Chew Wisely: The Hidden Risks of Antlers, Bones, and Rawhides
By Laura Jensen
CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC)
For generations, antlers, bones, and rawhides have been popular choices for dogs who love to chew. While they may seem like harmless, natural treats, they can carry serious risks- and can quickly become a veterinary emergency.
Choking, Broken Teeth, and Contamination Risks
Choking can happen in an instant. Pieces of antler, bone, or rawhide can become lodged in the throat, while smaller fragments may enter the airway and interfere with breathing. Pressed rawhide can also become stuck across the roof of the mouth, and round bones can become lodged around the lower jaw. Dogs may panic and be unable to dislodge these items, making close supervision essential.
Antlers and bones are extremely hard and can fracture teeth, particularly the back teeth used for chewing. Cooked bones are usually extremely brittle, splintering into sharp pieces that injure the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
Rawhides also carry risks related to contamination and processing. Depending on how they are manufactured, they may be contaminated with bacteria or contain residual chemicals like bleaches or glues. These chemicals may cause stomach irritation in our dogs.
Problems in the GI Tract
Antler, bone, or rawhide fragments can cause a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, preventing food and waste from moving normally through the digestive tract. Sharp fragments may also scrape or puncture the stomach or intestinal wall, causing a perforation. This can allow digestive contents to leak into the abdomen, leading to peritonitis—a serious and potentially life-threatening infection.
Some small bones may completely dissolve in the stomach acid or pass through the digestive tract without causing harm. However, there is no reliable way to predict which bones will safely break down or pass without complications. Even if your dog has safely swallowed and passed the same type of bone before, the next time could result in a life-threatening obstruction or perforation. Avoiding all antlers, bones, and rawhides is the safest choice.
Safer Chewing Options
Dogs have an instinct to chew, but they don’t need bones or antlers to satisfy it. Choose durable, appropriately sized chew toys made from materials with some flexibility. Veterinary dentists recommend avoiding hard toys and chews that cannot be slightly indented with a fingernail, as these can damage or fracture teeth.
As a personal recommendation—not a product review—I have had good experiences with the Bionic line of toys for my own large-breed dogs, who are extreme chewers. Bionic offers a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate different breeds and chewing habits. Every dog is different, so always supervise your pup and replace any toy that becomes damaged, brittle, or small enough to swallow.
For edible dental chews, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which indicates the product has met established standards for reducing plaque and tartar in dogs. Follow the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations to avoid GI upset.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog swallows an antler, bone, or rawhide, contact your veterinarian right away. Seek immediate care for choking, repeated gagging, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or lethargy, which can indicate a serious GI issue.
If your dog is pawing at its mouth, dropping food, bleeding from the mouth, or whining while eating, contact your veterinarian. A broken tooth or other mouth injury may require veterinary dental care, including dental X-rays and extraction of damaged teeth.
Conclusion
We used to think antlers, bones, and rawhides were ideal chew toys, but experience has taught us that the risks simply aren’t worth it. Choosing safe chew toys based on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and play style can help satisfy their natural urge to chew while giving you greater peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This article was written by a Certified Veterinary Technician for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It may reference over-the-counter medications for informational purposes only and does not provide or recommend dosages; Always contact your veterinarian if your pet is injured or ill, and seek emergency veterinary care when needed.
