How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth at Home: Without the Stress!
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Every dog parent knows the feeling of a big slobbery kiss from their pup. Sometimes it comes with a blast of bad breath, which is usually a sign of dental disease. Studies show that around 80 percent of dogs over the age of three already show signs of dental or gum disease. Left untreated, it can cause infections, tooth loss and even problems with vital organs.
The good news is that there are simple ways to help keep your dog’s teeth clean at home.
Why Dental Care Matters
Dental health affects more than just your dog’s smile. Poor oral care can lead to:
- Gum inflammation and tooth decay
- Tooth loss and difficulty eating
- Bad breath that makes cuddles less fun
- Bacteria spreading into the bloodstream, harming the kidneys, liver, or heart
Because dogs often hide pain, you may not notice a problem until it is advanced. Prevention is the easiest way to protect their health!
Brushing Basics
Brushing your dog’s teeth is still the best way to remove plaque before it turns into tartar (So they say). You do not need to brush the inside surfaces of the teeth, as the tongue helps keep them clean, but focusing on the outer surfaces makes a big difference.
Tips for brushing:
- Pick a dog toothbrush or soft child’s brush. Finger brushes are great for smaller dogs.
- Always use pet-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it can contain xylitol or fluoride which are toxic to dogs.
- Start by letting your dog taste the toothpaste and get used to the brush.
- Brush in small circles for about 30 to 60 seconds on each side.
- Make brushing fun with plenty of praise and a treat afterwards.
Brushing daily is ideal, but even three times a week helps reduce plaque.
If like Lenny (our CEO), your dog HATE’S brushing their teeth. We have some alternatives to brushing below that we have found very useful!
Nature’s Way of Cleaning Teeth
Here is something important to remember. Long before toothbrushes existed, dogs and their ancestors still kept their teeth in check. They did this by chewing.
In the wild, chewing on bones, tendons and hides naturally scraped away plaque. Even today, studies show that chewing creates the mechanical abrasion needed to reduce plaque and tartar.
- The Veterinary Oral Health Council recognizes certain chews as effective for reducing plaque and tartar.
- Research on kelp-based supplements has shown reductions in tartar within weeks.
- Chewing also relieves stress, reduces boredom and provides mental enrichment.
Not all chews are created equal though. Many dental sticks are gone in minutes and contain fillers or harmful chemicals. Very hard nylon bones and cooked bones can damage teeth. Choosing the right chew is critical.
Best Natural Chews for Cleaner Teeth
Natural long lasting chews provide abrasion, flavour and enrichment. Here is how some of the top options compare:
|
Chew Type |
Longevity |
Benefits |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hours/days |
Tough, lean, scrapes plaque |
Medium to strong chewers |
|
|
Hours/days |
Porous, low odour, hypoallergenic, naturally rich in emu oil that may support joint health |
Medium to strong chewers |
|
|
30 mins/hours |
Cleans teeth naturally, lean protein |
Medium chewers |
|
|
5 to 30 minutes |
Bone free, dehydrated muscle, digestible, oral health |
Puppies and light chewers |
|
|
Short lasting |
High in collagen, helps clean canine teeth, safe and crunchy |
Small dogs, seniors, puppies or light chewers |
|
|
Short lasting |
Supports teeth and gum health, natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin |
Dental support and joint health |
|
|
Antlers or Horns |
Very long lasting |
Strong abrasion |
Experienced chewers only |
Always supervise your dog with a chew and pick a size that cannot be swallowed. Remove small pieces to avoid choking.
A Realistic Routine
Not every owner can brush daily and not every dog will tolerate it. Here is a routine that balances everything:
- Aim to brush at least three times per week.
- Rotate natural chews like kangaroo femur, emu femur, roo teeth cleansers, duck feet and bully sticks.
- Book professional dental cleans with your vet if your dog has excessive plaque build up and poor breath.
Natural Chews From Lenny’s Pup Shop
At Lenny’s Pup Shop we know that brushing is not always easy. That is why we stock natural Australian chews that support your dog’s dental health in a way that feels natural to them.
- Kangaroo Femur: long lasting and perfect for power chewers.
- Emu Femur: long lasting, porous and hypoallergenic with natural emu oil.
- Roo Teeth Cleanser: a lean chew that scrubs teeth naturally.
- Duck feet: Great for puppies and cleaning canines
For variety, try our Ultimate teeth cleaning pack. It brings together our most effective chews, so your dog gets a mix of dental benefits and hours of enriched chewing.
When to Call the Vet
Even with the best home care, some signs mean your dog needs professional help:
- Constant bad breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Reluctance to eat or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose or discoloured teeth
Professional dental cleans under anesthetic allow vets to scale under the gum line and remove tartar that brushing or chews cannot reach.
Key Takeaways
- Eight out of ten dogs show signs of dental disease by age three.
- Brushing is best, but natural chewing is an important and proven way to clean teeth.
- Not all chews are safe. Choose natural long lasting chews like roo femur, emu femur, and roo teeth cleansers.
- A balanced routine mixes brushing, chews, supportive products and vet care.
- If brushing is hard, our Ultimate Teeth Cleaning Pack is a safe and effective way to support dental health
