Skeptical about deer velvet supplements for dogs? You’re not alone. Dr. Julie Buzby, integrative veterinarian and founder of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips®, wrestled with the same thoughts. After learning about the benefits of deer antler velvet for dogs at a veterinary acupuncture conference, she was determined to sift through the claims. In addition to talking with veterinary colleagues and PhDs, she poured herself into reviewing the research. While the decision to use deer velvet supplement for your dog lies with you and your veterinarian, what Dr. Buzby has learned over the years may help you, too.
I recently recommended deer velvet supplement for a friend’s senior dog who suffers from hip dysplasia and arthritic elbows.
“Antler velvet for dogs?” he gasped. “Isn’t that what MLB players were taking to hit more home runs?” This was news to me, but I told him I was definitely in the business of helping my patients hit more home runs! I was not surprised that deer antler velvet could be considered a natural performance enhancer.
But I’m not interested in pro athletes. My passion is the 11-year-old Golden Retriever who no longer gets excited when her owner jiggles the leash.
It’s the 9-year-old black Lab who no longer goes for car rides because it’s too hard to get in and out.
My passion is the 14-year-old Pug who no longer runs to the front door when the doorbell rings because it hurts too much to get up off his bed.
So let’s talk about deer velvet enhancing the performance of senior dogs.
New Zealand deer velvet for dogs
Deer antler has been a staple in the practice of Eastern Medicine for thousands of years as a revitalizing tonic. It has gained popularity in the last few centuries for its warming, tonifying, and nourishing properties in traditional Chinese medicine.
After harvesting the antlers (more on that in a second), they are ground into a powder, which is rich in nutrients ideal for the health, strength, and mobility of senior dogs. These nutrients include calcium, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, and proteins. These form the building blocks of bone, joints, and connective tissue.
Deer velvet also naturally contains two other game-changing ingredients for senior dogs: omega-3 fatty acids and insulin-like growth factor 1 (or IGF-1). I highlighted omega-3 fatty acids as the number one most valuable supplement for any dog in my article: 3 Natural Supplements for Dogs Like Yours.
IGF-1 is responsible for the rapid growth of new antler annually. Since this growth factor has been demonstrated to influence cartilage growth, it makes for a unique ingredient in a senior dog joint supplement.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand is the largest producer of antler velvet in the world, which is why you might see pet supplements labeled: Deer Velvet for Dogs NZ. However, that piece of trivia has nothing to do with why I only recommend antler velvet sourced in New Zealand.
In The Ultimate Guide to Supplements for Senior Dogs, I discuss the regulation (or lack thereof) of the pet supplement industry. However, the U.S. does take very seriously its importing of products — especially those sourced from animals (like deer).
As I began to use more and more antler velvet for dogs in my practice, I decided to develop my own label, Encore Mobility™ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs, with deer velvet from New Zealand.
This process was more than I had bargained for. The volume and complexity of the paperwork from multiple governmental agencies was a nightmare. It was like filing a dozen federal tax returns over many months.
There was one part of the paperwork with several questions about the purity and safety of the deer velvet ingredient. Confused, I reached out to the veterinarian from the United States Department of Agriculture in charge of my case. When I explained my situation he said, “Oh you can skip that part.”
“Really?!” I exclaimed with relief. “Why?”
“Because you are importing from New Zealand. New Zealand is free from the diseases we’re concerned about in this section so it’s not relevant,” he replied.
An article in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal entitled Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Elk Antler Velvet explains more. Transmitted through ingestion, prions are viral-like proteins that can cause fatal disease in animals and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans. Sadly, these prions are present in the antlers of some elk and deer populations around world.
New Zealand Deer Velvet is free from this disease (and others) that can be transmitted through tissue and are of concern in human and animal health.
The United States, Canada, and Europe have all had positive cases of the chronic wasting disease in herds mentioned above. But even with extensive and careful monitoring, there has never been a single case in New Zealand.
Translation: It matters where the deer velvet comes from.
Deer antler velvet benefits for dogs
The Advanced Textbook on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology lists conditions for which deer antler velvet can be helpful. The list is long but starts with, “chronic diseases marked by general lassitude, spiritlessness, and lumbago (pain in the muscles and joints of the lower back). These are big words, but they basically describe a loss of luster and back pain. I see these issues clinically all the time in senior dogs.
Deer antler velvet works quite well for canine arthritis, but it works quite differently too. There is not another ingredient in supplements for dogs on the market today that has the unique resume of deer velvet.
A clinical double-blind and placebo-controlled study demonstrated deer velvet’s efficacy in dogs who had osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Dogs given deer velvet supplements showed improvement in gait, activity level, and vitality during the 60-day trial. The study helped establish that feeding deer velvet is beneficial to mobility. Also worth noting: the study detected no side effects.
The list of deer velvet benefits for dogs is long. In addition to the above, it’s known to benefit blood cell production, boost the immune system, and even offer some level of protection from stress.
What about the deer?
There’s one more reason why I’m pro New Zealand Deer Velvet. The National Velvetting Standards Body (NVSB) governs the antler velvet industry in New Zealand. This means a trained and licensed NVSB veterinarian oversees and monitors antler processing.
New Zealand deer velvet comes from ethically-farmed sources where harvesting is done under local anesthesia to be humane.
Unfortunately, other countries do not necessarily hold to these rigorous, well-thought-out standards in deer and elk antler processing.
Deer velvet for dogs reviews
Scientists and doctors agree that the strength in an argument for use of a drug or supplement comes from research evidence and not personal anecdotes. But these stories are valuable nonetheless. I suppose it is only fair that I lead off the section with my own personal review.
My heart dog, Jake, who you can read about in my article on tips for bringing a stray puppy home, began limping about two years ago. I put him through all the paces, but it’s Murphy’s Law that I could not figure out what was going on with Jake! After multiple exams, X-rays, acupuncture sessions, chiropractic adjustments, and several drugs, Jake was not better.
So off we went to see a board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon. This made me feel better and worse at the same time. Better because I learned that I hadn’t missed something, but worse because the orthopedic specialist couldn’t make a diagnosis either. Jake continued limping significantly on his right front leg.
I’m embarrassed to say that I hadn’t thought about our Encore Mobility™ deer velvet supplement sooner. I prescribe it for my patients with chronic pain and arthritis but had never thought about using it for a more acute lameness problem.
In desperation, I started him on the supplement. It was my last step before an MRI under anesthesia. Within three days, Jake stopped limping. It was rather shocking, to be honest. Of course, I can’t prove it was from the supplement, but I didn’t change anything else. Jake’s story alone got my attention.
What do other dog parents say about Encore Mobility deer velvet supplement? Two dog moms, Kathryn and Jennifer, share their heartwarming stories:
Deer velvet for dogs (NZ) and hip dysplasia
“We have a 14-year-old Jindo mix with hip dysplasia and joint problems. She has been using ToeGrips® for over a year, which helps her navigate hardwood floors and tile much more easily. But the pain and soreness in her hips were evident in her lack of interest in playing with toys and going for walks. Dr. Buzby suggested Encore Mobility Deer Velvet for Dogs NZ. Within 2-3 weeks, she had more vigor and vitality. She started playing with her toys, pushed her bed around like the old days, and would play outside in the grass…sometimes even running again. She is nearly her old self…and it’s great to see her playful antics are back. Truly an amazing product! I would recommend deer velvet for any dog suffering from hip and joint problems.” — Kathryn
Deer velvet for dogs (NZ) and IVDD
“I have two short-haired Dachshunds: one is 11-years-old and one is 5-years- old. In late October, the younger one tweaked his back from jumping off the couch and was in a lot of pain for several weeks. He slowly got better after strict crate rest, Neurontin, and a muscle relaxant…In early December, Oscar launched from the couch again. I forgot to put him in the crate and he re-injured himself. The cycle of multiple vet visits, strict crate rest, Neurontin, and a muscle relaxant began again…Then, it was recommended I call Dr. Julie Buzby. Her advice was life-changing for Oscar. “Try the Deer Velvet for Dogs NZ while he’s recuperating with his daily crate rest.”
The results were incredible! After three days of deer velvet supplement, Oscar’s sadness changed to happiness and he began to regain his normal activity level. My husband and I will continue the New Zealand Deer Velvet as a daily regimen for Oscar. He does have intervertebral disc disease (as many dachshunds do), so we are very grateful for this product to keep him pain-free and active for many years to come!” —Jennifer
Deer velvet for dogs side effects
“Above all, do no harm” is the medical mantra. I’m delighted to say with confidence that deer velvet passes the test. In all my research and in using this product in patients for several years, I’ve never seen any red flags.
One more thing…what about antler chew toys?
This article on deer velvet would not be complete without a brief mention of antler chews. Although a totally different topic, I want to be abundantly clear. They are a firm “no” in my opinion (and the opinion of every board certified veterinary dentist I know.) While I love deer velvet as a supplement for dogs, I do not feel the same way about deer or elk antler chews.
In fact, I had to learn the hard way. My dog Luke fractured several teeth gnawing on an antler because I was naive. They are unsafe for dogs of all ages. If you’d like to learn more about choosing safe chew toys for your senior dog, read my full expose, Safe Chew Toys for Dogs: Vet Recommended Tips to Help You “Chews” Wisely.
My favorite deer velvet supplement for dogs
Remember the months of paperwork I had to fill out to import my deer velvet supplement for dogs? Allow me to introduce the fruit of my labor…
Encore Mobility™ Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs, in bottles of 30 or 90 tasty chewable tablets, is my go-to product. It contains both Bioactive Deer Velvet and Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs. These work naturally and synergistically to promote joint health, comfort, and flexibility. Not to mention that the best joint supplement for dogs is not just about joints.
I recommend Dr. Buzby’s Encore Mobility™ Joint Supplement for Dogs to my clients. With New Zealand deer velvet and green-lipped mussel, it helps maintain and support healthy tissue, cartilage, and joints.
Do you have questions about New Zealand deer velvet?
Please comment below.
Hello- I’ve ordered Dr Judy’s wellness formula for dogs and cats (NZ deer velvet). My dog has a PCV of 21. She is also having liver issues ( hepatocellular vacillation)) very elevated enzymes. Her PCV got as low as 19 so my vet tried Prednison,e- after 5 doses, her PCV went up to 22 , BUT she developed hepatic encephalopathy. We stopped prednisone and She is stable now (on Lactulose and Denamarin) so I’m praying the Deer velvet will help with her anemia (hemolytic regenerative). So we can stabilize her without causing further damage to her liver. ARE THERE ANY STUDIES THAT SHOW HOW LONG IT TAKES TO SEE INCREASED RED BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION? She is a 17lb half miniature schnauzer . 12 yrs old. Splenectomy 1 1/2 yrs ago.
Thank you!
Lori
PS, I also ordered the 5 mushroom blend.
Hi Lori,
I am sorry your Schnauzer is having so much trouble with her liver and is still trying to overcome her anemia. Since she has had a splenectomy, her bone marrow and kidneys will have to take up the slack with helping to produce new red blood cells (RBCs). The body should always be producing RBCs, but the amount present will be affected by other contributing factors (such as active destruction of RBCs by the immune system). Take a look at this article from the Merck Veterinary Manual’s website: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/blood-disorders-of-dogs/red-blood-cells-of-dogs
Was your vet ablet to find the cause of the anemia? I ask because if the immune system is attacking the RBCs like is seen with IMHA, then the body may not be able to produce new blood cells fast enough to keep your girl stable. Here are links to other articles with helpful information:
1. IMHA in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
2. Anemia in Dogs: Know the Signs, Types, Treatments
3. What Causes Anemia in Dogs? The Top 10 Reasons
Hoping your girl can stay on track and avoid having to use prednisone again. Wishing you both all the best as you navigate this unknown path ahead.
Her anemia has proven to be a bit of a mystery… her Coombs test was negative, white blood cells in range, but she does have high bands. Her Bilirubin is .5 , so one theory is “Atypical” IMHA.
Have you ever seen a case of atypical IMHA, where Coomb’s was negative?
Liver enzymes all high , especially ALK Phosphatase, but she has no symptoms of Cushing’s. However, urine did show high cortisol/creatinine ratio. Since her PCV is so low, I chose not to have the Cushing’s blood work done yet,
She is on Sucralfate on the off chance she has an ulcer (she has no signs of ulcer).
She has always been a very high anxiety dog, scared of any little noise, prior to her splenectomy, she started having pre-syncopal and syncopal episodes when she got really excited (Barking). Six months ago, this resolved when I put a calming collar on and used diffuser that has chemical that mimics dog pheromones- so my only guess is that it was vasovagal syncope. She wore a heart monitor and cardiologist says it was not heart related.
I’m so sorry- to list all this, but just wanted you to know why she is a mystery. I have purchased the 5 defenders and the Dr Judy’s wellness formula, I was hoping maybe the deer velvet will help with anemia, as I have read a study indicating it could help with hemolytic anemia. I just didn’t know how long it might take to see results, if it does help?
If you have any other supplement suggestions, I will try anything.
Thank you,
Lori
Hi Lori,
Goodness your girl is quite the mystery! I have seen deer antler velvet do some amazing things so it is definitely possible it can help with regenerating blood cells. Also, since your pup’s cortisol is high and there is a chance Cushing’s could be contributing to these issues, I would talk to your vet about Melatonin and Lignans. Many of our readers have used these supplements with success to help control Cushing’s when traditional treatments could not be used. It might be worth a trial course just to see if you notice any improvement. If you haven’t started consulting with an internal medicine specialist, then I would strongly encourage you to ask about a referral. They may have ideas about testing or treatment that is not widely available in general practice. I’ll be keeping you and your sweet girl in my thoughts. Please update us anytime you have a chance. Praying for healing and comfort.
Hi Julie
I have a beautiful nearly 5 yr old GSD , unfortunately he had and Aura Hematoma and the surgery has left him with that ear slightly smaller than the other ear and the tip of it is bending over, the vet said that there was nothing I can do but I have purchased the NZ Deer Antler Velvet as I am hoping hit might help his cartilage in the ear. Julie he has no joint problems in fact he is super fit but yes I was hoping with the natural Glucosamine and Chondroitin it may help repair the cartilage. I only discovered it on the Saturday and he was operated on the Monday, do you think that was too long before addressing this problem and do you think the Deer Velvet could help…. I am living in Australia and they wouldn’t export to your product to Australia so I had to look for a company that has it….it says 3 tablets for a dog over 21kg and he is around 35kg. Do you think it would help the cartilage in his ear, it doesn’t look too bad but you know he is a very handsome boy and well, it is upsetting to see him like this.
Thanks Julie
Hi Maxine,
I understand your concern about your dog’s ear. I am sorry Encore Mobility is not yet available in Australia. Unfortunately, the deer velvet supplement may not help this specific issue. The problem with aural hematomas is they cause scarring to occur to the ear pinna and permanently alters the cartilage. While the supplement will help the cartilage to be well nourished and healthy, I do not think it will reverse the scarring and allow the ear pinna to return to its previous state. Luckily this change is purely cosmetic and should not cause any problems for your pup in the future. Thank you for reaching out. Wishing you and your sweet boy the best.
Can this be taken with gabapentin and galliprant.
Hi Patricia,
Deer Velvet does not have any known drug interactions or side effects. But, as always, make sure to consult your veterinarian about adding any supplements to your dog’s treatment plan. They can advise you if there are reasons something should be avoided.
Hello,
Only concern I have is there any anesthesia or other numbing aget prestent in the product ?
Thank you
Hi Kathryn,
Are you asking about Encore Mobility? Or just the Deer Velvet itself? The only two ingredients in Encore Mobility are New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet and Green Lipped Mussel.
Hi, can NZ Deer Velvet be safely combined with other joint supplements? Our small mixed breed boy (possibly Terrier/Corgi) is currently in a lot of back pain and has a suspected calcified (ruptured?) disk shown by x-ray, but we’re waiting on an MRI to confirm severity/IVDD. He’s been on YuMOVE Plus (contains Glucosmine, Green Lipped Mussel, N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine, Vitamin C, Manganese, Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Antioxidant, and Vitamin E) for the past year or so, so we’re wondering if he can take the Velvet in addition. We’ve ordered the following product, since we’re based in the UK: https://www.velvetenergy.co.uk/product-page/velvet-for-pets-90x-200mg. Thanks a lot for your help! Jo
Hi Jo,
I am not aware of any issues with combining NZ deer velvet and the supplements you listed. In fact, my Encore Mobility contains many of these same ingredients along with the NZ deer velvet. With that being said, I am not familiar with the specific product you mentioned in your comment and cannot say if it is a reliable source. If you have any hesitation or concerns, I recommend you talk to your vet and see what they think is best. Hoping for definitive MRI results and a favorable outcome!
My 13 yr old English :springer spaniel
Is on cosequin and small dose of adrenal med can he also take the deer velvet or should I add that and drop the other meds
I have been giving him the deer velvet for about 3 weeks and he seems so much more active
Hi Margie,
I am not aware of any issues with combining deer velvet and other medications and supplements. Since I haven’t personally examined your dog, I can’t make specific recommendations on which medications are right for your pup. I think you should call your veterinarian and get their opinion on your dog’s medications and supplements. I definitely would not stop giving an adrenal medicine without being directed to do so by your vet. I am glad to hear that the deer velvet has made such a positive change in your sweet guy. I wish you both the best!
Hi, my 6 year old Japanese Spitz has grade 2 luxating patella in his right hind leg and is currently on omega 3. Should I start giving him encore mobility deer velvet instead? Thank you 🙂
Dear Priscilla,
That would be a great move for your Japanese Spitz. Our Encore Mobility not only has the benefits of the Omega 3’s from Green Lipped Mussels, (similar to the Omega 3 you are giving now), but also has bio available New Zealand Deer Velvet. These blogs may also be helpful to you:
The Best Supplement for Joint Pain in Dogs Is Not Just About Joints…
Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs: Our Planet’s Gift for Arthritic Joints
I hope that Encore Mobility works well for your dog! Let us know what you think of it!
I have read that in humans, the liquid/elixir form of deer velvet is better. Would the same be true for dogs, or no?
Hi Dottie,
That is a very interesting question! To the best of my knowledge (and the knowledge of another expert on using deer velvet for dogs), this isn’t applicable when dosing dogs. Our Encore Mobility™ has a patent for manufacturing to increase bioavailability so I feel pretty confident that this formulation works well for dogs. Thanks for reading our blog and for that excellent question!
Are there any side effects with this supplement. My vet put my 11 yr. old golden on them 2 days ago. I gave him 2 on Friday & 2 on Saturday. He was fine. Saturday afternoon he started throwing up and didn’t stop until last night. I wasn’t sure if it was a side effect from the supplement or from something he might have eaten outside.
He is fine today. Eating and running around playing again. I haven’t given him any supplements today.
Thank you
Hi Andrea,
We see virtually zero side effects with this supplement. If ANYTHING, there can be a transient diarrhea, but typically that’s only with very high doses. (ie. the dog gets into and ingests the whole bottle). I have never seen vomiting as a side effect and would not expect it. I’m so glad he is running around fine at this point. I’d probably give it a couple days to make sure he’s truly 100% and then restart the supplement and monitor. Please let me know if you have any further concerns.
Are there any contraindications for Encore Mobility, such as Cushing’s?
Hi Gina,
Practically speaking, the only contraindication for Encore Mobility in my practice is known neoplasia, due to the growth factor it contains. But this is even controversial as deer velvet has been demonstrated to have some anti tumor activity. I use it for virtually all other situations, including Cushing’s. With Cushing’s, in addition to supporting the tendons and ligaments, it can also have a protective effect in the liver.
I will note that these are the warnings written on the label, as required by governmental red tape; however, again, my sole contraindication is cancer.
Cautions: Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven. Consult with your veterinarian before using this product in animals with cancer, clotting disorders being treated with anticoagulant medications, diabetes, or any metabolic disorder causing hyperglycemia, history of urinary tract stones, or known allergies to shellfish. If condition worsens, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian. For animal use only. Keep out of the reach of children and other animals. In the case of accidental overdose, contact a health professional immediately.
I hope this is helpful to you.
My boy is 6 years old and I would like to know if I should start him on this Encore Mobility now or wait until later in life? He is part Pomeranian/Havanese. He does get omega -3 and probiotics everyday. Thank You
Linda Brodowski
Hi Linda, Thanks for asking this great question. As I discussed in this article: https://toegrips.com/natural-supplements-for-dogs/
I think all dogs benefit from Omega-3s; they are the perfect supplement. I commend you for giving high quality, appropriately-dosed Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog. Your question about Encore Mobility™ is a little trickier. Since he is only 6 and is a small breed dog, I don’t think you need to start a joint supplement if he has no issues. Now if you told me that he’s ruptured a cruciate ligament or suffers from hip dysplasia, I’d vote differently. But I’m going to assume that he is perfectly happy and healthy at this juncture. And if that’s the case, I don’t think you need to add Encore Mobility until later in life. 🙂
What are the actual ingredients and nutritional content of your deer antler product. How much green lipped mussel, etc in each tablet?
Hi Janet, Thanks for the question. Active ingredients per tablet:
New Zealand Deer Velvet 427 mg
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel 320 mg
(And then the inactive ingredient is just the tablet binder.)
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions. Thanks!