When should you throw away antlers for dogs?
You should throw away antlers for dogs whenever they have become broken, sharp or chewed down to a size that could be swallowed. Antler pieces can present a choking or gastrointestinal hazard if swallowed, so inspect antlers frequently for signs of damage or degradation.
Do antlers break down in dogs' stomachs?
Antlers do break down in dogs' stomachs, but only if they are in very small pieces. Antlers are considered highly digestible for dogs in the measured amounts that are ingested during regular chewing. However, if your dog swallows a larger or broken-off piece of antler, it may cause an obstruction in the throat or digestive system. Always supervise your dog while he is chewing on antlers and discard any damaged antlers or broken antler pieces.
How long can dogs chew on antlers?
Dogs can chew on antlers for hours and hours if you let them, but it is usually best to limit your dog's daily antler chewing time. Many experts recommend letting dogs chew on antlers for around 30 minutes a day to limit the various risks and extra calories ingested from chewing. Talk to your vet about how long and how often you should let your dog chew on antlers and other hard dog chews.