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 (IVDD) (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,
Can this be used with cats?
Hi Ashley,
There are veterinarians that will prescribe a deer antler velvet supplement for cats. I just don’t have any personal experience with it to say whether it is beneficial or not. I am not aware of any negative side effects for cats and haven’t seen any research to say it could cause a problem. I know that isn’t a definitive answer but hope it helps some. I always recommend you discuss any potential new supplements with your vet prior to giving them to your pet.
My 75lb female GSD has been diagnosed with Clostridium Perfringens. I have to be extremely careful with what she eats. Would the ingredients in Encore Mobility be an issue for her digestion?
Thank you in advance,
-Kellie
Hi Kellie,
I am sorry your girl is struggling with a Clostridium infection. I am not aware of any issues or negative interactions between this type of disease and the ingredients in Encore Mobility (New Zealand Deer Antler Velvet and Green Lipped Mussel). But I would talk to your vet and see if they have any concerns. I tend to err on the side of caution and would rather you not use our product than it cause an unintended problem. If you have any other questions or concerns don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer care team directly at: [email protected] or send a text to (843)781-7430. Praying for healing for your girl and wishing you both nothing but the best.
Hello Julie, my Jack Russel Bella is 17 yo. She has a kidney disease, advance heart murmur, has liver issues and Cushing syndrome. She is taking Pimobendan, Enalapril and Denamarin. She is experiencing joint pain. I am desperate to find the best natural supplement to relieve some of her joint pain. I just want to make sure that the NZ deer velvet wouldn’t interact with her medication.
Thank you in advance!
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
This is a great question! I am not aware of any negative interactions between NZ Deer Velvet and the medications/conditions you mentioned. There are also many other natural ways to help with pain management and decreasing inflammation. Here is another article with more information: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 17 Methods from a Vet
Hoping you can find what works best for your sweet girl. Wishing you and Bella many happy days ahead. ♥
Hello! I read the study from 2004 regarding elk antler and while the side effects section notes there were no blood chemistry changes, it also notes that 3 of the dogs died, one from a cancer and two from atrophy of the adrenal glands. Can you speak to the adrenal gland connection since EAV has IGF-1? Would that tax the adrenal glands? I have concerns that in a sample size so small, there were two deaths from the same type of issue. But of course, I would love to help my soul dog with her arthritic hip!
Hi Elizabeth,
This is a great question, and I applaud you for doing your research before starting a new supplement with your dog. I have been selling and using this supplement on my own patients since 2015 and have not had any issues. I wanted to provide you with the best firsthand information possible, so I sent a message to Dr. Doron in Israel and asked him about deer antler velvet and problems with adrenal gland function. He’s been using it for years longer than me and it’s one of the most popular, if not THE most popular, joint supplement for dogs in Israel. This is what he had to say: “As for your customer please compliment them on reading the paper but we did not see this side effect in dogs that are taking it for years from puppies up to old age.” Neither of us have ever heard of this nor had any problems over LONG periods of time. If you would rather err on the side of caution and avoid Deer Antler Velvet supplements I completely understand, but I definitely use them with my own dogs. Hope that helps provide some peace of mind. Best wishes to you and your pup and keep up the great work!
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.
Hello there,
My pup has, what the vet believes to be Stage 3 CKD.
Her blood work has been stable and numbers coming down with all we are doing (diet change, supplements, holistic treatments,etc.) but I am looking for other things to incorporate to support and potentially improve her kidney function.
I came across Deer Antler Velvet as well as Green Lipid Mussel in Dr. Judy Morgans Yin & Yang book in the “Water” section for kidney disease management. I know both contain high phosphorus levels so I’m a bit nervous to give to her or know how to dose. She is all of 4.5lbs.
Do you know if these supplements are supportive of kidney function in CKD dogs? Is the phosphorus to calcium ratio balanced?
Thank you
Aria
Hi Aria,
I understand your concern for your pup and think she is lucky to have you advocating for her health and well-being. I know deer antler velvet can do amazing things to regenerate cells in many parts of the body but am not sure I have seen specific research about its beneficial effects on the kidneys. If you purchase a supplement specifically made for dogs (such as our Encore Mobility) there should be dosing information on the packaging. Since green lipped mussel and deer antler velvet are whole food supplements, there is no way to know what the phosphorus and calcium levels are within the product without individually testing each dose as it could vairy due to natural factors. Hoping you can get the answers you need to feel confident moving forward. Praying for healing and many happy days ahead for your sweet girl.
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.