Brushing your dog’s teeth is a critical part of your dog’s overall health. Over two-thirds of dogs older than three have periodontal disease. Dental diseases can start as early as three years, so it’s vital to establish a regular dental hygiene routine with your dog brushing with homemade dog toothpaste.
While there is commercial toothpaste for dogs, you can also make your own dog toothpaste with a few simple ingredients. We’ll explain how to make an excellent homemade dog toothpaste with our simple and easy-to-follow recipes.
Benefits of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Maintaining good dental health for your dog is critical because it can prevent:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Mouth Ulcers
- Periodontal Disease
- Infection
- Tooth Loss
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
Veterinarians recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth two times a day, but even brushing your dog’s teeth once a day is a good habit that can prevent disease.
Related Link: Why Gut Health is Important for Dogs
Benefits of Making a Homemade Dog Toothpaste
While it takes extra effort to make homemade dog toothpaste, there are several benefits:
- You control the ingredients your dog ingests.
- DIY dog toothpaste is pretty cheap to make.
- You can adjust the flavor of the toothpaste to make it more enjoyable for your dog.
How to Make A Simple Homemade Dog Toothpaste
This homemade dog toothpaste is easy to make and whips up within a few minutes. You can store it in the fridge for when you need to brush your dog’s teeth.
Mix all the ingredients until it forms a paste:
- 2 ½ Tablespoons of Baking Soda
- 1 Tablespoon of Water
This is your base, and it can keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Flavors You Can Add to the Homemade Dog Toothpaste
Once you’ve made the basic recipe for the dog toothpaste, you can add in other ingredients to make it more palatable for your dog. You can add one flavor or a few to create a toothpaste your dog will enjoy:
- 1 Tbl Olive Oil
- ¼ tsp Cloves
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Mint
- ¼ tsp Parsley
- 1 Bouillon cube (any flavor)
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ½ tsp Kelp
Create a Teeth Brushing Routine With Your Dog
Not all dogs will appreciate having their teeth brushed. Even using a desirable flavor of homemade toothpaste will not persuade your dog. It is crucial to start a teeth brushing routine when your dog is young to get used to it. Your dog might fight you at first but keep at it.
Some tips for helping your dog brush its teeth:
- Choose a quiet and familiar space to brush your dog’s teeth.
- Hold your dog securely with your dog’s head facing away from you.
- Rub your fingers or a cloth over your dog’s teeth. You can also use a dog toothbrush if your dog doesn’t mind your finger or a cloth.
- Let your dog taste a little of the toothpaste.
- Add some toothpaste and rub it carefully in a back-and-forth motion over the surface of your dog’s teeth for at least 30 seconds per side.
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What Type of Toothbrush Should You Use?
You can purchase a specially designed dog toothbrush with an angled handle or a finger toothbrush that fits over your finger. You could also use a soft human baby toothbrush for small dogs.
Finger brushes are easy to use when you are first teaching your dog to brush its teeth. Your vet may also recommend a specific type of brush depending on your dog’s breed.
Can You Use Baking Soda and Water to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Yes, but be careful to use a very small amount of baking soda so that it doesn’t upset your dog’s stomach. If you are worried the baking soda will be too much for your dog, you can always buy a commercial dog toothpaste. You can ask your vet for brand recommendations.
Can You Use Human Toothpaste to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
No. Human toothpaste has several toxic ingredients for dogs, such as xylitol, fluoride, and sodium. You’re better off buying a dog toothpaste or make your own.
Other Things You Can Use to Help Promote Good Dental Hygiene
There are lots of products specially designed to improve the health of your dog’s teeth:
- Dry dog food is better for your dog’s teeth because it sticks less.
- Toys and treats that help clean and strengthen your dog’s teeth.
If your dog fights to have its teeth brushed, you should definitely use these other products to help clean and improve your dog’s teeth.
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Related Link: Why Origins 5 in 1 is the Best Supplement for Breeding Dogs
Using Homemade Dog Toothpaste is an Affordable, All Natural Solution to Your Dog’s Dental Hygiene
It does take some effort, but many of the ingredients used to make an all-natural, healthy dog toothpaste are already in your pantry. Add a bouillon cube to pique your dog’s interest in brushing its teeth. Start by introducing the toothpaste and work up to brushing at least once and day and two times a day for ultimate dental care.
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Related Link: Active Nutrition for Your Dog: Rogue’s Approach to Pet Nutrition & Performance