Did you know that you’re supposed to brush your dog’s teeth every day?
Stinky breath isn’t the top reason why you should brush your dog’s teeth. Just like humans, plaque buildup in a dog’s mouth can reflect plaque buildup in its arteries – foreshadowing a heart problem or other serious health issues later in life. Having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned is a very disruptive and expensive endeavor, as they have to be put to sleep in order for the veterinarian to work.
The best defense is to get in the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth every day. It will help your dog be healthier and happier in the long run. Plan to brush your dog’s teeth every day, so that if you skip a tooth here or miss a day there, your dog will still be getting fairly routine dental care.
The secret to a happy dog with clean teeth is to find a type of toothpaste that it likes. Some commercial dog toothpastes feature a spearmint or peppermint flavor; this is good for humans, but not so much for an animal that prefers the smell of rotten garbage to essential oils. Make your own natural dog toothpaste. It’s quick, easy and inexpensive.
Put a small amount of paste on a special toothbrush, let your dog taste it first with a little lick, and then gently place the toothbrush in its mouth and scrub away. I find that the quicker I can get in and out of my dog’s mouth, the happier everyone is. You may have to start by using your finger or a cotton ball as a toothbrush if you have a puppy or dog that is new to dental hygiene.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cube of beef bouillon (or vegetable for a vegan version)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh parsley
1 teaspoon water
Directions
1. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly in a small bowl, adding a bit more water if necessary to make a paste.
2. Store in an airtight container and use daily.
Note: NEVER use human toothpaste on a dog.