What Veterinarians Say About Deer Velvet Antler for Dogs

Quick take: Veterinarians and published field studies report that deer velvet antler can be a well-tolerated, natural option to support joint comfort and mobility in dogs.*

*Educational content only. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and product selection.

The Context: Joint Issues Are Common

• Osteoarthritis is widespread in companion dogs and particularly common in seniors and larger breeds—though dogs of all ages and sizes can be affected.
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be appropriate short- or long-term, but they can carry risks and usually require veterinary monitoring. Many owners and vets consider dietary supplements alongside weight management, diet, and controlled exercise.

Reported Outcomes from Vets & University Studies

Some veterinarians have reported high response rates in older dogs using deer velvet antler. In one university study (~42 dogs), improved joint function was observed after 30 days of use.*

*Individual results vary. Study designs, dosages, and assessment methods differ; ask your vet what’s appropriate for your dog.

Vet Report #1

“An old friend introduced me to this fabulous product and managed to convince me ‘to give it a try!’ I tried it on Dougal, an 8 ½ year old Labrador with severe conformational problems and advanced osteoarthritis of both elbows. More than 24 months of continual therapy had produced variable relief. Within 2 weeks of starting Deer velvet antler-V, Dougal’s owner reported that Dougal had started to look forward to his walks, seemed brighter and she had even seen a little skip and a jump in his walk. Dougal’s improvement prompted his owner to insist that I obtained further product just for Dougal.”

Vet Report #2

“In another case, Tamdugh was a 13 year old Labrador Cross with generalised osteoarthritis and a bad attitude. Tamdugh had been on and off therapies for 7 months, which offered only temporary relief and did nothing for his intermittent stumbling over his hindlimbs or his bad attitude. Tamdugh’s owners reported that within 14 days of starting Deer velvet antler supplement, he was ‘moving like a pup, playful and demanding his walks.’ No longer was his bad attitude a concern.

After conducting five separate ‘trials’ on patients, I became hooked on the usefulness of this new found dietary supplement and thus committed to become more involved in its mystic mechanisms and uses. After all is said, it is the patient response and their owner’s complete joy in the visual benefits that has cemented my belief in this product.”

— G. Baitz (BVSc) MRCVS MASFM, Esher, United Kingdom

How Deer Velvet Antler Is Typically Used

• As part of a daily joint-support routine (alongside diet, healthy weight, and appropriate exercise).
• To help maintain mobility, flexibility, and activity in senior or active dogs.
• When a well-tolerated supplement is desired to support comfort over time.

Usage tips: Introduce gradually, follow label directions, and allow several weeks before assessing personal results. If your dog is on medication or has underlying conditions, consult your veterinarian first.

Formulation, Processing & Bioavailability

Deer velvet antler is commonly freeze-dried and milled to a fine powder. Some manufacturers report modest a