Throughout the years, I’ve shared multiple articles on the importance of doggy dental care. The gist: Poor oral health has an impact on your dog’s overall wellbeing. Bacteria buildup can reach and eventually affect the heart. Plus, periodontal disease can also trigger serious health issues in other organs, such as the liver and kidneys.
One of the best ways to clean your dog’s teeth is by routine brushing. But, for some pet parents, brushing may not be an option. If Fido gets a little too feisty when he sees you bust out the toothbrush, try these alternatives.
1. Dental Wipes
Instead of a toothbrush covered in pet-formulated toothpaste, pet parents can use dental wipes that are formulated to clean canine teeth. This is still a hands-on method of cleaning. But, since it’s less abrasive than brushing, your dog may not mind it as much.
Similar to brushing, dog dental wipes work well for two reasons:
- That physical abrasion helps to rid your dog’s mouth of food residue and plaque.
- The enzymes in dental wipes are designed to kill bacteria and continue working after you’re done wiping.
2. Chews
Consider giving your dog raw/meaty bones (never cooked bones – they’re too brittle and can splinter), bully sticks, and/or yak chews. Gnawing away on these chews is a great way to scrape the teeth and help prevent plaque and tartar accumulation.
Of course, it’s important to know your dog’s chew style. There are a variety of bone types and sizes on the market – evaluate what’s right for your pup and consult with your vet if you have any questions or concerns.
Please note: Rawhides are not raw, meaty bones and I recommend avoiding them. These chemical-laden bones are linked to choking, airway obstruction, esophageal blockages, and intestinal blockages (among other things).
3. Dental Chew Toys
While canine oral health is essential to their overall wellbeing, an alarmingly high number of pups suffer from dental issues. In fact, according to VCA Hospitals, “Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease.”
As a result, various dog manufacturers are now selling durable rubber toys that resemble toothbrushes. So, instead of your dog getting all stressed out from a brush session, he actually has fun while cleaning his chompers!
These toys feature ridges/grooves/spikes that brush against your dog’s teeth and gums as he chews and slobbers. The spikes vary in size and angles, helping to grind off any plaque or tartar that has accumulated on your pup’s teeth.
*While these toys are designed to be gnawed, always supervise your pup when chewing. Nothing is completely indestructible.
4. Gnaw on Frozen Carrots
Much like a chew stick or toy, a large frozen carrot is said to help clean dog teeth thanks to the scraping action. Plus, carrots are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are healthy for dogs. Win-win!
5. Water Additive (Depending on the Brand)
I must admit: I’m not the biggest fan of water additives. Many of them include ingredients I prefer to keep out of my dog’s diet. Plus, many change the flavor of your dog’s water … in a not-so-great way. So, it’s not uncommon for dogs to turn their noses up at water bowls once an additive is in there. But, there is a brand I can get behind: It’s called Teef!
Teef! is a water additive that encourages good bacteria in the mouth to flourish, while eliminating bad bacteria. TEEF’s Protektin 42 formula contains four human-grade ingredients: soluble fiber, amino acid, vitamin B6, and sodium bicarbonate. They work together to balance the oral microbiome for strong teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath.
Here’s a quick look at how each ingredient works:
Teef! is in the form of a powder water additive and it doesn’t change the flavor of water. It targets every area of the mouth — including under the gumline!
BONUS Tip to Help Keep Teeth Clean
It may come as no surprise that your dog’s diet has an impact on oral health. Feeding kibble and store-bought commercial treats filled with sugar take a toll on your dog’s pearly whites. Think of it this way: Regular dry kibble doesn’t clean your dog’s teeth any more than cereal, pretzels, or potato chips clean yours.
Instead, when it comes to a dog’s diet, the less processing = the better. If possible, focus on feeding your canine kid whole foods – fresh meats, fish, and vegetables. Foods loaded with antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics are all beneficial to a dog’s dental health.
What to Avoid
I personally avoid store-bought dental treats. You know — those sticks labeled as dental chews. Many include red flag preservatives and other ingredients I steer clear of.
Professional Vet Cleanings
During your dog’s annual wellness exam, your vet will take a peek at your pup’s teeth. Hopefully, your daily care routine is keeping them pearly white. But, if your dog is experiencing plaque and tartar buildup, there are many pros to professional cleaning.
