We all know that we should brush our dog’s teeth, but with some dogs, that can seem to be an impossible task. Moreover, if brushing fails, there is no need to feel guilty. You should know how to clean your dog’s teeth. So let’s begin with the techniques and tools you will need to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing them.
Here are our five favorite teeth-cleaning techniques to use when brushing isn’t an option.
1. Professional Cleanings
The best way to maintain your pet’s dental health is through regular dental cleanings. Your dog should have an oral exam once a year with your family veterinarian, especially if you cannot brush his teeth at home.
2. All-Natural Hard Chews
Raw bones and other all-natural chews like Yak Chews and Antlers help remove plaque and tartar buildup by scraping your dog’s teeth as they chomp down. By scraping your dog’s teeth, you work like a scrub, polishing their pearly whites. The longer your dog chews the item, the cleaner their teeth will be, and also the more time they’ll be entertained. The longer-lasting chews like Antlers and Yak Chews are generally more effective than bully sticks that can be easily swallowed. Now, if your dog finds antlers boring, try soaking them in bone broth for a few hours to improve their flavor.
3. Dental Chew Toys
Much like how all-natural chews will scrub the surface of your dog’s teeth, so will chew toys. Toys made from hard rubber will clean better than those made from softer rubber, so look for those with a harder surface. Unlike plastic chews, rubber chews are less likely to have small pieces break off for your dog to swallow. Some of these toys come with little nubs that resemble the bristles on a toothbrush. It allows your dog to brush their teeth from a variety of angles thanks to the nubs.
4. Probiotic Supplements
While research into probiotics and oral health is still ongoing, the evidence looks promising. Since probiotics for dogs can improve the microbiome in our dogs’ mouths and guts, we use them daily to support our pets’ overall health.
5. Dental Finger Toothbrush
The alternative to brushing our dog’s teeth actually involves putting your finger in his mouth, but some dogs are more comfortable letting you do this than they are letting you use a toothbrush. For dogs who do not enjoy being groomed with tools but are generally okay with touch, like lifting their lip, try using a dental finger toothbrush. The tool is a small silicone cover that goes over the tip of your finger. With its silicone bristles, you can add flavored toothpaste and scrub your pet’s teeth with your finger. And also don’t forget to treat them afterward.
Now that we’ve covered how to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing, here’s how not to do it.
Water Additives
There are two reasons why we don’t like to use water additives. A few additives can mask your dog’s bad breath without treating plaque and tartar buildup. Most of these products change the taste of your dog’s water, causing them to drink less water, which is bad for your dog’s dental and overall health.
Dental Treats
Also, we avoid dental treats marketed specifically for dental health because natural chews last longer, and more chewing means cleaner teeth. Plus, most dental treats contain low-quality, processed ingredients like gelatin and glycerin. This can be compared with the ingredients in a Yak Chew: organic yak’s milk, organic cow’s milk, organic lime and sea salt. That’s it. That’s the whole list.
Even if you can’t brush your dog’s teeth, you can still protect their oral health. Make sure they get regular dental cleanings, give them natural chew toys, and give them daily probiotic supplements to their diet.
