How to Clean a Dog's Teeth Without Brushing
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Introduction
Your dog’s teeth will need to be cleaned quite often in order to care for his oral health. His mouth isn’t always the cleanest, and his breath isn’t always the best. But sometimes brushing is not best for you or for your dog. Or maybe your dog is simply impossible when it comes to brushing his teeth and won’t allow brushing often enough--if at all.
So, just what options do you have to keep those pearly whites healthy, clean, and looking beautiful without brushing? There are a few options to consider from chewing to spraying. Either way, make sure you are cleaning those teeth often enough to avoid problems later.
Dog's Perspective
If you brush your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush often, he might get used to the task, but it also may be something he tires of rather quickly. Giving him an option to keep his teeth clean without brushing is a great alternative to keep your pup happy while focusing on a clean healthy mouth.
The Sprays, Gels, and More Method
The Chewing Method
Caution & Considerations
- Oral health for your dog is just as important as it is for you.
- Your dog might suffer from pain and discomfort if his teeth and gums are not cleaned on a regular basis.
- Red and puffy gums are a sign of poor dental health.
- If your dog has dark brown spots on his teeth, cracked teeth, or a swollen gum line, there is a chance he has pain. Tooth pain isn’t fun for anyone, including your dog.
- If your dog will let you brush his teeth at all, you can supplement weeks of no brushing with these alternatives.
- Dogs who don’t allow brushing at all should do these steps more often and mix sprays, chewables, and harder bones more often to assist in tartar and plaque removal.
- Some dogs can be trained to tolerate tooth brushing with time and practice, but others flat out refuse.
- If you’re interested in training your dog to allow brushing, take your training slow and expect him to only allow you to get to a few teeth at a time until he gets used to the process.
- Whether you are using toothpaste or other products to clean those pearly whites, consider using something tasty for your pup.
Conclusion
If brushing isn’t your dog’s favorite activity, he is not alone. But you can get his teeth pearly white again with the help of chewing and natural cleaning products. You won’t have to brush your pup’s teeth as often. Keep him your best friend by keeping him healthy and happy.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Denali
Hi, I try to brush Denali's teeth (not overly consistent with it and she isn't a huge fan of it). Her teeth are really bad. I don't want to get a professional cleaning (I don't want her under anesthesia if we don't have to). She doesn't really chew her food (kibble). So I can't put a teeth cleaning powder on her food because I don't think it will do anything. Occasionally she'll chew on a bone or a toy. I've also seen a water additive. Does that help the back teeth or just the front ones, really? We tried a water additive a few years ago but I don't think it did much.
My dog is very scared when it comes to getting cleaned I’ve tried everything from professionals to at home to slowly trying but he just goes insane what can I do?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hi Audrey, Tofu is very handsome! Teaching a fearful dog to allow teeth brushing is not a fast process, nor an easy one. But don't give up! I suggest taking a small dog toothbrush and smearing a bit of peanut butter on it. Let Tofu lick the treat off. Do this several times over a period of a week. Then, try just lifting his lip as he licks the peanut butter. Next time, try touching the teeth. Once Tofu is allowing you to touch his teeth with the toothbrush, switch to a vet recommended toothpaste and begin by brushing a few teeth at a time only. Gradually, you will be able to get a good section of the mouth done. You can also try a dental food diet and dental chews. Of course, the vet will have to do an annual cleaning, too. Good luck!
