15 DIY Dog Dental Care Tips You Need to Try

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A healthy mouth is key to a happy dog, but dental care doesn’t always mean a trip to the vet. You can take charge of your dog’s oral health with simple, do-it-yourself solutions. Ready to make your pup’s dental routine a breeze? Check out these 15 DIY dog dental care tips that are both effective and easy to implement.

Baking Soda + Water

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Baking soda is a primary ingredient in homemade toothpaste. It effectively scrubs away plaque and tartar while combating smelly breath-causing bacteria. To make your own, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to a toothbrush or gauze and gently clean your teeth and gums.

Baking Soda + Coconut Oil

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Want to make dogs’ breath fresher and teeth healthier? Try adding coconut oil to your homemade toothpaste recipe. Coconut oil isn’t just delicious for dogs; it is also a natural germ-fighter. It’s like a superhero for the mouth, battling bacteria and leaving dogs’ breath smelling great. Use both ingredients in equal quantities to make this paste.

Parsley + Mint

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Combine chopped parsley, fresh mint, and Water to make a breath-freshening paste. Both parsley and mint are safe and healthy for dogs to consume. Parsley is a natural deodorizer, and mint adds a refreshing flavor. This mixture helps combat bad breath. For additional antibacterial properties, add a teaspoon of coconut oil.

Turmeric + Coconut Oil

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Use turmeric and coconut oil for a toothpaste that cleans and has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can help reduce gum inflammation and keep your dog’s mouth healthy. Just be careful with the turmeric, as it can stain if it gets on anything other than your dog’s teeth! You can store it in a cool, dark place for up to a week.

Chicken Broth Paste

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Mix baking soda with chicken broth for a toothpaste your dog will love. The savory flavor makes brushing time more enjoyable while keeping teeth clean. Make sure to use low-sodium broth to prevent damaging their teeth more. Keep this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within a week.

Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

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To create a whitening toothpaste, mix activated charcoal with coconut oil. Nevertheless, be cautious with the charcoal, as it can be messy and stain fabrics. A small amount of activated charcoal would suffice for making this toothpaste. However, it should be used sparingly, about once a week, to avoid overusing charcoal.

Sweet Potato Chew

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Slice a sweet potato into thin strips, bake them until they’re dry and chewy, and let your dog enjoy. These offer a tasty and natural way to help clean your dog’s teeth. Store these chews in an airtight container, making a healthy, long-lasting treat. The chewy texture helps clean teeth by scraping away plaque and tartar.

Apple Cider Vinegar Wash

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Diluted apple cider vinegar (one part vinegar to four parts water) is recommended as a mouth rinse. Its antibacterial properties reduce plaque buildup. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly with water to avoid any aftertaste. Do it once or twice a week to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Carrot Sticks

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Did you know that raw carrots are a fantastic natural toothbrush for dogs? Their crunchy texture cleans teeth and massages the gums while providing a healthy snack. Cut the carrots into manageable sizes to avoid choking hazards. Carrots are also low in calories and high in vitamins.

Dental Wipes

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Dog dental wipes offer a convenient way to maintain their oral hygiene. These pre-moistened cloths clean teeth and freshen breath, helping to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. While they’re not a complete replacement for brushing, dental wipes are an option for quick cleanings, especially for the ones who resist traditional toothbrushes.

Raw Bones

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Chewing on raw bones can work quite similar to brushing. Raw, meaty bones from healthy animals are generally safe when fed appropriately. Cooked bones can splinter, causing severe injury, so generally avoid cooking them. Always supervise your dog while it chews on bones.

Food Supplements

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These products often contain enzymes, probiotics, or minerals to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. They can be beneficial when used alongside regular brushing and dental care, but it’s important to remember that supplements do not replace professional dental cleanings.

Dental Chews

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Specifically designed dental chews have a textured surface that helps clean the mouth as your dog chews. Some often contain ingredients that also freshen breath and support overall oral hygiene. However, you need to understand what chews work for your dog.

Sprays and Gels

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Perfect for those on-the-go cleanings, these topical treatments coat teeth and gums with ingredients that fight bacteria and freshen their breath. Sprays are applied directly to the teeth and gums using a fine mist. Gels are often applied with a finger or applicator, providing a more concentrated approach.

Regular Dental Check-ups

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During routine check-ups, the veterinarian can perform thorough examinations to detect signs of dental disease, such as plaque buildup, tartar, and gum inflammation, which are not always visible at home. Professional cleanings to remove stubborn deposits might be required to avoid more serious issues like tooth loss or infections.

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