In the United States, it is estimated that the average annual expenditure dedicated to dogs is between $700 and 1,500. Food, veterinary care, accessories… For this reason, we bring you some home remedies to combat the incipient tartar of your furry friend so that you do not spend money unnecessarily.
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How to remove tartar from dog teeth?
You may have ever noticed in your dog some of the main symptoms of tartar on the teeth. Some of them are bad breath, not wanting to chew hard foods, or the appearance of spots. If your pet has accumulated tartar (also called plaque or calculus), don’t wait to remove it or it will cause more serious illnesses.
You must go to the vet for a check-up, but you can also help your dog at home if his case is not serious. Discover how to remove plaque from dog’s teeth naturally, some home remedies, and how to prevent it. Let’s start!
Consequences of tartar in dogs
Tartar consists of solidified residue stones and bacteria, just as it happens in the case of humans. It tends to accumulate in the spaces between the teeth and the gums, as well as in those between the teeth themselves, and, little by little, it spreads until it covers them completely. It can cause damage and disease throughout the oral cavity and adjacent structures.
When these solid plaques have already formed, it is more complicated to eliminate them at home naturally, so it is always recommended to prevent the problem and, if they appear anyway, go to the veterinarian for treatment. The best thing for tartar in dogs is to remove it with proper oral hygiene.
The canine breeds prone to tartar more easily and more frequently are:
Toy and small breeds. The poor quality of its enamel and the small size of teeth, as well as the proximity between them, make it more difficult to clean the mouth and plaque builds up faster.
Brachycephalic breeds. These dogs have a flat snout and their teeth are close together due to the shape of their jaw, complicating their oral hygiene.
Adult and elderly dogs. From the age of five, but especially the elderly, they tend to accumulate more bacterial plaque and produce tartar on the teeth more quickly.
Finally, the consequences of tartar in dogs are diverse, so it is convenient to know them to take into account the importance of its prevention:
- Bad breath or halitosis
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease, an infection that affects the entire mouth
- Wounds or sores in the mouth
- Loss of teeth
- Dental abscesses that can damage the eyes and nose
- Intestinal diseases
- Renal insufficiency
- Liver disorders
- Heart problems
How to remove plaque from dog’s teeth naturally?
Cleaning tartar in dogs is as simple as brushing their mouths correctly, and there are products for dog’s plaque that will help you with this task. However, they help to reduce its progress and make it easier for the veterinarian to remove tartar from the teeth, but it will not remove it completely.
Some of these products for tartar in dogs are mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine, anti-plaque food supplements, toothpaste suitable for dogs, and special treats to treat this problem. Follow these steps to clean your pet’s teeth:
Get your dog used to this cleaning from a puppy so that he is not afraid of it. Do this progressively over several days until he is comfortable with the situation.
Use toothpaste for dogs, people’s toothpaste can be very toxic, especially those that contain fluoride. Pick one that tastes good to him.
Choose a brush suitable for the size of your dog’s mouth and teeth.
Moisten the brush, add the paste and start brushing your dog’s teeth as you do your own, making gentle circles and always in favor of the gums.
Do not leave any area without cleaning and insist where there is more tartar accumulated.
When finished, allow your friend to rinse well by drinking plenty of water.
Finally, apply a little chlorhexidine spray or gel, it will soothe the gums, prevent infections, and soften the tartar that will disappear little by little.
Do this cleaning of plaque on your dog’s teeth every day until you notice that it improves, but if it doesn’t or it gets worse even using the natural remedies that we offer you below, it will be time to visit the vet.
Dog tartar products
The best home remedies for tartar in dogs, which also serve both to prevent and to eliminate or help soften plaque, are the following:
Sodium bicarbonate
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a large glass of water and wet the brush with this mixture to clean your dog’s teeth daily.
Probiotics
They are ideal for preventing digestive problems, as they will help the healthy bacteria in the dog’s body to have better health and can help fight bacterial plaque.
Carrots
They are a perfect prize to clean the teeth because, when they bite, they scratch the dental surface helping to clean it. In addition, they provide vitamins, minerals, and essential fibers to combat this problem.
Apple vinegar
Helps soften plaque and remove tartar from teeth. Add it to your furry’s water or use it on the brush when cleaning their teeth for a few days.
Apart from these products for dog plaque/calculus, offer him a proper diet, treats and other products to prevent the formation of bacterial plaque, give him special toys to clean his teeth, such as those made of rope or cloth… When tartar on the teeth causes problems in the mouth, seek immediate attention from a specialist.
