Believe it or not, the best dog toothpaste around contains just 5 ingredients and can be made in your own home in under 10 minutes!
The Best Dog Toothpaste – Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe
When was the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth? No, you heard me right, I said “dog.” The truth is that dental health is just as important in dogs as it is in humans. The good news is that while we have to pay high prices to have our teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, you can make the best dog toothpaste for next to nothing at home.
Not only can doggie dental issues cause bad breath, tooth loss, and infection…they can also cause chronic pain, and no one wants that for their furry family member! What’s worse is that your dog could be in pain right now and you might not know it.
According to veterinary dentist Tony Woodward, “Pets don’t show pain from dental disease. When they’re in pain I wish dogs would paw at their faces or stop eating, but they don’t. As a matter of fact, your dog can have a mouthful of abscessed teeth and still eat just fine.”
This homemade dog toothpaste will help fight bad breath, prevent gum disease, and give you the opportunity to more closely inspect your dog’s teeth, gums, and mouth.
This DIY dog toothpaste is filled with good-for-your-dog ingredients and that’s why I recommend dog toothpaste made at home (versus store-bought alternatives). Here’s a closer look at the ingredients in the best dog toothpaste around:
Baking soda – A gentle, non-toxic abrasive that will help get rid of plaque.
Coconut oil – An antimicrobial and antibacterial that can help keep your dog’s mouth in good health. Plus, many dogs like how this ingredient tastes. 🙂
Turmeric – The natural whitener in this homemade dog toothpaste.
Parsley and peppermint oil – Act as natural breath fresheners.
So, what are you waiting for? Make this, the best dog toothpaste, today!
INGREDIENTS
2 T. coconut oil
2 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. turmeric
4 drops peppermint essential oil
1 tsp. fresh parsley*
*The use of fresh parsley really does make this the best dog toothpaste around but if necessary, you can substitute dried parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Finely chop parsley.
2. Add coconut oil, baking soda, turmeric, peppermint essential oil, and diced parsley to a bowl.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are completely combined.
4. Store homemade dog toothpaste in an airtight glass container in the fridge.
Note: This DIY dog toothpaste will be good for 4-6 weeks.
TO USE
1. Apply a small amount of the best dog toothpaste to a dog toothbrush or washcloth.
2. Slip your dog underneath your arm and hold him at your side.
3. Slip the toothbrush or washcloth past their lips and brush in a gentle circular motion to remove plaque.
Use this homemade dog toothpaste at least 3 times a week.
TIPS
This may be the best dog toothpaste around but that doesn’t mean your dog will love it…at least initially. Here are some tips to help you get your dog to appreciate this homemade dog toothpaste as much as you do! 🙂
Start early!
It would be ideal to start using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste on your pooch when he’s a puppy. However, if you have an adult or even senior dog on your hands, it is never too late to get started!
Set the mood.
I recommend dog toothpaste be used only when your dog is calm and relaxed. When he’s in desperate need of a long walk or a game of fetch is not the right time to subject him to this strange human oral hygiene habit!
Keep the mood calm by keeping your cool with your furry friend. If he’s squirming and you are yelling, nothing productive is going to happen! Try speaking in soothing tones.
Be prepared.
Have anything you might need (including your dog toothbrush and toothpaste) right there within reaching distance. Part of being prepared is picking the right toothbrush to use with this homemade dog toothpaste. I recommend a soft bristled brush or a special finger toothbrushor even a simple washcloth.
It’s not all or nothing!
Do not have an all or nothing attitude when using this DIY dog toothpaste. Even if you only manage to brush a few teeth at a time each day, that’s a win! Especially in the beginning, you can’t expect your dog to let you do a full dental cleaning each and every day.
Provide motivation.
To encourage our little ones to brush their teeth we purchase tasty toothpaste, musical toothbrushes, and much more. Don’t you think your fur baby might need a little motivation?
Start by giving your dog a small treat each time you get the dog toothbrush and toothpaste out. Soon your dog will start associating these tools with yummy snacks and come running! (Note: When I say “small,” I mean small. Go for a tiny piece of cheese or lunch meat the size of your pinky nail or maybe just a piece of dry kibble if that excites your dog.)
In the beginning, consider rewarding your dog for simply letting you manipulate his mouth or letting you touch the toothbrush (without toothpaste) to his teeth. Move slowly and before long you AND your dog will think this is the best dog toothpaste ever!
While this is definitely the best dog toothpaste around, it isn’t the only awesome pet product you can make at home! Here are some of my other favorite homemade pet products:
- Dog shampoo
- Flea shampoo
Want more DIY tips, tricks, and hacks? Follow Freebie Finding Mom’s DIY Fun Pinterest board.
Easy Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
How often do you brush your dog’s teeth? Just like humans our furry family member’s need their teeth brushed too. This homemade toothpaste is the best dog toothpaste because not only is it easy and inexpensive to make, but it is effective at cleaning your dog’s teeth and freshening his breath too. Take a few minutes and grab these five ingredients to make this homemade dog toothpaste today.
Materials
- 2 T. coconut oil
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. turmeric
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 tsp. fresh parsley*
Instructions
- Finely chop parsley.
- Add coconut oil, baking soda, turmeric, peppermint essential oil, and diced parsley to a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are completely combined.
- Store homemade dog toothpaste in an airtight glass container in the fridge. Note: This DIY dog toothpaste will be good for 4-6 weeks.
Notes
To use:
1. Apply a small amount of the best dog toothpaste to a dog toothbrush or washcloth.
2. Slip your dog underneath your arm and hold him at your side.
3. Slip the toothbrush or washcloth past their lips and brush in a gentle circular motion to remove plaque.
Use this homemade dog toothpaste at least 3 times a week.
*The use of fresh parsley really does make this the best dog toothpaste around but if necessary, you can substitute dried parsley
