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Since dentures for your dogs are something out of the box, you need to ensure that your puppy's gums are healthy and teeth clean. Main rating oral care of your dog is important for its well-being and overall health. It is quite obvious that the best technique to clean a dog's teeth is when a vet scrapes them well while he is under the influence of anesthesia. However, it is a costly process, and there are certain risks involved when your dog is given anesthesia; hence, it is better to make sure that you take all the necessary care to clean the teeth of your dog.The basic oral care is to brush his teeth daily with special dog-safe toothpaste. But there are many dogs who hate the sight of a toothbrush and run away to escape it. However, fortunately for you, there are certain alternatives that a dog may actually start enjoying. Here are some of those tips and tricks for cleaning a dog's teeth, which they won't run away from.
Use tooth wipes
In case your dog does not resist when you put your fingers in his mouth and yet gets scared of a tooth brush, using tooth wipes can be an apt solution. These teeth wipes enable you to remove bad breath bacteria, tartar and plaque from the mouth of your dog.
Make them chew toys
The market is full of toys specially designed for your pup or dog to chew. When a dog chews toys that are of different kinds, their difference in texture can help in removing the plaque from a dog's teeth since they enjoy and relax completely, chewing being their primal instinct. Make sure your dog does not remain unattended while playing with his chew toys so that he does not swallow any big pieces accidentally.
Natural and healthy diet
There are various dog food brands that try to convince people that wet food is not superior to dry kibble as far as the teeth of your dog are concerned. However, if you depend on kibble for keeping his teeth cleaned, it is as detrimental for a dog's teeth as crackers are. Instead, opt for healthy and natural ingredients that are useful for improving the overall health of your dog, including their oral health.
Use dental sprays
In case your dog is obedient enough to allow you to pick up his lips on both sides of the mouth, you can try out a dental spray for his dental care. There are a host of dental sprays available in the market that are helpful in the prevention and reduction of tartar build-up and dental plaque and control bacteria, which causes bad breath. However, you can achieve success if it is possible to directly spray the product on your dog's most affected teeth. Sprays can also give your dog a minty-fresh breath.
Natural ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean
Your dog’s teeth are prone to getting plaque and tartar just like human beings. But unlike a human being, dogs aren’t concerned about it. Smelly dog breath and discolored teeth are a direct result of neglecting dental hygiene. Luckily enough, there are natural ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean
- Use natural dental sprays
You can spray this dental spray by picking up their lips on either side of their mouth as it will help reduce and prevent dental plaque and tartar build-up as well as control the bacteria that causes bad breath. If you spray the product directly onto your dog’s most affected teeth efficiently, it gives your dog minty-fresh breath.
- Enzymes
You can opt for Prozyme, which is an inexpensive digestive enzyme that is readily available in pet stores. There is a lot of dog toothpaste that contains enzymes that kill bacteria and help remove tartar. Zymox and Virbac are companies that make enzymatic tubes of toothpaste for dogs.
- Use herbal extracts and essential oils
Grape seed extract, grapefruit seed extract, thyme oil, neem oil and peppermint oil combined in a safe preparation works very effectively in dissolving and preventing tartar build up, as well as heals the gums.
- Ensure that your dog has a healthy and natural diet
You cannot rely on kibble alone to clean your dog’s teeth. Feeding your dog with fresher foods and healthier ingredients helps to improve your dog’s overall health and well-being, along with their dental health.
- Feed your dog raw bones
They taste good and are fun to chew. It helps in exercising the jawbone as your dog will gnaw on them which also stimulates the gums and removes tartar from the teeth. An excellent raw bone provides your dog with hours of pleasure and helps keep its teeth healthy. You need to make sure that you give your dog the right kind of bone. The large femur and knucklebones from a cow, are ideal as they are impossible to swallow or chip.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that promote dental health. You can make holes in a carrot and fill it up with coconut oil and leave it in the freezer for a couple of minutes. You can give it to your dog after it solidifies. Your dog is going will have the best time gnawing on the carrot, and it will also clean your dog’s teeth safely and effectively.
- Try a Homeopathic treatment
If your dog’s teeth seem to have a tartar build-up that is difficult to remove, you should try a homeopathic remedy called Fragaria which could help solve the problem. You can purchase it and administer one or two pellets twice a day for a month. It is necessarily an energy medicine that melts in the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep dogs' teeth clean naturally?
Just like humans, dogs benefit from regular teeth brushing. Start slowly and gently by introducing your dog to toothbrushing using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Be patient and make it a positive experience with rewards. Offer your dog dental chews and toys designed to promote oral health. These items can help remove plaque and tartar buildup while providing entertainment for your furry friend.
Certain foods can help keep your dog's teeth clean. Look for dental-specific dog foods or treats that promote dental health. Dr. Nicole Rous says that raw bones (avoid cooked bones) can also help scrape away plaque naturally. Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. This helps rinse away food particles and reduces the risk of plaque buildup.
Some natural supplements, such as seaweed-based products or coconut oil, may help support dental health in dogs. However, always consult with your vet before introducing any new supplements. Keep an eye on your dog's teeth and gums. Look for signs of dental problems like bad breath, swollen gums, or discolored teeth. Early detection can prevent serious dental issues. Schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian. They can identify any dental issues early and provide professional cleaning if necessary.
What is the safest way to brush a dog's teeth?
Brushing a dog's teeth is crucial for their dental health, and making it a positive experience is key. Get a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs. These typically have softer bristles and longer handles to reach the back teeth. Also, use dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste, as it can be harmful to dogs. Dr. Stephanie Austin says you should start by gradually introducing the toothbrush. Let your dog sniff and lick the toothbrush to get accustomed to it. Associate it with positive experiences by giving treats or praise.
Begin by gently touching your dog's teeth and gums with your finger to get them used to the sensation. Once your dog is comfortable with the toothbrush, put a small amount of dog toothpaste on it. Let your dog lick the toothpaste to get used to the taste. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and brush in gentle, circular motions. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque tends to accumulate.
Throughout the process, offer plenty of praise and rewards to reinforce positive behavior. Make it a fun and rewarding experience for your dog. It may take time for your dog to get used to having their teeth brushed. Be patient and consistent with your efforts, gradually increasing the duration of each session. Try to brush your dog's teeth at least 2-3 times per week for optimal dental health.
Is dental cleaning painful for dogs?
Dental cleaning for dogs typically involves scaling and polishing their teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. While dogs may experience some discomfort during the process, especially if they have significant dental issues, the procedure itself shouldn't be painful. However, according to a post on MedVet, veterinarians often perform dental cleanings under general anesthesia to ensure thorough cleaning. This is to keep the dog still and safe, as well as to prevent stress or discomfort during the procedure. It also allows for a more comprehensive cleaning, including beneath the gumline, where most dental problems start. So, while there might be some discomfort post-procedure, especially if extractions or other treatments are necessary, the cleaning process itself under anesthesia minimizes pain and ensures proper dental care for your furry friend.
What do vets use to clean dogs' teeth?
Veterinarians use a variety of tools and techniques for dental cleanings in dogs. During a professional dental cleaning, vets typically remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth using specialized instruments like scalers and polishers. This process helps prevent dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
In some cases, vets may also perform dental x-rays (taking x-rays) to assess the health of the teeth and gums below the surface. This can help identify issues like tooth decay, abscesses, or problems with tooth roots that may not be visible during a regular examination. If necessary, vets may perform tooth extractions to address severe dental problems or alleviate pain and discomfort for the dog. Some veterinary clinics offer same-day dental procedures, allowing for comprehensive dental care in a single visit.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
It's generally not recommended to use human toothpaste on dogs. Human toothpaste often contains ingredients like fluoride and xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Xylitol, in particular, is known to be toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and even death. Dr. Brad Hinsperger, B.Sc, DVM, says fluoride can also be equally toxic to dogs when ingested.
Also, the foaming action of human toothpaste may cause stomach upset in dogs if they swallow it. Instead, it's best to use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs, which is designed to be safe for their mouths and typically comes in flavors that dogs enjoy, like poultry or beef. Regular dental care is important for your dog's oral health, so consider using a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush recommended by your veterinarian for safe and effective dental hygiene.
