Brushing a Dog's Teeth With Homemade Toothpaste

Brush your dog's teeth to keep it healthy.

Healthy teeth are vital to a dog's well-being. Dogs do much more than chew with their teeth. They play, investigate and defend themselves. A dog uses its teeth and mouth as humans use their hands. The growth of bacteria in a dog's mouth can cause canine dental disease and, once discovered, requires professional veterinary cleaning under anesthesia. Brushing your dog's teeth from an early age can help prevent this. A simple, homemade toothpaste recipe will keep your dog's smile white and healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Salt
• Baking soda
• Glycerin
• Peppermint or flavoring
• Water
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Combine 1/3 teaspoon salt, 6 teaspoons baking soda, 4 teaspoons glycerin and a pinch of peppermint or flavoring such as beef or chicken broth in a blender or small bowl. Salt acts as a disinfectant in the dog's mouth; baking soda improves breath, and flavoring makes it palatable to your dog. Glycerin makes the paste creamy.

2. Add a few drops of water and stir.

3. Mix the ingredients vigorously by hand or in a blender until a paste similar to the consistency of toothpaste is formed. This can be stored in a small plastic container.

4. 

   Put a bit of paste on the toothbrush and brush gently.

   Spread paste on a small toothbrush or dog toothbrush and apply to the dog's teeth, brushing all four sides of the mouth. Lift the dog's upper lip gently to reach its teeth. Brush with downward strokes on the upper teeth, and upward on the lower teeth. There is no need to rinse this paste.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog hasn't had its teeth brushed, teach it the process slowly. Rub a bit of paste on your finger and then on your dog's teeth. Accustom your dog to a toothbrush by dipping it in chicken or beef broth so your dog learns to allow the toothbrush in its mouth.

• A child's soft toothbrush works well for small and medium-size dogs.

• Never use human toothpaste or mouthwash for a dog. They may contain fluoride and alcohol, which can harm your dog.

References

• Health Guidance; Homemade Toothpaste for Dogs; Anthony Jorgensen
• The Daily Puppy; Homemade Dog Toothpaste; Veronica Davis
• Healthy Dog: Dog Toothpaste Ingredients: How to Make Homemade Toothpaste Recipes