Baking soda is very effective as a cleanser for dogs’ teeth. The abrasiveness scrubs tartar off canine teeth with minimal brushing time. Baking soda is a natural anti-bacterial to prevent dental diseases from gum and tooth decay. Making a baking soda paste is simple, inexpensive and it removes doggie breath.
Measure 1 tablespoon of baking soda and pour it in a small bowl.
Add 1 teaspoon of water to the bowl. Mix the contents thoroughly with a spoon to form a thick paste.
Dip a dog toothbrush into the bowl to apply the baking soda paste onto the bristles.
Call your dog to you and have him sit. Lift his lip at the rear on one side of his face. Place the toothbrush on his rear upper teeth at a 45-degree angle. Rotate the toothbrush in small circles for cleaning tartar from his teeth. Move forward to the next teeth until the top teeth on that side are clean. End each area of circular cleaning with a final down stroke to remove stubborn buildup.
Apply more baking soda paste as needed to the toothbrush. Brush the lower teeth on the same side, then the opposite side of his mouth and lastly the front teeth. Be prepared for a large amount of licking as you brush his teeth. Allow him a break for a moment if he pulls away or is impatient, but do not scold him.
Give your four-legged friend a tasty hard dog treat afterwards and praise him for his patience.
Offer your dog a drink of cool, fresh water to rinse his mouth. Don’t expect him to rinse and spit as humans do, because dogs can’t spit. He will likely drink some water to swallow the remaining baking soda on his teeth.
Tips
If you have a new dog, you may have to start brushing his teeth and gums with your finger and let him adjust to the brushing process before being very successful. Make a game of it and rub his lips, lift them and ask him to see his pearly whites until he will be patient to brush all of his teeth.
Warnings
Do not use human toothpaste for your dog. Foaming agents distress a pooch and generally cause a large mess on the floor with head shaking. Human toothpaste can also cause stomach upset and vomiting in pets.
Do not use baking soda paste to brush your dog’s teeth if he is on a salt-restricted diet.
Warnings
Do not use human toothpaste for your dog. Foaming agents distress a pooch and generally cause a large mess on the floor with head shaking. Human toothpaste can also cause stomach upset and vomiting in pets.
Do not use baking soda paste to brush your dog’s teeth if he is on a salt-restricted diet.
Tips
If you have a new dog, you may have to start brushing his teeth and gums with your finger and let him adjust to the brushing process before being very successful. Make a game of it and rub his lips, lift them and ask him to see his pearly whites until he will be patient to brush all of his teeth.
Items You Will Need
- Measuring spoons
- 1 tbsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. water
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Dog toothbrush
- Hard dog treat
- Water bowl
References
Resources
Tips
- If you have a new dog, you may have to start brushing his teeth and gums with your finger and let him adjust to the brushing process before being very successful. Make a game of it and rub his lips, lift them and ask him to see his pearly whites until he will be patient to brush all of his teeth.
Warnings
- Do not use human toothpaste for your dog. Foaming agents distress a pooch and generally cause a large mess on the floor with head shaking. Human toothpaste can also cause stomach upset and vomiting in pets.
- Do not use baking soda paste to brush your dog’s teeth if he is on a salt-restricted diet.
Writer Bio
Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages.