Keeping your dog healthy isn’t just about a good diet and regular exercise—it’s also about keeping your dog's teeth clean. Why? Your dog's oral health is a significant contributor to your dog's overall well-being.
Overlooking your dog's teeth can lead to periodontal disease/gum disease, loose teeth, infections, and in severe cases, even organ damage. Your dog's breath is usually the first, most obvious sign of underlying issues.
For most of us as dog parents, it's easy to put off daily dental care if our dogs aren't exactly eager fans. On top of that, the idea of traditional dental treatments can feel overwhelming. Whether it involves anesthesia or chemical-laden products, worries around dental care often leave dog parents looking for an alternative.
Natural solutions can be a welcome and easily doable way to go. Let's dive into how you can keep your dog’s teeth healthy naturally, along with some pro tips for getting it done happily without drama.
Why does natural dental care make sense?
Dental care is essential for dogs, but many traditional products contain chemicals you don't want near your dog, much less in your pup's mouth. Here’s why natural dental care methods are a good, reliable option:
No chemicals, more peace of mind
Natural dental care avoids synthetic additives and chemicals commonly found in commercial toothpaste, which can sometimes irritate your dog’s stomach if swallowed, in addition to exposing your dog to toxins. Instead, natural approaches focus on safe, gentle ingredients that effectively promote oral health.
Accessible and cost-effective
Many natural ingredients, such as coconut oil or baking soda, are already in your pantry. They're inexpensive and easy to use, making natural dog dental care more accessible to everyone.
Environmentally friendly
Opting for more eco-conscious ingredients and methods reduces reliance on artificial products, which helps you take care of both your dog and the environment.
How to clean dogs' teeth naturally
You can maintain your dog’s oral hygiene naturally by adding a few clean, healthful ingredients and DIY techniques to your repertoire:
DIY dog-friendly toothpaste recipe
Traditional toothpaste (especially human toothpaste) is unsafe for dogs. Instead, try this simple, natural, homemade dog toothpaste recipe. It's a safe and effective way to clean your dog's teeth.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- Optional: A few drops of parsley oil or mint essential oil for fresh breath
- Pro tip: Add flavor to keep your dog receptive and engaged: include a touch of your dog's favorite chicken or beef broth.
Instructions:
- Mix these ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Store the paste in a small, air-tight container.
- Apply a small amount to a toothbrush or finger brush.
- Use one hand to gently lift the side of your dog's mouth, and gently brush your dog’s teeth. (More details below.)
Brushing your dog’s teeth
If even the phrase "brushing your dog's teeth" has you feeling daunted by the prospect, you are not alone in reacting with a bit of dread. But brushing your dog’s teeth regularly doesn’t have to be a struggle!
Here are step-by-step instructions to help make it a stress-free experience:
- Choose the right tool
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for dogs or a finger brush for better control and easier access.
- Get your dog comfortable
Start slow. Most dogs, particularly if brushing didn't start early as puppies, need a gradual, positive approach to get used to touching inside their mouths and having teeth brushed. They need time to understand what's happening and that it's a good, rewarding (!) thing.
Allow your dog to sniff the toothbrush and taste a bit of the toothpaste to build trust. Let your dog accept small bits of rubbing/brushing at a time. Stop and try again another day whenever your dog signals "enough!"
- Use especially gentle techniques
Gently lift your dog’s lip and brush in a circular motion, focusing on the gum line. Remember, keep the sessions short initially—just 30 seconds to a minute will do.
- Reward your dog!
Always follow up immediately with treats, cuddles, or a favorite toy to create a positive association with brushing at every step along the way.
Natural dog chews for cleaner teeth
Give your dog natural chews like raw bones OR avoid the messiness and concerns about bones with long-lasting, all-natural chews made from single or limited ingredients like Yak Chews or Beef Collagen Sticks. (See below for more details). These are not only safe and effective for scraping away tartar but also keep your pup engaged and entertained.
Coconut oil rubs to fight bacteria
Dogs love the taste of coconut oil and it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply rub a small amount on your dog’s gums to reduce bacterial buildup and promote good oral health.
4 ways to strengthen your dog's dental health
Along with routine cleaning, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your dog's mouth healthy and preventing dental problems:
1) A healthy diet
Give your dog a balanced diet packed with high-quality, natural foods, as much of it fresh, real foods as possible. Avoid overly processed kibble, a contributor to plaque buildup. (It's a myth that dry, hard kibble helps remove plaque, just as packaged cereals or crackers don't do it for humans.)
2) Dental-friendly chews
Choose healthful, natural chews that satisfy your dog's hardwired need to chew for self-soothing that serve as dental chews fighting plaque and promoting gum health at the same time.
Three favorites of dog parents (and dogs!) to give their pups mental stimulation and cleaner teeth:
- All-natural Yak Cheese Chews - Made with only 3 natural ingredients (yak cheese and a touch of lime and salt for hardening), yak chews soften with your dog's saliva to give your dog's teeth both a scraping and floss-like action to reduce tartar and plaque. Pro tip: for the bonus antibacterial benefits of coconut oil, you can smear some coconut oil on the yak cheese and make the chewing action even more fun and healthful.
- All-natural Beef Collagen Sticks - You can relax and feel great that these long-lasting sticks are 100% pure beef collagen (none of the mystery additives and toxins you'll find in dangerous rawhide chews). They also soften with saliva, scraping and massaging your pup's teeth and gums with each movement of the chewing action.
- All-natural Bully Sticks - 100% single ingredient so you know exactly what your dog is chewing and ingesting, our Bully Sticks are all sourced from grass-fed, free-range beef and high in protein. They're long-lasting to give your pup plenty of chewing action over time for more of the tooth-scraping and gum-massaging that promotes your dog's dental health.
3) Regular veterinary visits
While natural methods can work wonders, professional dental check-ups are vital as part of your regular wellness checks for your dog. Regular vet visits help detect and address potential issues like tooth decay or plaque buildup early.
4) Consistency
Consistency is key in dental care. Shoot for brushing your dog’s teeth daily or at least 2-3 times a week to build a routine so your pup can get comfortable with it.
Do natural methods replace professional cleanings?
Natural dental care for dogs often comes with dog parents asking questions like, “Is it really enough?”
Here’s what you should know: Natural dental care is a preventive approach. However, it’s not a substitute for professional cleanings when issues like advanced tartar buildup arise.
Caring for your dog’s teeth naturally not only improves your pup's oral hygiene; it enhances your dog's fuller enjoyment of life. By incorporating these methods, you’re actively preventing dental disease and helping your dog live longer, healthier, and happier!
Healthy teeth, healthier dog
We believe in helping dogs live their fullest lives with you. And we're here to support you in making the most of your life together, in adventures large and small. That includes bringing you information and products for your pup's healthiest life by your side.
That's why we're committed to bringing you high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your dog living the good life with you.
