If you own a dog, you already know how your fur baby enjoys chewing stuff. Of course, it is his/her favourite hobby. Deer antlers are amongst one of a dog’s favourite chews. But, deer antlers are essentially hard structures and need softening before your pup can chew on them. In this article, we’ll tell you how to soften deer antlers for dogs.
Deer antlers are the extensions of their skulls. They are hard enough to cause dental problems to your beloved pet. Thus, hunting for ways to soften them is understandable. Also, antlers are generally sturdier than bones and hence, a better choice compared to the former as they don’t end up breaking soon, making them more durable chews.
Keep reading to find out some of the easiest ways to soften deer antlers for dogs.
Soaking Antlers for Dogs
Yes, if you happen to have spent time ample with your Grandma while growing up, you can recall how she had a solution of softening almost anything by soaking them in water hours. And, this method is applicable for softening deer antlers as well!
In fact, this is the simplest way. Just soak the antlers in water for approximately 24-48 hours. This will soften deer antlers for dogs to a certain extent. Consequently, they will be much easier for your dog to chew and will help him/her avoid gum bleeding as well.
A Tastier Softer Antler
If your dog is more concerned with the taste of his chews and loves them to be essentially tasty then, soaking the antlers in plain water is a big NO!
You can opt for a safer dog broth instead. Also, you can make chicken broth and soak the deer antlers in that for some additional nutrients and great taste.
The Simmering Antler: Boiling Deer Antlers for Dogs
You must know that some of the antlers are tougher than the others and simply soaking these in water or broth isn’t that helpful. Well, in such cases, you need to boil them a little after soaking. Be careful enough to not overdo it. Otherwise, they might become brittle and start breaking in your dog’s mouth. The broken pieces might further get stuck in his/her mouth, thus inviting yet another trouble.
Cheap Antlers for Dogs to Chew
Another great alternative is to just buy an already softened antler for your dog. My dog loves this Superior Antler from amazon, which you can get for around $20. The antler contains the tasty marrow, and lasts for a long time.
Final Words
These were some of the most effective ways to soften deer antlers for dogs. As a pet owner, you’ll agree that taking care of your beloved pet’s fun and safety are the priorities. And, that itself is the biggest reason why you should always soften deer antlers before giving them to your dog. Best of all, dog antlers can actually help improve the smell of your dog’s breath, which is a great solution if you dog’s breath smells like dead animal.
