Dogs are loving, loyal and funny creatures that will comfort and protect their humans no matter what.
However, when it comes to certain maintenance routines such as how to clean dog teeth, some dogs give in to their inner Houdini even when you try to be inconspicuous. It’s easy for pet owners to give up. This leads to dental problems such as gum disease, periodontal disease, plaque and tartar buildup, unpleasant dog’s breath and more.
Let’s face it: Humans have the brush-your-teeth routine down to a science, but when it comes to caring for dog teeth, the concept of toothbrush meeting toothpaste can be a messy, guilt-laden affair that stresses everybody out.
How to keep a dog’s teeth clean without incurring those haunting sad eyes is all a matter of technique. Here are some tips to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing.
Skip the Toothbrush and Wipe Dog’s Teeth Clean
On the off-chance that your dog will allow you to put your fingers in its mouth, you can try dental wipes to clean dog teeth without brushing.
All you need to do is wipe the antimicrobial dental wipes along your dog’s teeth edges and gum line twice a day. However, even if the dental wipes don’t look like a toothbrush, your dog may eye you with suspicion. Thankfully, there are other options to clean dogs teeth.
A Few Spritzes of Natural Dental Spray
Dental spray is an easier, quicker answer on how to keep a dog’s teeth clean. In fact, it not only cleans dogs’ teeth but helps with bad breath.
These products are made with natural oils and extracts that control mild to heavy plaque and tartar buildup and are good for your dog’s dental health. It does require multiple sprays per day, as many as 5 or 6 for larger breeds, but it only takes one spray on each side of the dog’s mouth to work.
Introduce a Dental Chew Toy
Dental chew toys are the perfect combination of fun and function. These rubber chew toys are made from durable materials that will stand up to lots of chewing. Chew toys also have soft bristles to grind away tartar and plaque build up while stimulating your dog’s gums for total oral health. Many chew toys are also scented with natural oils to help freshen breath.
Treat Them to a Bully Stick for Good Dental Health
Bully stick is another option on how to keep a dog’s teeth clean. Much like chew toys, a bully stick is a great way to clean your dog’s teeth while they are having fun. They are the canine equivalent of beef jerky, except they are extremely hard, making them great at scraping off plaque and tartar.
Bully sticks are good for your dog’s teeth and dogs love them because they’re made from natural, grass-fed beef and are easily digestible, reducing the chance of stomach upset. When you’re giving them a stick, keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not biting off and trying to swallow large pieces.
Clean Your Dog’s Teeth Naturally with Raw Bones
Raw bones are a great way to help your dog satisfy its need to chew something that isn’t your phone cord or the leg of your beloved chair, and they’re good for dog cleaning teeth care.
Because cooked bones tend to splinter and cause intestinal damage when dogs eat them, raw bones are a safe alternative that they can enjoy for a long time. Of course, this is one of those cases where size matters.
For adult dogs or larger dogs, smaller bones are potential choking hazards, while a smaller dog may not be able to tackle something larger than their head. Choose their bones wisely.
Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is an important part of keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Ultimately, the best way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy is to avoid processed foods and incorporate nutritious meals that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will help them build stronger teeth.
Additionally, the natural fibers won’t stick to their teeth like dog foods made with by-products and meals, leading to less plaque buildup and stinky breath.
Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings
In addition to at-home dog’s oral health care, it’s important to schedule regular professional cleanings with your veterinarian. They will be able to give your dog’s teeth a thorough teeth cleaning, address the dog’s bad breath and check for any signs of dental disease.
Become a Pet Parent Today
How to keep dogs’ teeth clean and healthy takes a bit of work, and establishing good habits should start when they’re young. It may all sound stressful but the whole process is actually very fulfilling for pet parents.
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