How to clean my dog's teeth: Are dental chews or water additives best?

Brushing teeth has been shown to be much more beneficial than any water additive, supplement, or chew. I would focus on training Korbyn to like having his teeth brushed and get in a habit of daily brushing now! If he starts to develop significant periodontal disease and you want to start a supplement or water additive I would recommend using a product with the Veterinary Oral Health Council stamp of approval (http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf).

My own preference, and what I use for my dog, is C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews (by Virbac). These chews, in conjunction with daily brushing, keep his teeth clean and his breath fresh. Be sure that any chew or dental product you choose has the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Approval on the package.

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.

I would try to find a dog finger brush or a small tooth brush and you will want to use dog tooth paste as it doesn't have fluoride, no foaming and not mint flavored so it makes it more favorable to the dog. You can slow start by just do a small section and work your way around the whole mouth over a matter of a few days. It is best to try and brush their teeth at least every other day to may a difference. Also remember that their large chewing teeth are further in the back past where their lips end. I would not try to open the mouth to get the inside of the teeth as most dogs don't appreciate that. If he doesn't like it or resists you, then it may be best just to give him dental chews like C.E.T chews and start using a water additive for dental health. Also, if the teeth already have a lot of tartar build up, he will likely need a dental cleaning from your vet. I hope this helps!

Hello! I personally love the Greenies brand dental chews for my dogs! You can also smear some dog toothpaste on their other toys, like a nylabone for example, to make a fun teeth brushing treat for him. :) I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello, and thank you for using PetCoach. It's great that you're thinking about Teddy's oral health! It is best to brush Teddy's teeth daily using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. There are lots of good options, so try a few out and see what flavors Teddy likes, but I recommend an enzymatic toothpaste. Here's an example: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/sentry-petrodex-enzymatic-toothpaste-for-dogs-5000644--1 It's also beneficial for Teddy to chew on things that are meant to massage his gums and help work tarter off his teeth. I prefer rawhides that are coated in enzymes to help combat tarter, such as these: VIP-_-92700027187667220&kwid=p27187667220&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2PLt-eSv1wIViLrACh0JkwyJEAQYASABEgLS3PD_BwE My own opinion is that providing good products for dogs to chew on does the most to help their teeth - but the combination of chewing and regular tooth brushing will benefit Teddy's oral health the most. Also, some dogs are less enthusiastic about chewing, which makes brushing the teeth even more important. Of course, all of these are measures to help slow tarter production - but nothing completely replaces regular dental care from your veterinarian. Just as we humans brush daily and still need regular dental care, our pets need the same. Hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! Here is a list of the products I typically recommend: 1. CET oral rinse 2. CET enzymatic toothpaste 3. Oravet chews 4. Plaque off 5. CET chlorhexidine chews Not all of these will work but I have had some mixed success using all of these. My favorite is the Oravet chew as it employs an additive known as Delmopinol to prevent tartar formation. Oravet chews are only available in veterinary clinics so you may have a hard time finding this one online. All of the other products you can find online. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.