When you’re out hunting in the woods, keep your eyes peeled for deer antlers. They can be quite a find and offer more than just a hunting trophy. Have you ever considered giving them to your dog as a chew toy and a nutritional treat?
Dogs love to play with and chew on bones, and deer antlers make excellent toys for them. However, before giving the antlers to your furry friend, there are a few things you need to do to ensure they are safe and palatable.
How to Clean Deer Antlers
No responsible dog owner would offer something picked from the woods to their furry baby without cleaning it. The same goes for deer antlers. Here are some common ways people like to clean them:
- Rubbing with a cloth to remove dirt
- Scrubbing with a wire brush or damp cloth to get rid of any remaining organic matter and hair
- Soaking in a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to let go of the grime
While these cleaning methods can remove surface dirt and organic matter, they may not eliminate the layers of bacteria that may have accumulated on the antlers.
Why Boiling Deer Antlers is Important
Deer antlers can harbor grime and bacteria when picked fresh. Boiling them is one of the best ways to ensure that everything harmful on the surface is removed and your dog’s health is protected. However, there are a few things you should know before proceeding.
The Process of Boiling Deer Antlers
Boiling water helps remove dirt, bacteria, and the smell from deer antlers. To prevent your entire house from smelling, it’s essential to do this outdoors. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Pour water into a large cooking pot and add a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Place the pot on a stove or fire pit and let the water boil.
Step 3: Cut the antlers into small pieces for your dog to chew comfortably. Make sure your pup can’t swallow them easily. Also, cut off parts that stick out at odd angles and sand the sharp edges.
Step 4: When the water reaches a boil, put the antler pieces in the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Ensure all antlers are entirely submerged and remain so throughout. You can use prongs to keep them underwater.
Step 5: Keep the antlers in the boiling water for no more than 30 minutes. Use prongs to take them out as soon as the time is up.
Step 6: Let the antlers air dry for 24 hours. Avoid putting them under direct sunlight for more than a day, as it can erode their color.
Pro tip: To add an appetizing flavor that your dog will find irresistible, consider adding chicken or beef broth after putting the antlers into the boiling water.
Please note that boiling deer antlers for more than the recommended time can make them brittle and prone to splintering, which poses a choking hazard to your dog.
How to Treat Deer Antlers for Safe Chewing
Raw antlers tend to be extremely hard, and you may wonder if your dog’s teeth are strong enough to chew on them without harm. The good news is that you can soften them to ensure comfortable chewing for your furry friend.
One effective method is to soak the antlers in warm water for one or two days. This helps soften the antlers and make them more pliable. If boiling them doesn’t put your mind at ease, you can also use a weak solution of soap and water to disinfect the antlers. Remember to rinse them thoroughly before giving them to your dog.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remove any sharp points or edges that could potentially hurt your dog. You can use fine-grit sandpaper for this purpose.
Once the antlers are safe for your dog to chew, you can further enhance their appeal by smearing them with peanut butter, chicken, or beef broth to turn them into mouthwatering treats.
Pawsoha: Your Trusted Source for High-Quality Antler Chews
While finding fresh deer antlers on your hunting expeditions is exciting, the process of cutting, sanding, and sanitizing them can quickly become mundane and frustrating. Furthermore, there is always a concern about your dog swallowing small pieces if the antlers are cut too small.
Why go through all this trouble when you can purchase 100% natural whole antler chews that are safe for dogs? At Pawsoha, we offer affordable Natural Whole Antlers in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses to cater to dogs of all sizes and breeds. Our antler chews are less likely to splinter and last longer than most available alternatives.
With over 15 years of experience, Pawsoha is a trusted name in providing dogs with the safest, freshest, and most nutritious antlers on the market. Visit Pawsoha today and give your dog the joy of chewing on high-quality antlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion
Deer antlers can be a great source of entertainment and nutrition for your dog. However, it’s essential to clean, boil, and treat them properly to ensure your dog’s safety. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can prepare deer antlers for your furry friend to enjoy without any worries. Remember, for hassle-free and high-quality antler chews, Pawsoha is your go-to brand.