How To Make Dog Toothpaste (DIY Recipes)

Did you run out of dog toothpaste? Fret not, because in this post, I will teach you how to make dog toothpaste at home. You only need some home ingredients like salt, parsley, coconut oil, bouillon cube/broth, and other spices that will make the toothpaste appealing to your Fido. I’ll also discuss several toothpaste formulas here that you can try to see which works best for your pet.

• Formula 1: The herb mix

My first homemade toothpaste formula is what I called the ‘herb mix’. It’s basically a concoction of dried and ground parsley, kelp, turmeric, and coconut oil base. All of these are natural and safe for your dog. Parsley is also excellent in reducing bad breath on your dog.

For this homemade toothpaste, mix all herbs with a portion of one teaspoon each. Next, you will add the coconut oil. I suggest adding it increments to make sure that your homemade toothpaste won’t be too runny.

Also, make sure that your coconut oil is not frozen. I suggest placing it in a drinking glass then dipping it into hot water to melt the coconut oil. The warm oil will also help extract the herbs’ essence to make the homemade dog toothpaste even better (please read my article Why Is My Dog Not Drinking Water After Tooth Extraction).

• Formula 2: Cinnamon and coco

If your dog isn’t a fan of parsley, another homemade toothpaste you can make is a combination of cinnamon oil and coconut oil with a few additions. The cinnamon will act as an exfoliator while adding a nice taste to your homemade toothpaste.

You have to mix a bouillon cube, a small amount of baking soda, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Mix everything into a toothpaste consistency. Take note that you should only use a small amount of baking soda because too much will be harmful to your dog.

• Formula 3: The baking soda blend

For dogs with plaque and intense bad breath, the baking soda blend will be a good choice. For this homemade dog toothpaste, you need coconut oil, cinnamon, two teaspoons of baking soda, bouillon cube, and mint leaves.

Mix all of it until you achieve a toothpaste consistency. You only need a pea-sized amount of this to brush your dog’s teeth, so make sure that you store the rest on a sealed canister in the fridge.

Also, I just want to remind you about the usage of peppermint oil and other similar essential oils. These are poisonous to canines and must never be used as an alternative. Just stick to a few leaves of fresh mint to keep your dog’s breath fresh.

 

Optional add-ons

As you know, dogs are food-driven, so you have to make your homemade toothpaste good-tasting. You can use vegetable, beef, or chicken bouillon cubes. The purpose of this addition is to make the toothpaste appealing to your pooch. This way, the canine will lick and spread the toothpaste all over its mouth.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

You should never use human toothpaste for your dog, no matter what. You should prepare homemade toothpaste instead.

Why is this so? Human toothpaste contains xylitol, natural alcohol that serves as a natural sweetener to the paste. However, it’s extremely toxic to dogs that even the amount found on human toothpaste can cause serious problems.

This happens because dogs can’t break down and absorb xylitol in their digestive system. Instead, it stimulates the production of insulin in the dog’s pancreas. The more xylitol your dog ingests, the more potent it will be. This will lead to hypoglycemia and eventual death if not addressed right away. To prevent this, I suggest using a commercially formulated dog toothpaste or a homemade one.

Most side effects of xylitol in dogs will manifest within 10 to 15 minutes after the ingestion. Your pooch will vomit, drool, become weak, and experience depression. If you observe any of these, you should bring your dog to the vet right away.

How to brush your dog’s teeth

Brushing a dog’s teeth isn’t easy, especially for first-timers and if you have a large breed. Still, this shouldn’t push your dog to skip dental hygiene.

Here’s a short guide on how to brush your doggo’s biters:

• Choose the right time. Let your dog relax first, or better yet, take it for a short walk to drain the excess energy. This will make your dog less likely to fight back as you brush them with your homemade toothpaste.
• Get the right toothbrush. Aside from formulating a homemade toothpaste, you should also purchase a dog toothbrush (check my article what to do if your dog eat toothbrush). These brushes are made with long handles and angled head to reach into the back daggers. It’s easier and safer to use than a toothbrush made for humans.
• Rub the gums. Gently open your dog’s mouth by holding its upper lip. Once you have access to its gums, rub it with your fingers without the homemade toothpaste yet. This step will prepare your dog for the brushing sensation.
• Taste test. Before you apply the homemade toothpaste, let your dog taste it first. Dab a small amount on your fingers and see if your dog will like it. Once your pooch gets a taste, it’s time to start brushing.
• Brush. Place the toothbrush with the homemade toothpaste on a 45-degree angle against the Fido’s teeth. Gently massage it on your dog’s teeth. Make sure that you brush only the outside part and let your dog lick the toothpaste and spread it on the other side. Always a circular motion to prevent intense bleeding.
• Reward. After brushing, you should reward your dog, preferably with a dental chew. This will complement the benefits of your brushing with the homemade toothpaste.

How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?

The rule of thumb is at least three times a week. If you can, vets recommend twice daily, just like with humans. You’re free to use a dog toothpaste or a homemade formula as you wish.

Also, you should start your pup early when it comes to brushing. This will get your dog used to the sensation of brushing, which will make future brushing easier.

However, if your dog has plaque, you should brush daily in an effort to remove it. You should never neglect your dog’s teeth, especially if you’re noticing the bad breath and intense discoloration.

On the other hand, it’s also possible to ‘over-brush’ your pooch. Avoid doing this because it will damage the dog’s gums and become the root of infections.

How to remove plaque from a dog’s teeth?

Like humans, dogs can develop plaque when not brushed regularly. Food bits that are left sitting on your dog’s teeth will rot and soon damage their teeth. It will also lead to bad breath and a slew of other dental problems. please read here can dry dog food go bad in heat

Regular brushing is the key to remove and prevent plaque on your dog’s teeth. If you don’t have the extra budget, you can make homemade toothpaste instead. There’s no excuse not to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Read more here: Why Is My Dog Whining After Teeth Cleaning

You should also consider dental chews as treats. While your dog enjoys the extra food, it also helps scrape off plaque from its mouth. Dry food also works the same, especially those that are shaped to promote dental health. Lastly, chew toys will also help a lot in reducing your dog’s susceptibility to plaque. please read here what happens to a dog who eats table scraps

It’s important to visit the vet for regular checks. The veterinarian will look at spots that you missed and if your dog has hidden plaques. Bringing your dog to the vet for dental checks at least once a year is ideal. This will help address dental problems before they become worse.

Conclusion

I hope these ways on how to make dog toothpaste help keep your pet’s breath fresh. Remember that dental health is paramount for dogs to prevent infections. You can experiment with other ingredients, but make sure that it’s safe for dogs. When in doubt, you should ask the vet for any recommendations.