Review of Deer Antlers for Dogs
I first noticed deer antlers in pet stores some years back, and immediately thought that it was a hipster trap, considering the cost of even the small one was at least $10! However, one day curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to get one for Toto.
At the time I got the first one, I think he was around 6 months of age. He was bouncing all over the place, wanting to play tug, and chase. When i gave him the antler, he was full of excitement, but really wanted to pick it up, bring it over, and drop it for me to throw for him. This was great - but unfortunately - we have hard floors and live in an apartment. The dropping sound is just terrible, and i feel bad for our poor neighbours.
For a period of time, the antler was put away and did not get used much - until i had a bright idea to 'sound proof' it by sticking it into a rubber ball. You could probably do the same with a kong or similar, depending on the size of the antler. This helped reduce the sound quite a bit, but occasionally it would still bang on the floor.
At the time, he would chew is occasionally, but did not have the attention span to stay with it for long.
At the time I got the first one, I think he was around 6 months of age. He was bouncing all over the place, wanting to play tug, and chase. When i gave him the antler, he was full of excitement, but really wanted to pick it up, bring it over, and drop it for me to throw for him. This was great - but unfortunately - we have hard floors and live in an apartment. The dropping sound is just terrible, and i feel bad for our poor neighbours.
For a period of time, the antler was put away and did not get used much - until i had a bright idea to 'sound proof' it by sticking it into a rubber ball. You could probably do the same with a kong or similar, depending on the size of the antler. This helped reduce the sound quite a bit, but occasionally it would still bang on the floor.
At the time, he would chew is occasionally, but did not have the attention span to stay with it for long.
When Toto was turning 11 months, he must have entered a second teething phase, because he was very interested in chewing everything he could get to. He ended up chewing the antler to the base, and we eventually had to take it away when it got too small.
Now that we are on our next deer antler, and Toto is a bit older (and a tad more calm), he loves the antler. Although he still parades it around and drop it on the floor, we now limit his time with it when he is in his crate (usually when we have to leave the house). That way, he is associating the crate with a positive experience too! Just be sure to take it away after he is let out of the crate, so it stays as a special treat.
Durability: 5 out of 5
Although the deer antlers wear down eventually, they would last us for a good few months. This will depend on the type and size of dog of course.
Difficulty: 1 out of 5
This chew is pretty straight forward, just give it to your dog to enjoy!
Interest: 3 out of 5
This is a good chew toy to give your pup when in the crate, or he is more calm. Otherwise, the excitement might be high but not last long.
Environmental: 5 out of 5
The deer antlers are all natural!
Cost: 3 out of 5
It is on the higher end as far as chews go, but worth it considering how long it lasts
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
The deer antlers are great for dogs that love to chew, and help clean the teeth. Although they can be a bit clanky on hard floors, they are great because they are 100% natural, and the marrow is enticing for your dog.
Pro Tip: Give the antler as a reward when your dog is calm, or when he or she is in the crate, to make it a special treat they will look forward to.
Now that we are on our next deer antler, and Toto is a bit older (and a tad more calm), he loves the antler. Although he still parades it around and drop it on the floor, we now limit his time with it when he is in his crate (usually when we have to leave the house). That way, he is associating the crate with a positive experience too! Just be sure to take it away after he is let out of the crate, so it stays as a special treat.
Durability: 5 out of 5
Although the deer antlers wear down eventually, they would last us for a good few months. This will depend on the type and size of dog of course.
Difficulty: 1 out of 5
This chew is pretty straight forward, just give it to your dog to enjoy!
Interest: 3 out of 5
This is a good chew toy to give your pup when in the crate, or he is more calm. Otherwise, the excitement might be high but not last long.
Environmental: 5 out of 5
The deer antlers are all natural!
Cost: 3 out of 5
It is on the higher end as far as chews go, but worth it considering how long it lasts
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
The deer antlers are great for dogs that love to chew, and help clean the teeth. Although they can be a bit clanky on hard floors, they are great because they are 100% natural, and the marrow is enticing for your dog.
Pro Tip: Give the antler as a reward when your dog is calm, or when he or she is in the crate, to make it a special treat they will look forward to.
