Is baking soda safe for dogs in homemade dog toothpaste recipes?

I wouldn’t recommend using this combination to brush your dog’s teeth. While the coconut oil probably tastes good, it will just add unwanted calories to your dog’s diet, even if you are using a small amount. And the baking soda will be too harsh and abrasive for your dog. Instead I would recommend a toothpaste specifically made for dog’s. Or, you don’t even have to use toothpaste at all! The most important part of brushing a dog’s teeth is the mechanical action of brushing away the plaque that builds up on the teeth! If you do this daily it will go a long way to helping your dog’s teeth stay nice and healthy. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

The most important part of a home dental care program is actually just brushing the teeth at all and does not seem to make a difference which toothpaste is used unless you use a proven toothpaste. There are actually only 2 toothpastes on the market that have been proven to help improve dental health in dogs. I am attaching a list of approved dental products below. http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf So, I would recommend purchasing PetSmile or Essential Healthy Mouth if you are going to use a toothpaste. I have found that homemade toothpastes are not very good tasting (so it makes it harder for you to brush the teeth) and would recommend using a good brush without any toothpaste instead of making a homemade toothpaste. I am attaching a link to a handout below which includes a detailed discussion on home dental care including products for cleaning the teeth. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=640 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

You could try a homemade toothpaste and see if that works better. There are numerous recipes found online. Here is a link to one website.... https://www.care.com/c/stories/6301/5-homemade-dog-toothpaste-recipes-to-freshen/

You should be fine to use any doggie toothpaste. If the tooth paste lists sugars, pick the one with the lowest sugar and use the recommended amount. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Joshie's tartar build up isn't that bad. I think the best thing for you to do if you do not want to anesthetize him to clean the teeth is to be as aggressive as possible to prevent further tartar build up. Some dogs will allow you to try and scrape the tartar off with your nail or the Vet with instruments. But honestly they have to be VERY good as no one wants to get bit. So I would focus on prevention. He should have his teeth brushed at a MINIMUM of 3 days a week. I would put him on Hill's t/d food and take a look at this link from the Veterinary Oral Health Council on accepted products: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html I would try to buy a dog tooth paste but the paste you are making should be fine. I hope this helps and I wish you and Joshie the best!

I would not recommend this as it could lead to an upset stomach when digested. I would recommend using the enzymatic products that are available for dogs. There are many out there and are well tolerated when ingested. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. Human toothpaste contains a lot of soap, especially like what is found in shampoo. That is why we spit it out. If this was only a one time ingestion, Nanny will probably be fine. She may have some GI upset such as vomiting & diarrhea, but it should be self limiting. If you have been using people toothpaste on her, stop & start using a dog only version. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.