Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy is super important for their overall well-being. Regular brushing is hands down the best way to keep their teeth clean and prevent dental diseases. It helps remove plaque and tartar, freshens breath, and stops periodontal disease — the main cause of tooth loss in dogs.
But let’s face it, brushing isn’t always an option. Some dogs just won’t cooperate, making the whole process stressful for both you and your pup. If brushing isn’t working out, don’t worry — there are other ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean without brushing.
Periodontal disease is really common, affecting over 60-80% of dogs. It’s caused by bacterial plaque build-up and can lead to serious health problems if ignored. Luckily, it can be prevented with a mix of personal care and professional dental help. In this article, we’ll explore various alternativ-e-archives to brushing. We’ll also refer to the work of Veterinary Dentist Dr. Ellen Logan and her research on diet and dog teeth health. So, let’s dive in.
So, How Do You Clean A Dog’s Teeth Without Brushing?
For dogs that won’t let you brush their teeth, there are several effective alternativ-e-archives to consider:
- Dental Chews and Toys – These products encourage chewing, which helps to scrape away plaque and tartar. Look for vet-recommended options for optimal effectiveness.
- Dental Treats – Formulated to promote dental health, these treats can control plaque and freshen breath. They should be given as treats, not as replacements for a balanced diet. They include collagen sticks and bully sticks.
- Food Choices – Certain crunchy kibbles can aid in plaque removal. Consult your vet for recommendations on the best food options for dental health.
- Dental Wipes and Gels – These can clean teeth and freshen breath. Follow the product instructions for proper use.
- Water Additives – Additives can help reduce plaque and calculus accumulation. Consult your vet to choose the best option.
By incorporating these alternativ-e-archives, you can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, even if they won’t let you brush their teeth.
Remember, maintaining your dog’s dental health is essential to their overall health and well-being.
5 Safe and Effective Vet-Recommended Alternatives for Cleaning Dog Teeth
If your dog just won’t let you brush their teeth, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to keep their smile sparkling and their breath fresh. Here are some great options and how effective they are:
1. Dental Chews and Toys
Dental chews and toys are fantastic for cleaning your dog’s teeth. They encourage your dog to chew, which helps scrape away plaque and tartar. This is similar to how fiber works — it acts like a natural toothbrush, helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean and their gums healthy.
Top Picks
- Greenies Dental Chews – Widely recommended by vets for their texture that helps clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Nylabone Dental Chew Toys – Durable and effective at removing plaque as your dog chews.
2. Dental Treats
Dental treats are not just tasty — they’re also designed to improve your dog’s dental health. These treats can control plaque and freshen breath, making them a great addition to your dog’s diet. But remember, they’re treats, not a replacement for a balanced diet.
Some dental treats and chews, especially those coated with hexametaphosphate (HMP), can effectively reduce tartar build-up by binding salivary calcium. This prevents tartar from forming in the first place.
Top Picks
- Blue Buffalo Dental Bones: Known for their natural ingredients and effectiveness in reducing plaque.
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews: Recommended for their enzyme action that helps break down plaque.
3. Food Choices
What your dog eats can also impact their dental health. Some crunchy kibbles are designed to help remove plaque as your dog chews.
While regular dry food doesn’t always improve dental health, special dental care kibbles can make a big difference. These kibbles are formulated with more fiber to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their gums healthy.
Top Picks:
- Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care: Specifically formulated to reduce plaque and tartar.
- Royal Canin Dental Diet: Designed to provide dental benefits through its unique kibble texture.
4. Dental Wipes and Gels
If you can’t brush your dog’s teeth, dental wipes and gels are a great alternativ-e-archive. They’re easy to use and help clean teeth and freshen breath. Just follow the product instructions for the best results.
Products with ingredients like chlorhexidine are especially good at reducing plaque. Regular use of these gels and wipes can significantly help in maintaining your dog’s oral health.
Top Picks:
- Vet’s Best Dental Gel – Contains natural ingredients and enzymes to clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Petkin Fresh Mint Dental Wipes – Convenient and effective for quick clean-ups.
5. Water Additives
Water additives are a simple way to improve your dog’s dental health. Just add them to your dog’s drinking water, and they can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
A water additive with pomegranate (like Vet Aquadent® FR3SH™, Virbac) has been shown to significantly reduce dental plaque and tartar in dogs. It’s especially helpful for owners who find it hard to keep up with regular dental care.
Dogs using the additive in studies had much less plaque and tartar compared to those who didn’t use it. Their gum health also improved significantly. So, a good water additive is great for busy owners who can’t always brush their dog’s teeth.
Top Picks
- PawSafe Dog Mouthwash: Easy to use and effective at reducing plaque and tartar while freshening breath.
- Oxyfresh Water Additive: Known for its safe, non-toxic formula that promotes dental health.
Raw Bovine Bones
Chewing on raw bovine bones can also help reduce tartar build-up on your dog’s teeth.
In studies with Beagle dogs, chewing on raw bovine bones significantly reduced tartar. The bones work by mechanically scraping away the tartar as the dogs chew.
- Study Results: Chewing reduced dental tartar from 42.0% to 12.3% after 12 days in one study, and from 38.6% to 4.7% after 20 days in another.
- Conclusions: Raw beef bones are very effective for removing tartar, with spongy bones working faster in the short term.
- Safety: No issues like tooth fractures or intestinal problems were seen in the studies. However, many vets do warn that hard bones can cause teeth to break or wear down. They can also cause gut issues or be a choking hazard if swallowed.
Top Picks
- Raw Paws Pet Raw Bison Bones: Natural and effective for dental health, promoting healthy chewing.
By trying these alternativ-e-archives, you can keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy without the hassle of brushing.
Debunking Myths: Are There Natural Home Remedies for Dog Teeth Cleaning?
When it comes to keeping your dog’s teeth clean, it’s important to rely on methods that are safe and effective. Giving your dog bones can be controversial but if you choose to do it safely, it can be a helpful natural home remedy to reduce tartar build-up on your dog’s teeth.
However, a lot of health fads are not helpful at all and can be dangerous. Here are some common home remedies you might have heard of and why you should be cautious about using them.
Coconut Oil
You might have heard that coconut oil is good for your dog’s teeth, but it’s not as effective as you might think. While coconut oil does have some health benefits, it’s not great for removing plaque or tartar. It can kill certain kinds of bacteria in the mouth, but there’s a catch. When these bacteria die, they release endotoxins.
Since these bacteria are often inside the gums, the toxins can get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the body. Additionally, coconut oil is high in lauric acid, a saturated fat that can also promote inflammation. So, it’s best to leave coconut oil out of your dog’s dental routine and stick to tried and tested methods for dog dental health.
Baking Soda
Using baking soda might seem like a good idea because it’s a common household item. However, baking soda can be toxic if ingested by dogs. It’s abrasive and can cause irritation in the mouth and digestive tract. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using baking soda and opt for safer, vet-approved dental products instead.
Maintaining Good Dog Dental Health
Keeping your dog’s teeth in good shape isn’t just about what you do at home. Here’s how to make sure your dog’s dental health stays on track:
Regular Veterinary Dental Cleanings
One of the best ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean is by scheduling regular veterinary dental cleanings. These cleanings are super important because they remove plaque and tartar that you might miss at home. Your vet has the right tools and know-how to get your dog’s teeth really clean, including those hard-to-reach spots.
Comprehensive oral care is a must. Regular professional cleanings, combined with good home care, help prevent periodontal disease from getting worse. By keeping up with these cleanings, you can catch dental issues early and keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is a big deal for your dog’s overall health, including their teeth. Feeding your dog balanced meals with the right nutrients supports strong teeth and gums. Plus, certain foods and specially formulated kibbles can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
Healthy Diet Tips
- Opt for high-quality, balanced dog food.
- Try dental-specific kibbles that your vet recommends.
- Avoid foods high in sugars and starches, which can lead to plaque build-up.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dog’s teeth is key to their overall well-being. Regular vet check-ups and cleanings, along with effective home care, are the best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent dental diseases. Always check with your vet for personalized advice tailored to your dog’s needs.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your dog’s smile stays bright and their health stays strong. Remember, your vet is your best resource for advice on keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.
- Marx, F.R., Machado, G.S., Pezzali, J.G., Marcolla, C.S., Kessler, A.M., Ahlstrøm, Ø. and Trevizan, L., 2016. Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs. Australian veterinary journal, 94(1-2), pp.18-23.
- Logan, E.I., 2006. Dietary influences on periodontal health in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 36(6), pp.1385-1401.
- Hewetson, H.R., 1936. Dentistry of The Dog. The Veterinary Journal (1900), 92(1), pp.13-20.
- Enlund, K.B., Pettersson, A. and Eldh, A.C., 2022. Dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding dental health in their dogs-Thematic analysis of free text survey responses. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, p.878162.
- Gawor, J.P., Ziemann, D. and Nicolas, C.S., 2023. A water additive with pomegranate can reduce dental plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.