Q: Ava, my 2-year-old dog, was chewing an elk antler when she started licking her lips and grinding her teeth. Later, she rejected a small, soft treat, which she’s never done before. Is it possible she broke a tooth on the antler? Are antlers OK for dogs?
A: Dogs should never chew hard objects such as elk or deer antlers, dried cows’ hooves, dried pigs’ ears, natural bones, hard plastic or nylon chew toys, ice cubes, or rocks. These objects are harder than dogs’ teeth and commonly fracture them.
