Deer Antlers - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Herb2relax · 01-28-2013, 09:11 PM

The dogs got deer antlers in their xmas stockings and they went over very well. All 4 dogs like them. Question is do they do something to the antlers such as a type of processing? I am curious if I can give them antlers that my sister is trying to get me from some deer hunters. Seems that route is going to be WAY cheaper.

Sam1491 · 01-28-2013, 09:23 PM

I doubt much is done but a good scrub to clean anything off of them.

I somewhat started mabel in shed search training, just don't trust her enough off leash to pursue it much right now. Plus she hates chewing antlers lol.

falnfenix · 01-28-2013, 09:25 PM

fresh antlers should be fine...and less likely to shatter than the ones you get from the store. don't stick them in the dishwasher, this can contribute to drying them out and making them brittle.

Herb2relax · 01-28-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falnfenix

fresh antlers should be fine...and less likely to shatter than the ones you get from the store. don't stick them in the dishwasher, this can contribute to drying them out and making them brittle.

that thought never crossed my mind. I guess they do get kinda gross with all that dog slob!

BenVera · 01-28-2013, 09:43 PM

Some of the deer in my neighborhood rest in the empty lots that flank both sides of my house. They shed their antlers by rubbing them off on the branches, logs, etc. I have a small pile of them next to my garage because I thought my dogs might prefer the fresh ones to the store-bought, processed antlers. No dice.

falnfenix · 01-28-2013, 09:44 PM

ya, they can. you can wash'em off in the sink just fine.

the problem is the heat cycle most people use in their dishwashers runs the risk of overdrying. it's one of the things we found problematic with store-bought antler pieces. fresh antler FTW.

oh, also, if you go out in the woods during shed season you might find some of your own. just saw'em down (or have someone who owns a circular saw cut'em down) and sand off the edges and you're golden. shed season usually starts right after the hunting season ends.

adamc55 · 01-31-2013, 04:57 PM

I've been giving my dogs natural antlers for awhile, my brother in law gives them to his apbt too. What I do is a very simple process, I cut the antler from the skull cap of its still attatched, I boil some water that I have added BBQ sauce to, then I "dip" them in the water for no more than 20 seconds just to kill any wierd bacteria that might be on them, don't boil too long though they will become brittle. I have done this for about two years now (wookie loves them) and it takes Stella a few months to get through one, she is a power chewer too! I feel like washing in soap seems to make the dogs un-interested.