Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Antlers

When presented with a plush toy, Maisie will rip it apart.  She can eviscerate a tennis ball in record time.  When I discovered teeth marks on the corners of my coffee table, I realized that this is a dog who loves to chew.  Every so often, Maisie will gnaw on a toy made specifically for chewing.  But that's kind of a rarity.

Maisie has a sensitive little tummy, so while bully sticks and marrow bones are special treats, I needed a rawhide alternative that she could have on a daily basis.  I was thrilled to find something she really loves to chew that causes no intestinal distress...deer antlers!

These are actual antlers of a deer, which they apparently shed naturally and then regrow.  People collect the shed antlers, clean and cut them, then sell them as dog chews.  They have been a lifesaver for me and are a great energy outlet for Maisie, so I keep them everywhere.  At home, there's always an antler or two downstairs...
 
A couple more upstairs...

And yet another one at work.

I even began keeping one in the backseat of the car after Maisie chewed halfway through her leash one day while I was driving.  Though the antlers can be pricey, I came across the website for a local company called Grateful Shed (best name ever!) that sells three antlers for about the same cost as just one in most pet boutiques (but you have to call since they do not offer online ordering).  Sometimes Maisie seems to lose interest in a particular antler, but I discovered that if I scratch the end of it on the sidewalk or another cement-like surface for a minute or so, it becomes "refreshed" and usually makes her want it again. 

The antlers don't smell or stain or get slobbery like rawhide.  They withstand serious power chewing and last a long time.  Antlers not only preserve my shoes and furniture by giving Maisie an appropriate chewing device, they also help keep her teeth clean (especially important for a dog like Maisie who eats raw, wet food).  And they seem to make her pretty happy too!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooooh we will have to check them out; thanks!

Maisie's Mom said...

let me know how your pups like 'em! :)

In Black and White said...

I love antlers, even Billy can't chew through them in an instant and he's got the same sensitive tummy so bullysticks and rawhides aren't really an option. Going to check out that site and see if I can save a bit - thanks!!

Two Pitties in the City said...

Very interesting...I had never heard of getting antlers for dogs before. I had gotten Miss M a cow hoof when I first adopted her; she absolutely loved it, but it smelled terrible. Plus, I think it may have gotten too small and become a choking hazzard.

Of Pit Bulls and Patience said...

I've been thinking about trying the antlers, I just didn't want to spend the money if Skye didn't like it. But compared to how many pig ears and bully sticks we go through, I'd probably save some money in the long run!

Maisie's Mom said...

they last Maisie at least a month, sometimes up to 3 months since I keep a few available to her at any given time. I get the large ones because she's such a power chewer (even though she's only 35 lbs.), which also helps them last longer. I'd never heard of them before either, but as I said I am SO glad I did. I do toss them out once they are only about 3 inches long though. just like I do with men! :P

Aleksandra said...

i've gotta try these. they have always creeped me out, but if they really do shed naturally, i would be willing to reconsider...

Unknown said...

Francie, I was reading about them a few weeks ago and almost ordered on amazon, but didn't because some reviews mentioned teeth breaking on them. Thanks for letting me know how well they've worked for Maisie. After this past weekend, I'm willing to risk some teeth as long as Gracie has something to chew that doesn't endanger her life and my bank account, saving that life!

ForPetsSake said...

I've thought about buying these for the girls because I like the concept, but had never heard anything firsthand from someone I knew. No I have - thanks for the info!