth;
- dogs that gnaw and scrape calmly instead of biting down hard;
- dogs that like to spend a long time with one chew.
Antler is less suitable for:
- puppies while their teeth are changing, roughly from 3 to 4 until 6 to 7 months;
- older dogs with worn, loose or sensitive teeth;
- power chewers that try to crack chews;
- dogs that swallow pieces without chewing;
- dogs that have broken a tooth before or have had dental treatment.
For puppies, read more in from what age can a puppy have chews.
Split or whole antler: what is the difference?
A whole piece of antler has a hard outer layer all the way round. Your dog has to gnaw through it first, which is why a whole antler usually lasts the longest.
With split antler, the piece has been sawn lengthwise. This exposes the softer, spongy core. Many dogs enjoy licking and gnawing that core out. Split antler is therefore often easier to get started on, but it is usually finished sooner. Please note: the outside stays just as hard. Split antler does not make antler suitable for dogs that bite down hard.
How does antler compare with other hard chews?
The table gives a general picture. Hardness and chewing time vary by piece, by size and above all by dog.
| Type | Hardness | Thumbnail test | Chewing time | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer antler, whole | Very hard | No dent | Long | Calm adult gnawers with healthy teeth |
| Deer antler, split | Hard, softer core | No dent on the outside | Medium to long | Calm gnawers that like to lick out the core |
| Horn and hooves | Very hard | No dent | Long | Calm adult gnawers |
| Olive wood | Hard, woody | Hardly any | Long | Gnawers, not for dogs that bite off chunks |
| Bully stick | Firm, tough | Leaves a dent | Medium | Most adult dogs, including power chewers |
| Beef scalp and pressed bone | Tough, softens as it is chewed | Leaves a dent | Medium to long | Many adult dogs, choose a generous size |
You will find the full range of antler and horn under antler and horn. To see all types side by side, read which chew is best for your dog.
What less hard alternatives are there?
If you are looking for a chew that lasts a long time but still gives a little, look at tough chews. A bully stick is firm but gives as your dog chews on it, and comes in different lengths. For dogs that do not tolerate beef well, the Canis Horse Pizzle is an alternative with a single, different protein source. Dried hide, such as beef scalp, is also tough and softens as it is chewed.
If your dog loves to gnaw but you want something other than antler, chew wood made from olive wood is an option for calm gnawers. The same applies here: not suitable for dogs that bite off chunks.
How do you give antler as safely as possible?
- Choose the right size: the piece must be so large that your dog cannot fit the whole thing in their mouth. If you are unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one.
- Stay with your dog: give antler under supervision and put it away when you leave.
- Remove the last piece: once the antler has become so small that your dog could swallow it, throw it away.
- Watch how your dog chews: if your dog tries to crack it rather than gnaw, stop giving antler.
- Check the teeth: look in your dog's mouth regularly and have the teeth checked at the annual health check as well.
- Put out water: always provide fresh drinking water during and after chewing.
Ingrid's tip: The first time your dog gets antler, watch for a few minutes. If they nibble with their front teeth and scrape off thin layers, antler is a good fit. If they bite down hard with their molars and you hear cracking, take the antler away and choose a tough chew such as a bully stick.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a deer antler last?
That varies greatly by dog and by piece. With a calm gnawer a whole antler lasts a long time, with a power chewer it is finished sooner. Split antler is usually finished sooner than whole antler.
What do I do when the antler gets small?
Throw it away as soon as your dog can fit the whole piece in their mouth. Your dog might try to swallow a small piece of antler, and you want to prevent that.
Can a puppy chew on antler?
While the teeth are changing, roughly from 3 to 4 until 6 to 7 months, it is better not to give very hard chews. During that period, choose soft or tough chews in a suitable size.
Is antler better than a bone?
Cooked bones are never suitable, because they can splinter. Antler is not a cooked bone, but it is so hard that it can damage teeth. That is why it only suits dogs that gnaw calmly.
My dog has broken off a piece of a tooth, what now?
Have a vet look at the tooth, even if your dog seems to be eating normally. Until then, do not give any more hard chews.
Sources
- Dierenkliniek De Arker, Risico's van hondensnacks (broken teeth from chews that are too hard, supervision)
- LICG, Gebitsverzorging bij de hond (checking the teeth, chewing as a supplement to dental care)
- AniCura, Tanden wisselen bij een puppy (teething roughly from 3-4 to 6-7 months)
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about this article? Email info@canissnacks.com.
