How To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean Without Brushing
Cleaning your dog’s teeth is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be.
As a dog owner, there’s hardly anything you love more than those furry smooches. But there’s a strain in the relationship – bad doggy breath! Whether it’s periodontal disease or just stinky breath.. Let’s just say your dog’s oral health could use a glow-up. But your canine companion’s routine teeth cleaning isn’t for another couple of months, so you’re trying to figure out how to clean dog teeth without a vet. No problem.
You can clean your dog’s teeth without a vet and without a brush.
Did you know you can clean your dog’s teeth naturally, and without brushing? And many of these methods are related to what your dog eats. Today we’ll share some easy supplemental ways to encourage good oral health in your dog. No brushing necessary. That way, you can get back to those puppy smooches.
Does My Dog Really Need To Have Their Teeth Brushed?
Listen, we’re going to give it to you straight. There’s no complete substitute for dog dental cleaning. Or regular checks and teeth brushing. Regular check-ups with the vet support good oral health and can help detect any issues early on.
Even though dogs aren’t as prone to cavities as humans are, issues can still arise. Tartar, plaque buildup, and gingivitis can affect our pups too. This can lead to staining teeth and bad breath. It can cause more serious infections and illnesses as well. Cleanings at the vet’s office are non-negotiable, as they say.
Between those cleanings though, you can work your own magic. DIY tartar removal and dog teeth cleaning may not be as effective as a vet’s cleaning, but it can help reduce the need to visit them as frequently. There are lots of ways to prevent dental disease, promote good oral hygiene, and clean your dog’s teeth without brushing. And today, we’re going to share seven of those ways with you.
9 Easy Ways To Clean Dog Teeth Without Brushing
Sometimes, the best teeth cleaners aren’t technically “cleaners” at all! When you’re out on a walk or hike, for example, you might want an easier option than carrying tools dedicated to cleaning teeth, like a dog toothbrush and toothpaste wherever you go, and brushing multiple times per day. Luckily, there are many ways to clean your dog’s mouth without brushing. Here’s 9 of those methods (plus some bonus techniques near the bottom).
#1 – Dog Chews
The road to a healthier mouth doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or boring. There’s a wonderful way to clean your dog’s teeth without them even noticing. Give them a delicious, chewy dog treat!
So here’s how it works. Your dog is gnawing on yummy chews like our Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Stix, just loving that delicious peanut butter or chicken flavor, and having a blast. Unbeknownst to them, they’re also initiating a scraping action to clean off any plaque. Regular chewing can improve your dog’s dental health. Plus, it can also help relieve stress and anxiety in high-energy dogs. Win-win.
#2 – Chew Toys
Chew toys work similarly to dog chews. Though they aren’t edible, they promote regular chewing for dogs. Any act of chewing will help smooth the teeth and scrape away tartar.
Chew toys have many other benefits, too! If you’re noticing destructive chewing, throw your pup a chew toy. Redirect your dog’s attention away from those fancy new leather sofas you just bought. And reap the benefits of healthy chewing, minus the destruction.
#3 – Oral Spray And Gels
Sprays and gels are a convenient way to clean your dog’s teeth. They help kill plaque-creating bacteria in between brushing. Plus, they make for a fast and easy way to freshen bad breath. Most sprays are easy to use. Simply spritz the teeth and gums. Gels require a bit more manual work. You’ll have to rub the gel on your dog’s teeth and gums.
#4 – Dental Wipes
Dental wipes work a bit like oral sprays and gels. Grab a wipe, and clean off your puppy’s teeth and gums. Many dental wipes come in different flavors that your dog will enjoy. This can help make teeth cleaning less stressful on your pup.
#5 – Cloth Wipes
If you don’t have dental wipes, consider using a soft cloth to clean the surface of your pup’s teeth. It may not be as effective, but it’s still better than nothing, right?
#6 – Dental Treats
If you’ve never heard of dental treats, you’re in for a refreshing surprise. Think of dog jerky but with added breath-freshening elements. Chewing on dental jerky and other dental chews promotes good oral hygiene in between brushing.
Carolina Prime’s Dental Jerky is a deliciously wonderful tool and treat. Not only is it scrumptious, but our dental jerky aids as a tartar remover (and plaque remover too). What’s not to love?
#7 – Dog Bones
Bones are another great way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Bones help the same way chew toys and chewy treats do. When your pup chews the bone, it’ll help prevent and scrape away tartar. One thing to be aware of though – cooked bones are usually a bad idea. They can crack, or splinter. They can also cause unhealthy blockages, cuts, and other issues.
#8 – Coconut Oil
Is there anything coconut oil can’t do? Add promoting healthy dog teeth and gums to the long list.
If you didn’t know, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. It can help kill off bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. You can either add coconut oil to your dog’s food or apply it to their teeth and gums directly. Don’t forget to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new supplement to your dog’s diet! That way you can make sure it’s safe and ideal for your pup.
#9 – A Variety Of Healthy Foods And Treats For Your Dog’s Dental Health
There are many ways our health can suffer. And a lot of times it’s due to the diet we consume. The same applies to our canine companions. Your dog’s diet directly impacts their overall health, including the health of their mouth.
You can supplement your dog’s regular meals with healthy, premium treats. This helps ensure that what they’re eating is good and safe for their teeth. The more natural the food our dogs eat, the healthier their teeth are overall. Carolina Prime handcrafts every dog treat with responsibly sourced and top-of-the-line ingredients. And we always have health in mind! We combine flavors your dog loves with quality ingredients known for their health benefits.
While brushing your dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste is no substitute for dental cleanings, it is very helpful. And there are many other ways you can promote a healthier mouth. Knowing how to clean dog teeth without brushing will bring out the best of that furry smile. Incorporate one, some, or all of these supplements, and your dog’s likely to thank you. Those fresh smooches will be proof enough. Well, that’s all we have for now. Although, if you’re interested, you can find some bonus tips in our quick answers section below!
Quick Answers For Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth Without Brushing
How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth is probably the best way to prevent plaque. But you can also get rid of pesky plaque by following the advice above. Give your dog something to chew, something known to remove plaque, like dental treats, certain chew toys, etc.
Do carrots clean dogs’ teeth?
Yes, if you give your dog big pieces of carrots that they have to chew. This chewing process helps keep your dog’s teeth clean and clears plaque, at least to a degree. Pay attention to your dog’s teeth over the weeks before trying this method though, to make sure it’s resulting in clean teeth. If it’s not, you can add one or more of the tips above.
What foods help clean dogs’ teeth?
Dental treats clean teeth by design – and without having to brush your dog’s teeth. But you can also give your dog uncooked carrots, apple slices – things like that. Some sources even say that cheese has an enzyme that helps re-mineralize teeth and reduce plaque and cavities too. (And we all know how much dogs love cheese!) Always consult your vet though, to make sure you’re giving them the best foods for the rest of their body too.
Why does my dog’s breath stink? Is it some kind of dental disease?
It could be. Periodontal disease, dehydration, and/or poor oral hygiene are usually the primary causes of stinky breath in dogs.
Is it bad that I’ve never brushed my dog’s teeth?
Not necessarily. If you’re using some or all of the methods above, you’re off to a great start. If your vet tells you your dog’s teeth and oral health are good, who can say your methods aren’t working?
What happens if you never clean your dog’s teeth?
If you never clean your dog’s teeth in any way… Well, several things can happen. Plaque can build up. Teeth can decay. Your dog can get gum disease, foul breath, and painful infections. Worst case scenario, if the dog gets an infection, it can spread and ultimately cause death.
