Let's Discuss Antlers....

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

The recent discussion in the main Forum regarding antlers chipping teeth and causing major problems makes me super nervous to give them to Peri.  Here is the discussion:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/antlers-2?id=2065244%3ATop...

 

Thoughts??  Peri is a heavy chewer and if I am going to stop feeding antlers, I must find an alternative that will not cost me an arm and a leg.  We know nylabones are out - does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Or...is it worth the risk?  I do have pet insurance but would never want to cause my girl pain if I can help it!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Exactly. Peri is the same - she will happily give it up, but she also really enjoys it :)

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hope someone comes up with something. Bully sticks go far too quickly around here as do pigs ears or anything like these. Do you think these Himalayan chews would last longer than an evening?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's really disturbing to me that there doesn't seem to be anything safe we can give our dogs that will occupy them for any length of time ,satisfy their chewing urges, and also help to keep their teeth clean. In the past, I had small poodles and poodle mixes who lived to be 13-16 years old, and although smaller dogs, especially poodles, are notorious for having bad teeth, mine never needed theirn teeth cleaned or even brushed during their lifetimes, the bones and rawhides were so effective.

I personally have never had a problem with marrow bones with JD, so I intend to continue giving them to him. he already needs his teeth cleaned, anyway, though.

I know that several people have had dogs who chipped their teeth on bones, antlers, etc., but I can't help wondering if some vets advise against these things because professional teeth cleanings generate big $$$$.  Just being cynical, I guess.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I agree!  This drives me insane.  Really insane. I have told SO MANY people to try antlers (many friends & family members!). I don't like having to retract a recommendation.

 

The teeth cleaning thing - I agree. Taquito has the worst teeth and he likes antlers.  What to do?

 

I guess I can try marrow bones?  Part of me also agrees with you Karen - I paid $400 for Taquito to get his teeth cleaned last year. GEEZ.

 

Might take my chances with antlers?  Hmmmmmm

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hear what you mean but I am only going on my own evidence. I just examined Luca's teeth and he has a tiny chip on a bottom incisor too. Those bottom incisors are so small and square. I will have to search online a bit and see what's out there. My vet has not told me not to give these things to them but now I can't even ask her. I may call the office though because there is a dental specialist vet there. Remember a long tome ago I told you that the wolves at the preserve only left antlers, and one other thing I can't remember, from deer carcasses. Maybe the wolves know something

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The coyotes around here only leave the skulls...yuck. Of course, squirrels and rabbits don't have antlers.

[F, Calla & Luca]

So far: http://www.dentalvet.com/patients/endodontics/endodontics.htm.

Here's the pertinent info from this link.

The days of observing and neglecting fractured teeth should be over. Our patients may not "complain" to their owners or us about fractured teeth until lesions have progressed, sometimes to the untreatable.

All teeth are susceptible to fracture, however, in the mature dog or cat, the maxillary canines are most commonly broken, followed by the mandibular canines, the maxillary fourth premolars, and incisors. In the immature dog, deciduous canine teeth commonly fracture.

How do small animals fracture their teeth? Commonly from chewing on cage doors, airplane crates, or chain-link fences. Also implicated are hard chew toys, ice cubes, and horse hooves. Auto accidents, aggressive Schutzhund training, and dog fights can additionally lead to fractures.

And here's one video that gives the nix to Greenies and bones.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=1990632n&tag=related;pho...

[Sharon & Monty]

This is too stressful!  We love our antlers.  It is the only item that Monty doesn't destroy in 10 minutes and doesnt cost me a fortune. :(

[Kim]

This discussion makes me sad =-(  I'm wondering what long lasting chew will not bounce off of my knee, AND not cause loose stools????

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Aaahh!!!  What to do?  I am going to really examine Peri's teeth after she returns from daycare.  I must admit - if I notice chipping, I will probably stop giving the antlers :( :(

 

This is doubly depressing to me because Peri doesn't have ANY plush toys (she destroys them) - her only real "treat" or favorite toy is an antler. Her toybox is filled with 5-6 different Zogoflex items.  Boring.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Maybe though, since the moose antlers are softer, we should go for those???? That might be "easier" on the teeth.  Hmmm

[Kim]

that moose antler is going to bounce off your knee!!!