UPDATE: There is a great new product on the market that is much easier to use than a toothbrush for those looking how to clean Dog’s teeth. Click HERE to read about this great product
It will take a few attempts using a toothbrush before your Dog becomes accustomed to cleaning Dog’s Teeth. We shall now take a comprehensive look at how to clean Dogs Teeth. Here at this Dog blog keeping Dogs teeth clean is very important. Bad Teeth in Dogs can be prevented if you read this post. Use the link above if you don’t think a toothbrush is the best option. And after reading the reviews via the above link I think the chews may now be a much simpler option to keep Dog’s teeth clean.
Teeth Cleaning For Dogs
It really cannot be over-emphasized just how important it is to keep your Dogs Teeth clean. We look after our own Teeth but many of us neglect the Dogs Teeth. Cleaning your Dog’s Teeth, whether you brush your Dogs Teeth, or take it to the Vets regularly to keep your Dogs Teeth clean should be a priority. Dogs Teeth and Gums need to be looked after just like ours do. When you clean your Dogs mouth, its Gums and its Teeth you are setting it up for a much healthier life.
How To Clean Dog Teeth
Anyone who reads this Dog Blog on an even infrequent basis will know I am a firm advocate of Raw Bones as the ideal way to naturally clean Dog’s teeth. I wrote of the benefits of Raw Bones to help cure bad Dogs breath and the many other benefits of Raw Meaty Bones when it comes to Dental hygiene.
Many people just can’t seem to face feeding their Dogs Raw Bones or are worried that their Dog may have problems because of it. That’s understandable and we all have different opinions on many aspects of looking after Dogs.
However there is no doubt that you MUST find a way to look out for your Dog. Teeth cleaning for Dogs is of prime importance. If you read the two posts I have linked to above you will see the many problems that ensue, both for the Dog and your pocket, if you do not keep your Dogs teeth clean. I know from experience that if you neglect your Dogs mouth you are in for a very, and I mean very, large Vet bill at some time in the future. It is also severely risking the chance of your Dog becoming very ill. Cleaning Dogs Teeth really cannot be neglected. Learning how to clean Dogs Teeth is one of the biggest favors you will ever do your Dog.
A few days ago I asked on Twitter what everyone used for cleaning Dogs teeth and the overwhelming consensus for what was the best teeth cleaning product for dogs was Petrodex Dog Dental Care Kit, Beef Toothpaste, 2 Toothbrushes
Everyone on Twitter said that their Dogs actually enjoyed having their teeth brushed with Chicken or Beef flavoured toothpaste, I mean, who wouldn’t! In the Dog world anyway! For $15 you get the paste, a double ended toothbrush, and a few extra goodies. Not much more than buying the stuff for yourself. Teeth cleaning for Dogs is so important that this minimal investment really is worth it.
Investments like this need to be made and if you don’t find a way to keep your Dogs teeth clean you will be looking at spending about thirty or forty times that at some point in your Dogs life unless you are a very lucky Dog owner.
We eventually got in to the habit of brushing our old boy Sam’s teeth, but only after the damage was done. It takes a while for them to get used to it but they soon seem to enjoy it.
To clean your Dogs Teeth take such a minimal amount of time that there really is no excuse not to do it. Just like Humans Dogs Teeth need regular brushing and you need to ensure you clean their Teeth, mouth and gums at least twice a week.
Removing Tartar From Dogs Teeth
If you let the Tartar on your Dogs Teeth build up too much then you may not be able to remove it by brushing your Dogs Teeth. You may need to go to the Vets to have it done. Start early and get your Dog used to having its Teeth brushed, its Gums brushed and its Mouth brushed regularly. It really will save a lot of time and Money in the future. Removing Tartar from your Dogs Teeth will not even need to be considered if you start cleaning their Teeth from an early age.
Remove Plaque From Dogs Teeth
To remove plaque from your Dogs Teeth may again make a visit to the Vets necessary. When Dogs Teeth get too bad then they need to have them professionally cleaned. The Plaque and Tartar on a Dogs Teeth can build up surprisingly quickly so brush their Teeth regularly and you may save yourself an awful lot of Money.
Anaesthesia To Clean Dogs Teeth
When the build up of Plaque and Tartar becomes serious then your dog may need to be put under anaesthesia to have their Teeth cleaned. This is far from ideal and avoiding having to put your Dog under anaesthesia to clean their Teeth should be a goal you have. The dangers of anaesthesia to clean your Dogs Teeth can become a real concern, especially in older Dogs. There are always dangers involved and you should avoid anaesthesia for Teeth cleaning if at all possible. Cleaning Dog’s Teeth regularly will mean you won’t have to resort to this.
Older Dogs risk much being out under so if you can spend a few minutes every week trying to avoid the problem then you should. An operation just to remove Plaque and Tartar from Dogs Teeth will never have to happen if you keep on top of learning how to clean Dogs teeth.
How To Clean Dog’s Teeth
Teeth Cleaning For Dogs Step By Step
First a video all about how to clean Dog’s Teeth.
If you are going to use a toothbrush and toothpaste, which it seems is one of the best alternatives to Raw Bones here is how to go about it.
- Firstly NEVER use human toothpaste. Dogs cannot spit and will eat the toothpaste. Human toothpaste is not edible! Human Toothpaste for Dogs is absolutely out. Cleaning Dogs Teeth must be done with Dog toothpaste.
- If your Dogs teeth are in bad condition or discolored, get them cleaned properly at the Vets first before you regularly do it at home
- Clean your Dogs teeth a minimum of twice a week, more at first to get them used to it
- Use either the toothbrush, the finger brush or gauze. Experiment and see which is easier to use
- Find a comfortable position, I found a little to the side best and ensure you have a good hold on the muzzle and lift the lips away from the teeth. A helper may be in order to begin
- Brush in circular motions much as you do your own teeth
- Ensure you brush the gums and get right to the back teeth
- Be prepared for lots of licking! Cleaning Dogs teeth can even become a treat!
It may not be the easiest thing to do initially but your Dog will get used to you lifting its Gums to clean their Teeth, Mouth and Gums. See how clean my Dogs Teeth are.
This is from Raw Meaty Bones, not from a Toothbrush. If you don’t give them bones, which acts like a rough Toothbrush for Dogs Teeth then you need to do it manually as described.
To get your Dog used to you cleaning its Teeth I would recommend repetition as they key. Try just lifting your Dogs Gums repeatedly every day, it will soon get used to it and make the act of cleaning your Dogs Mouth that much easier.
Cleaning Dog’s teeth really isn’t that difficult once you have done it a few times. Just remember not to use human toothpaste and if possible also give them hard Toys to chew on if you don’t want to give them Raw Bones. The chewing and scraping actions helps to keep their teeth in top condition. Dogs teeth and Gums are very important to its overall health. You really must either buy the best teeth cleaning product for dogs, which is the Petrodex Dog Dental Care Kit, Beef Toothpaste, 2 Toothbrushes
Hopefully you can now answer the question “How To clean Dogs Teeth?”
Hey – I added you to my blog roll! Ohh and I must find you on twitter!
We do use raw bones at our house and toothpaste for Marley. Dyl is a stink and is afraid of the toothpaste!!
Hi Christy, be great to see you on Twitter.
You can’t beat the raw bones for the Dogs. As well as cleaning their teeth it keeps them quiet for a good while as well!
All the best.
I started brushing Riley’s teeth when she was a puppy. She’s used to it, but I can’t say she enjoys it at all. We use dog toothpaste and a child’s toothbrush, which fits nicely in her mouth (and is quite inexpensive). It’s been a while, though, so thanks for the reminder!
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Lucky mutts!
Wish I had chicken-flavored toothpaste!
(Better yet….pizza-flavored, or burgers…etc).
Friar’s last blog post..Double-standards you shouldn’t even bother TRYING to argue against…
Rebecca, glad that you do it. Got to keep those teeth shining, right?
Friar, I woud go for Pizza flavor any day!
cleaning my dogs teeth has got to be one of the hardest things on the planet to do lol!!!
She eats more of the tooth paste than is actually used to clean the teeth
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Since we started feeding our guys raw, the tarter on Tucker’s teeth has started to chip off. He has a cleaning next Friday and we are hoping that afterwards, the raw will keep his teeth clean!
Dennis the Vizsla’s last blog post..He’s No Angel
Taris, I think that is the main problem everyone has. Better than bad teeth though I guess!
Dennis, Raw can definitely work wonders. I’m sure after a thorough cleaning they will stay a lot whiter.
I’ve tried to brush my dogs teeth but she just won’t let me. Her teeth are getting tarter build-up. I will eventually have to have the vet clean them. And you are right when you say that it can be costly. The longer you let it go the more it will cost. I found a product called “Easy Brush”
that my dog likes and I have noticed her teeth are better but, I will still have to have them cleaned because of the tarter. If you have problems cleaning your dogs teeth you might want to give this product a try.
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Ross, I would definitey try bones once you have had her teeth cleaned properly. It really does help a lot. The scraping action keeps the teeth so clean and you don’t have to do anything!
Thank, I’ll give them a try. What kind of bones would you suggest?
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Ross, Beef Bones are very hard and are great for the scraping action. They last for absolutely ages and ours never manage to get through them.Great for cleaning Dogs teeth.
Pork Bones are softer and they can eat the whole thing quickly, but they are very good for cleaning as well as the Dogs really get stuck in as they can eat it all.
Just be aware that Raw Pork (bones included) must be frozen for about 3 weeks first to kill off anything that can cause problems with Dogs. After that they are great. If in doubt ask the Vet what is most suitabe for your Dog (size etc).
Hope this helps. How to clean Dog’s teeth is certainly a popular post.
Are you talking about a Raw meaty bone that you would get from your butcher or is it something at the pet store?
Rhonda,
Yes, just bones from the butchers. They really do a fantastic job. The bones will keep their teeth clean, keep them busy for a few hours, and also totally get rid of bad dogs breath that so many people simply believe that all dogs have.
I read on a web site that a cereal called “Puffins” was great for cleaning the teeth of a dog…have you ever heard of that?
Why raw bones and not cooked ones? I have a 1 year old that I rescued, her name is Daizy and she is a doll. I am going to look into what I need to clean her teeth. I hopefully will be starting soon. I let her chew my steak bones when I’m done my steak! Is this not a good practice?
Lenette
Cooked bones are very dangerous. They are brittle and can splinter in a Dogs stomach. See my new safe bones for Dogs for lots more info.
I was taught to use a small rough towel, squeeze some dog’s toothpaste onto it, and then gently rub the dog’s teeth in circular movement. This way, you get to “polish” the dog’s teeth, thus removing tartar in the process, and massaging its gum too. This can be done every other day. Good to develop this habit when they are very young.
Raw meaty bones have worked to keep tartar/plaque off my 4yr old lab mix’s teeth since birth. Bubba loves to eat beef toothpaste, but he does not love the toothbrush.
Please do not think that ONLY crunchy treats (like Milk Bones) will clean dog’s teeth. That is like thinking potato chips will clean our teeth. Carbs from biscuits get stuck on the dog’s teeth and actually CAUSE plaque.
On another note, I’m fostering an older dog with lots of tartar and SEWER BREATH! I can’t afford vet treatment for him but CAN save for a product I found in Cesar’s Way magazine-it’s a spray from LebaLab.com and retails for around $60. Enzymes are supposed to dissolve plaque/tartar over a few weeks. I’ve heard good things from users of this spray and am eager to try it. If anyone out there has experience with this,please notify me!Thanks so much!
It’s a good article and I found usefull information.
Thank you !
what size raw bones for small dauchsounds?
It doesn’t really matter to be honest. The bigger they are the more time it takes them to chew them.
I have a miniature dachshund and he loves raw bones, along with his brother and sister, labs. I give them all femur bones and rib bones, raw, of course. Vet is pleased with the way their teeth look!
Hi,
My question, is it ok to use peroxide on dogs teeth. How do you remove plaque, is that possible without going to the vet?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Janet
Janet I would not recommend that I would just give them some hard raw bones, that should clean up their teeth a treat.
I have a westie who is 16. He has had regular teeth cleanings over the years as he developed tartar quickly. He is on meds for an enlarged heart and collapsed trachea. I won’t let my vet clean them, I am worried about putting him under. Does anyone have thoughts on this. I am concerned about the dangers of not cleaning and also they are very bad now and I don’t want a infection from self cleaning either.
Not sure what to do.
I was floored when my vet just quoted me a price of 563.00 to clean my dogs teeth. Iam running to the store to buy raw bones again, i had been lax giving him bones for a while now, and iam not going to forget to buy them weekly anymore!!
Has anyone heard about Tripe for dissolving plaque and tartar. I was told that a woman who sells it , almost right from the cow, had great results with removing tartar from her dogs teeth. Ive been told by 2 raw dog food stores, that tripe is amazing for this. Only the green raw tripe, not the canned, nor bleached Tripe. You can buy it frozen at dog food stores. It should look brown and smell awful. I am giving it to my 7 pound dogs in frozen form, so they have to chew it, rather than gulp it. The gastric juices and enzymes in the Tripe work on the teeth. Its $5 a pound.
Also, what about the natural combintation toothpaste of Coconut Oil ( is naturally anti bacterial, anti fungal, and anti viral ) has to be the virgin, unprocessed $5 for a jar) Olive Oil and baking powder. I read about this for humans. My dogs love love love Coconut Oil. There are no nasty chemicals in it, or imitation chicken flavouring!
Sorry, ….my home made toothpaste recipe was Pure vigin, unprocessed coconut oil and olive oil, and baking soda, …NOT baking powder… some also recommend sea salt as well. Dogs love the taste of coconut oil ! read up on proper amounts for a dog… 🙂
Years ago I fed my German Shepherd raw beef bones. I got them from the butcher. He loved them. However, he got sick and when I took him to the Vet, he had beef tapeworms. They were over a foot long! The Vet told me to never feed raw bones to a dog. If I freeze them first, is it OK to feed my Lab? She is starting to get some tartar on her teeth now. She is a 2 year old. Thanks, I love this site.
Diane, freezing is a good idea, it is what you should also do for pork bones.
I have been giving the dogs BIG, raw beef bone and they love ’em….and they;re teeth are good and clean.
The problem is that the bigger of the 2 dogs chews the bones to pieces small enough to swallow but are too big to pass. On several occasions he throws it back up, signaling that it won’t pass.
I only give ’em raw beef bones so they’re not apt to splinter.
Any word of wisdom will be appreciated.
Thanks
Bob
I have 2 Weiner Dogs with horrible breath. I really like this site, Thanks sign me up
Use an electric toothbrush. It cuts the time in half and the dog is grateful; also much much more effective than manual brushing.
The reason you should never use human toothpaste is because many of them contain Xylitol and it is very toxic to dogs.