Dog toothpaste?
Yes, you can see well! Taking care of your canine companion's teeth and oral cavity is just as important as taking care of its coat, claws or ears. Dogs are very susceptible to the formation and deposition of dental plaque and the subsequent formation of tartar. This can cause difficulties over time and lead to the dog's general discomfort, or even to the fact that the dog stops eating completely due to unpleasant sensations or pain. And we don't want that!
A simple pet toothpaste recipe that will have dogs licking behind their ears! Made in minutes from natural, cheap and available ingredients.
Dog toothpaste of various types and flavors is already commonly available in pet stores or specialized stores. However, these products are often quite expensive or full of unnecessary substances... Which classically inspired us to find out if it is possible to make a dog toothpaste that will be completely safe for our four-legged friend at home from simple and available ingredients, and for a fraction of the price. And it worked!
Why should we brush dogs' teeth?
Well, first of all, we have to brush the dogs' teeth, because they can't clean them themselves. :) Second, dogs have a lot of relatively large teeth in one relatively small space. The teeth in the dog's mouth are somewhat clenched, so it is much easier for food residues to get caught on them and between them. This makes our canine pets very susceptible to various infections. And that makes us, loving ladies, responsible for helping and trying to prevent all problems.
If the dog's oral cavity is not well taken care of, it can (quite easily) happen that the dog begins to suffer from dental diseases, such as gingivitis or inflammation of the supporting tissues of the tooth. You can tell that something like this is happening to the dog, for example, by…
- the dog's mouth is incredibly "stinky" (forgive me, we can't express it otherwise :))
- the dog drools excessively
- the dog is visibly in a bad mood, does not make friends
- he doesn't enjoy anything, he rests much more and at the same time he can't sleep
- he doesn't like it anymore, he doesn't want what he ate until now, or he doesn't eat at all
- the dog's gums are red and swollen
- there is an ugly coating on the teeth (of different colors – yellow, brown, gray)
If you notice any of these in your dog before you start brushing his teeth yourself, be sure to visit the vet first. If the dog's teeth are in good condition, we advise you to start regular cleaning as soon as possible to prevent problems.
How to clean teeth?
Here's our advice: ask your vet. :) In general, however, the dog's teeth should be cleaned with careful circular movements, at an angle of 45° and with emphasis mainly on the back of the mouth, where food likes to get caught.
Now for the paste!
Dog toothpaste
Our dog Arnošt really likes a simple paste of coconut oil and cinnamon, with a little baking soda, probiotics and a drop of essential oil. This combination is excellent for puppies and dog retirees. However, it may happen that your dog does not like the paste. Don't give up and keep looking. Before experimenting with ingredients, however, it is better to always ask for advice from the internet or a veterinarian, some ingredients that are not harmful to us, humans, are not suitable for dogs at all.
And why did we choose these ingredients?
Coconut oil is also a common ingredient in "our" toothpastes. It has an antibacterial effect and acts as a prevention against the formation of new dental plaque. In addition, it smells nice and (not only) dogs like it very much.
Cinnamon fights infection, inflammation, and the dog's breath takes on a completely different dimension thanks to it. :) She is also naturally sweet and sweet dogs like it very much.
Probiotics will supply beneficial and much-needed "good" bacteria to the oral cavity. But if you are not going to store the paste in the fridge, do not use them. Probiotic bacteria will die in the heat, so it would be pointless to add them to the paste.
Much has been written about baking soda and teeth. Whether you use it on your teeth or not, we recommend adding it to your dog's. Baking soda is abrasive, so it will help remove plaque, reduce bad breath, and most importantly relieve pain if the dog is already suffering from something.
Essential oils such as mint or thyme not only freshen a dog's breath, but also have an antiviral and antibacterial effect. If you want to use other essential oils, be sure to check that they are safe for animals and that pets tolerate them well. Some popular essential oils such as tea tree, lemon or clove (and others) are even toxic to dogs. We recommend the already mentioned thyme, oregano or mint, but even so in a really small amount.
What does it take?
- 6 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 capsules of probiotics (divided and poured)
- 2 teaspoons of stevia (optional)
- 1-2 drops of essential oil suitable for dogs
How to do it?
It couldn't be easier! Melt the coconut oil, add the other ingredients, mix well and transfer to a suitable container. Add the probiotics and essential oil only when the oil is cooler. Simply scoop up the paste with a brush suitable for dogs and start cleaning!
What we also read...
Always use only a paste specifically designed or created (and therefore safe) for dogs to clean their teeth. Never use human toothpaste.
Go to the vet for regular checkups. Don't be afraid to ask about the cleaning technique or the appropriate ingredients for the paste.
Ideally, brush your dog's teeth every (other) day or at least twice a week. It is true that the older the dog is, the greater the risk.
It is much easier to brush your dog's teeth in the evening, after a walk, walk or exercise, when he is tired. In the morning after waking up, when the dog is full of energy, the dog is likely to protest.
Make cleaning fun, praise the dog and then give him a reward.
Dog toothpaste, whether homemade or purchased, does not rinse off. The dog swallows her.
With baking soda and essential oils, strictly adhere to the motto "less is more".
Depending on your dog's taste, you can add the aforementioned stevia (never xylitol!), fresh herbs, broth or a pinch of Himalayan salt and suitable spices, such as turmeric, to the paste.
Do you brush your dog's teeth?
Resources:
https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-for-pets/
https://holisticpetradio.ca/2019/01/18/should-you-give-your-dog-coconut-oil/
https://holisticpetradio.ca/2019/02/01/pet-dental-health-month-introduction/
https://www.animalwised.com/how-to-make-homemade-toothpaste-for-dogs-2580.html
