Dental Care for Your Dog

Like humans, good dental care is important for dogs. Healthy teeth and gums will make your favorite canine feel better and live longer. Doggie dental health is determined by food, treats, and dental hygiene.

Dry dog food is best for dental health. Crunchy food helps clean tartar from teeth and gums and create saliva that has a natural cleansing effect. Read the label and look for dog food that has organic ingredients, with no hormones, fillers or antibiotics.¹

Treats and toys are an important part of your dogs life. Chewing is good for your dog's dental health. However, don't let your dog chew on anything harder than their teeth, like rocks, sticks and bones. For a treat, make these peanut butter dog biscuits.

Peanut Butter Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups white flour
• ½ cup all natural or organic peanut butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons oil

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• Combine oil, peanut butter and water.
• Add flour, one cup at a time, forming a dough.
• Knead dough into firm ball and roll to 1/4 inch thickness.
• Cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.
• Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Dogs need to have their teeth brushed three times a week. Use a brush and toothpaste made especially for dogs. If your dog resists the usual type of brush, try a finger brush (available at pet supply stores) or a piece of gauze.

You can make your own toothpaste.

Ingredients

• Natural Dog Toothpaste
• 6 teaspoons of baking soda
• ⅓ teaspoon of salt
• 4 teaspoons of glycerin.
• 2 teaspoons of organic, low-sodium beef broth or 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract for flavor

Directions

Mix ingredients and refrigerate between use.

In addition to regular cleaning at home, veterinarians recommend cleaning your dog's teeth under anesthesia every year.

Related

• Cure your pet's ear infections

References

• 1. How to grade your pet's food, Creature Comforts

photo by Sue Byford