Clean Dogs Teeth. The daily accumulation of tartar in the dog’s mouth causes, in the long run and due to bacteria, the formation of a hard layer called plaque, which predisposes the animal to periodontal pathologies . Usually, it can be observed in adult and elderly dogs who do not follow a dental hygiene routine and particularly affects small breeds.
How to Clean Dogs Teeth
For this reason it is essential to clean the teeth daily and, if not possible, continuous hygiene. In this article we will explain how to clean your dog’s teeth and give you some tips to avoid plaque formation.
Clean Dogs Teeth
1- Toothbrush for dogs
The use of toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs is undoubtedly the best option . The mechanical effect we perform while brushing eliminates tartar , although it is not always the hardest plaque. In the market you can find different types of kits for dental hygiene for dogs, in addition to being made specifically for them, contain an edible toothpaste, which entails no risk if the dog ingests. Remember that you should never use toothpaste for humans, not even for children.
It is important to remember that, to get used to cleaning his mouth with a toothbrush, the ideal is to start when he is still a puppy. This does not mean that, just because it is already an adult dog, we will not clean our teeth.
To get used to it, at first we will use our fingers as a toothbrush and pass the paste between the teeth and gums, always gently and using the positive reinforcement so that it associates the cleaning of the teeth with something good. When the dog is used, we can start using the dog toothbrush. Remember that the ideal would be to do it every day, even if you can follow this routine three times a week.
2- Finger brush for dogs
Sometimes the toothbrush can be uncomfortable for your dog, so we recommend using a dog toothbrush, which is also very suitable for puppies. This kind of rubber thimble allows us to better reach the corners of the oral cavity and is usually less invasive, so dogs tolerate it better.
The effect is the same as that provided by the dog toothbrush, so it is ideal for cleaning the dog’s teeth. Remember that you can also use it with the appropriate toothpaste to complete hygiene.
3- Bristly – Toy for chewing dogs
In some cases it is difficult to clean the dog’s teeth with a toothbrush, especially if made with toothpaste for dogs, for this reason it may be interesting to look for alternative options, such as chewing dog toys that promote dental hygiene. Among these, we recommend the Bristly.
Although it looks like a toy, this accessory is designed to clean the dog’s teeth , because it has bristles similar to those of dog brushes and fingertips. In addition, it has a cavity in the upper part where we can add toothpaste (this brand also offers a specific pasta with meat taste to make it more irresistible to our best friend). It is only necessary to leave the toy to the dog so that he can brush his teeth by himself.
It is made of natural rubber and is also resistant to strong biting dogs such as the Amercian Pitbull Terrier . It is also an excellent entertainment or a way of mental stimulation , which avoids the stress and anxiety that this toilet routine usually causes.
Finally, there is no risk of suffocation because it meets safety standards.
4- Mouthwash for dogs
In the market we can also find different types of mouthwash for dogs and are particularly suitable in cases where the dog does not easily let his mouth touch , because of pain or because he is not used to it.
These types of products are usually antiseptic and, in addition to combating tartar and plaque, also contribute to the elimination of halitosis. However, it should be noted that this is a product that must be diluted with water, so some dogs may not react positively when they notice its strange taste.
5- Spray toothpaste for dogs
A spray toothpaste can be recommended for dogs that do not allow themselves to be easily touched . However it can be annoying to spray it in the mouth, so it is not recommended for dogs with behavioral problems such as stress, aggression, fear or anxiety. As with the mouthwash, these types of products are not always accepted by the dog, but without doubt their application is much more convenient and faster.
6- Feed for dogs
Just as there is a specific diet for the various diseases, in the market we will also find specific dental feed to prevent and treat periodontal diseases .
This type of products are designed specifically for adult dogs, never for puppies, and in addition to helping the dog to maintain proper dental hygiene, they also help fight halitosis and limit plaque development . On the contrary, wet food, food scraps or soft food cause a greater accumulation of tartar, halitosis and diarrhea in the dog if offered in abundance, so it is advisable to limit them to specific occasions.
7- Chewing ball for dogs
Although I am not a substitute for dental hygiene like a toothbrush, it is important to note that there are chewing balls which improve the dog’s dental hygiene routine in a more enjoyable way. Moreover, many of these games are supported by studies of the brand itself that certify its effectiveness. Inform yourself and use the products that you like the most, always as an extra in the dog’s dental hygiene routine .
8- Dog teeth cleaning sticks
Dog teeth cleaning sticks are always the most popular and used. It is important to note that these supplements are not as effective as a daily cleaning routine with a toothbrush, however, it is a great way to remove food and tartar remnants after meals , but we can also use it as a reward or reward.
You should choose the type of snack depending on the size of the dog, from the time when there are different sizes and for different ages, from those for puppies to those for adults or for dogs of giant size.
9- Bones for chewing dogs
Unlike previous products, bones for chewing dogs are long-lasting supplements that allow the dog to maintain an adequate dental hygiene routine and at the same time maintain and lower its stress levels.
Avoid leather bones and choose those that are specific for dental hygiene care.
10- How to clean the teeth to the dog without a toothbrush
If our dog suffers from gingivitis or a periodontal disease (grades II and III) it will be very important to consult the veterinarian with the possibility of performing an oral cleaning in the veterinary clinic. To perform this operation, a specific ultrasonic cleaning machine is used, very similar to that used by dentists. Thanks to scaling it is possible to remove tartar, plaque and resident bacteria.
It is a very simple operation, but requires the use of general anesthesia , so it is not indicated in older dogs. It should be noted that while this type of hygiene is recommended in mild cases, it is not recommended in case of severe periodontal disease (grade IV) because it can cause tooth fall.
Also remember that even if you perform regular oral cleansing of your dog, it will be essential to continue with oral hygiene using a toothbrush to prevent tartar build-up.
Natural remedies to clean the dog’s teeth
So far we have seen different ways to clean the dog’s teeth using commercial products; however, there are some home remedies that are useful for supplementing dog hygiene and that we already have at home. They will not be as effective, but they can help us prevent tartar build-up:
Use gauze instead of a toothbrush : cleaning the mouth will never be so effective if we use gauze, from the moment the toothbrush allows us to reach all the corners. However, it can be a good way to replace this tool in an emergency. Simply moisten the gauze and wrap it on our forefinger, gently rubbing all the dog’s teeth.
Create your homemade toothpaste : there are many recipes for a homemade toothpaste for dogs. If you have the main ingredient you can prepare a very effective toothpaste at home and clean the dog’s teeth with baking soda.
Offer an apple or carrot to your dog : even if they both contain sugar, in moderate and timely doses they can help maintain the dog’s oral hygiene. Besides, they will love it, because it will be like offering them a prize.
Use natural herbs for gingivitis : especially if the dog has inflamed gums, we can use the healing herbs we will find at any herbalist or vet. Among these are the calendula or aloe vera.
How to clean dog’s teeth naturally
Taking care of the oral hygiene of the dog is as important as respecting the schedule of vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments. There are several waysto clean the teeth of the dog and one of them and with toothpaste and brush, just like us humans. In addition to the used technique, you must also pay attention to the used product.
We want to explain how to clean your dog’s teeth naturally with 4 recipes to prepare homemade toothpaste for dogs, simple and cheap options but above all natural and absolutely harmless for your four-legged friend. Read on to know how to prepare 4 types of homemade dog toothpaste and clean your dog’s teeth naturally.
Homemade toothpaste with bicarbonate and water
In this first recipe, we will explain how to clean the dog’s teeth with bicarbonate . You will need:
1/2 tablespoon of baking soda
1 spoonful of water
In a small container, mix water and bicarbonate until a homogeneous solution is obtained. It is an effective solution even if it contains only two simple ingredients. The bicarbonate has different properties, so it is an excellent product perfect to clean the teeth of the dog because it bleaches and stains the enamel, prevents halitosis and relieves the pain caused by dental problems.
Homemade toothpaste with chicken broth
Below we suggest a way to clean your teeth to the dog without bicarbonate, but always in a natural way and with an ingredient that your four-legged friend will accept willingly: chicken broth .
1 tablespoon of chicken stock (without salt, garlic or onion)
1 tablespoon mint powder or another aromatic herb, always suitable for dogs
1/2 tablespoon of baking soda
1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Mix all the ingredients in a glass jar until they are completely mixed. Keep this DIY toothpaste in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The broth serves to give this dog toothpaste a good taste , since dogs usually tend to swallow it. With something the dog likes, it will be easier to get used to letting his hands get his mouth and his teeth touched.
Aromatic herbs such as mint help to control the bad breath of the dog, leaving a slight aroma. The vegetable oil, on the other hand, serves to mix the ingredients.
Homemade toothpaste without bicarbonate
The following is another way to clean your dog’s teeth naturally by preparing a do-it-yourself toothpaste without baking soda . You will need:
2 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast
1 tablespoon of aromatic herbs powder suitable for dogs
1 tablespoon of grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon of cooking salt
Put all the ingredients in a jar and mix all the ingredients. Store in the fridge to prevent the brewer’s yeast from becoming acidic.
The lemon peel, besides giving a good taste, helps to whiten the teeth. Moreover, if the gums or other parts of the mouth are inflamed, thanks to the salt it will be possible to alleviate the discomfort caused by these conditions. Beer yeast, on the other hand, has many properties that help eliminate bacteria, prevent plaque, tartar and halitosis.
Homemade toothpaste with coconut oil and stevia
The latest home made toothpaste recipe is based on coconut oil and stevia , two increasingly common ingredients.
4 tablespoons of chopped stevia leaves
2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
2 tablespoons of baking soda
15 drops of edible flavored oil suitable for dogs
Mix the stevia, coconut oil and bicarbonate until all the ingredients are mixed . Add some drops of aromatized oil slowly until a pleasant and not heavy taste.
Stevia helps fight the bacteria that form plaque and the annoying tartar because it eliminates different types of mushrooms. Organic coconut oil, on the other hand, helps prevent cavities and finally the flavored oil acts like mint, or leaves fresh breath.
Clean your dog’s teeth naturally: advice
Now that you know how to clean your dog’s teeth in a natural way you can choose one of the 4 recipes for DIY toothpaste, the one you think best for your four-legged friend. Below we give you information and tips to clean your dog’s teeth:
Brushing teeth to the dog helps prevent plaque, tartar, gingivitis and bad breath. However, it may be necessary to have the veterinarian’s annual dog teeth clean.
Small dogs usually tend to suffer more from dental and oral illness than those of medium or large size.
Dogs that eat wet food need more attention to their teeth than those who eat crispy.
Brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week.
Both the dog toothpaste you can find in pet stores that do-it-yourself does not need to be rinsed because the dog will swallow it.
Never give the dog a toothpaste suitable for human consumption: it is toxic!
The baking soda can be toxic to dogs, so the amount to be used to prepare the toothpaste for dogs should be minimal. Ask the vet for advice.
Among the flavored oils and aromatic herbs suitable for the consumption of dogs we find mint, thyme, mint and eucalyptus.
Remember that not all dogs are left to touch their mouths and their teeth and for some it is very difficult to get used to having their teeth cleaned with a toothbrush. Remember that there are other ways, such as games, natural products or special snacks and crunches.