
Take home message: While antlers for dogs are a fad choice at most pet stores, avoid them at all cost. Any one of these will do a very good job. Greenies ( ) and Veggiedent chews ( Virbac) are also VOHC-approved treats and I know many specialists that recommend them, too. I personally prefer Tartar Shield chews ( ). I mention VOHC-approved chews exclusively and there is a reason these chews have been statistically proven to prevent calculus formation, and they are not deleterious to your pet’s teeth. I recommend you choose VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) chews. As these two teeth are pointed, the exaggerated stress placed on these teeth results in a ‘slab fracture’ that can either expose the sensitive dentin underneath the enamel, or even worse, expose the root canal system, resulting in tooth death.

The reason why this tooth is being broken at an alarming rate is that antlers do not give when chewed, and dogs place a significant force placed between this tooth and the mandibular 1st molar tooth when chewing them. That's why Pet Parents naturally-shed elk antler chews are very different.

A chipped tooth is much more expensive and painful. Do not settle for the low-grade elk antler chews just because they are cheaper.

The most common tooth to be fractured is the maxillary 4th premolar tooth, which is one of the most important teeth in the mouth. Generally speaking, elk antler chews are considered safe if they have a good grade. One of the most common discussions among our Dental Specialist E-group is the explosion of deer and elk antlers in pet stores, and the deleterious effect they are having on dog’s teeth. Benefits of Antlers Antler chews are natural, healthy, odor-free and long-lasting, keeping your dog busy and their teeth clean Safe Chewing Antlers are.
