Antlers are hard enough to withstand the force of another deer’s antlers in battle, which means they’re definitely hard enough to break your dog’s teeth. Lastly, while this may not be important to many pet owners, pig ears can leave a greasy residue on your carpet and furniture. Some pig ears, especially those that don’t come from a reputable source, can be coated with harsh chemicals. One such chemical that has been found is bleach. Additionally, some smoked pig ears have been found to have coatings that are carcinogenic. When shopping for dental chews, it’s important to select a product that’s an appropriate size for your dog. “Ideally, the chew should be larger than the dog’s mouth to prevent swallowing hazards, so make sure to choose the right-sized chew,” says Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. “A dog shouldn’t swallow the chew when it is broken down. Take away the chew when it gets smaller than the dog’s mouth and replace it with a larger chew.” Chewing helps dogs accomplish several things. For puppies that are teething, like for babies, chewing helps relieve pain. Older dogs may chew to keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. Some dogs chew for the simple fun of it.

Natural Dental Care: Chewing on water buffalo horns can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a dog’s teeth. The mechanical action of chewing scrapes away at the dental debris, promoting better oral health. While the wild water buffalo is considered an endangered species, the domestic water buffalo is not. There are millions of domestic water buffalo being raised on farms around the world. These large creatures have been bred for around 5000 years by humans for labor such as tilling rice fields, but also and also to provide milk (which is made into a wide range of dairy products), meat, and leather.While the horns themselves are not meant to be entirely consumed, the small fragments or shavings that come off during the chewing process are generally digestible. Softness & Durability:The toy also should not be so soft or poorly constructed that your dog will be able to chew it apart and swallow pieces, chunks, or the stuffing inside. However, it’s essential for dog owners to monitor their pets while they’re enjoying a buffalo horn chew, as with any chewable toy or treat. Make sure the horn is the appropriate size for the dog and replace it if it becomes too small to avoid potential choking hazards. Important Note: Always Supervise: Remember to supervise your dog while they enjoy their treat or chew. It's also crucial to have clean, fresh water available for your dog. How do water buffalo chews compare to rawhide in terms of safety? Water buffalo chews tend to be more digestible than traditional rawhides and often come with fewer additives. However, like all chews, they should be given under supervision to prevent potential choking hazards.

Are water buffalo chews safe for puppies? While water buffalo chews can be given to puppies, always ensure that the size and hardness are appropriate for your puppy’s age and chewing strength. Supervision is essential to prevent choking or ingestion of large pieces. It is this curved outer sheath that buffalo horn chews are made from. They do not include the core which is why they are partially or totally hollow. Interestingly cores are also sometimes made into chews as well. However, buffalo horn cores for dogs are smaller, don’t last nearly as long, and have a much softer honeycomb-like consistency.

How to Tell if an Edible Chew or Chew Toy is Safe for Your Dog

Do not leave these toys out in the sun and extreme temperatures. It can degrade them faster and weaken them. While they may look ok, they are not as structurally strong. I think when it comes to our pets, we all have different thoughts on what they should be fed, what treats they should get, how much they should weigh, etc. Additionally, each pet is unique, and what works for one dog of a particular size or breed may not work for another. Each dog is an individual living in their own environment. You know your dog the best and what works best for them (and you). Washability: Ideally, you should be able to put it in the dishwasher or washing machine and clothes dryer to be periodically cleaned and disinfected. Your Dog's Chewing Style:Each dog has their own "chewsonality." Some are inhalers and/or destroyers while others just like to nibble. Knowing your dog’s chew style aids in selecting the best chew. Learn how to determine what type of chewer your dog is (and get recommendations for best chew toys) in How to Choose Safe Dog Chews. The main health benefit for buffalo horns is their contribution to dental care. They promote good dental hygiene, through scraping off plaque as your dog chews on it. If plaque builds up on the teeth, it can lead to wobbly teeth and inflamed gums, so preventing this will keep your dog’s mouth comfortable and healthy. Buffalo horns can therefore keep your dog’s teeth pearly white and breath smelling fresh due to the reduction in plaque. Low Fat

Puppies can chew on water buffalo horns, but it’s advisable to wait until they have their adult teeth (around six months) to ensure the horn doesn’t damage their more fragile puppy teeth. You may not need to dive onto a fallen ice cube before your dog gets to it, but it’s not the best idea to intentionally give ice cubes to your dog to chew.Available everywhere and relatively inexpensive, rawhides can be a good chew option for some dogs. Plenty of dogs chew rawhides without incident. However, some dogs end up with bits of rawhide lodged in their windpipe, stomach, or intestines causing a choking or digestive obstruction. Like many natural treats, buffalo horns can come with some risks. They are very hard and therefore there is a risk of breaking teeth if your dog chews on it too intensely. Broken teeth are a problem because in the centre of the tooth is the pulp and full of nerves. Therefore, broken teeth can be very painful. Splinters & Chunks