Water buffalo horn

What is water buffalo horn?

Water buffalo horn is, as the name suggests, the horn of a water buffalo. Water buffalo are large cattle that live mainly in Asia and Africa. They are kept there as livestock and provide milk, meat and leather. The horn is a by-product of slaughter and is used for various purposes, including chews for dogs.

How is water buffalo horn turned into a chew?

The horn is first cleaned and dried. It is then cut or sawn into different sizes and shapes. Some manufacturers also remove the inner layer of the horn, which consists of bone, leaving only the outer layer of keratin. Keratin is a protein that is also found in hair, nails and feathers. The finished product is then packaged and sold.

What are the benefits of water buffalo horn for dogs?

Water buffalo horn has several advantages as a chew for dogs. Firstly, it is very hard and durable. This means that your dog will be busy with it for a long time and train its chewing muscles. Chewing on the horn can also promote tooth cleaning and prevent tartar. Secondly, water buffalo horn is a natural product with no artificial additives or preservatives. It also contains no allergens or calories. This makes it a good alternative for dogs with food intolerances or who are overweight.

What are the disadvantages of water buffalo horn for dogs?

However, water buffalo horn also has some disadvantages as a chew for dogs. Firstly, it can cause injuries to the mouth or digestive tract if your dog bites off or swallows pieces that are too large or sharp. This can lead to bleeding, vomiting or intestinal obstruction. On the other hand, water buffalo horn can also contain bacteria that can lead to infections or diarrhea. You should therefore clean and replace the horn regularly.

How do you choose the right water buffalo horn?

If you want to offer your dog water buffalo horn as a chew, there are a few things you should bear in mind. Firstly, you should choose the right size and shape for your dog. The horn should not be too small so that your dog does not swallow it, but also not too big so that he can grasp it easily. You should also make sure that the horn does not have any sharp edges or cracks that could hurt your dog. Secondly, you should check the quality of the horn. The horn should be clean and dry and not have an unpleasant odor. You should also pay attention to where the horn comes from and how it has been processed. It should come from species-appropriate husbandry and not have undergone any chemical treatments.

How do you offer water buffalo horn?

If you want to offer your dog water buffalo horn as a chew, you should follow a few rules. Firstly, you should always supervise your dog when he is chewing on the horn. This way you can intervene if he injures himself or destroys the horn.