Brushing a dog’s teeth can be tricky, even with younger dogs, but oral health in pets is very important. As a pet owner, you always want what’s best for your dog. Unfortunately, some dog owners fail to keep up on their pet’s oral hygiene, which can lead to health problems in the future, especially in little dogs. But then there are those pet owners who make the extra effort to keep their dog’s teeth healthy by brushing them daily only to struggle with finding a toothpaste their pet likes or will tolerate.
Fortunately, there are many healthy alternatives that you can try that your pets will think tastes great and will keep their teeth plaque-free while preventing any other dental issues. So does brushing dog teeth with coconut oil work? If you’re familiar with coconut oil then you’re aware it comes with many health benefits. Here, we’ll explore how brushing your dog’s teeth with this powerful antibacterial all-natural oil will keep their teeth healthy, shiny, free from plaque buildup, and how it can also prevent decay.
Brushing dog teeth with coconut oil comes with many health benefits, aside from good breath and clean teeth. Using coconut oil for your dog’s teeth daily can also help to improve digestion, while boosting immune health, promoting weight loss, while giving them a healthier shinier coat. If you do decide to use coconut oil to brush your dog’s teeth make sure you purchase a soft-bristle baby toothbrush and plan on brushing your dog’s teeth one to two times daily for proper oral health. If your dog currently shows any signs of dental pain, such as trouble eating, a lack of appetite, and serious weight loss, make an appointment with their vet for a proper dental assessment.
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A Natural Alternative
You’re aware of the importance of dental hygiene for dogs, but you’ve run into a serious problem “my dog won’t let me brush his teeth”. If you’re dealing with a dog that is constantly fighting you when it comes time to clean their teeth, one of the main reasons why is because they simply don’t like the taste of dog toothpaste. Fortunately, coconut oil has a subtle, slightly sweet taste, so most dogs will find it pleasant.
Coconut Oil Health Benefits
But not only does this oil taste great it also comes with a wide range of health benefits. Coconut oil is made up of more than 90% saturated fat, which means it’s one of the only foods known as a superfood. The fact that it has such a high fat content may be confusing to some pet owners especially those who are unaware of the differences between unsaturated fats and saturated fats.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are considered a good fat. A good fat can provide a wide range of health benefits, such as improved immune support, metabolic function, and improved digestion. It can also help to promote weight loss, and can even improve the appearance of your dog’s coat and skin.
Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Medium-chain triglycerides also consist of caprylic acid, caprice acid, and lauric acid. Additionally, it contains approximately 2% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as 6% of monosaturated fatty acids.
The lauric acid content it’s what makes coconut oil so powerful. It contains antifungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties.
Additionally, the medium-chain triglycerides can also provide an instant source of energy and fuel for your dog, helping to enhance their performance while also promoting weight loss. Medium-chain triglyceride content in the oil can also help dogs with thyroid issues, can help normally sedentary dogs feel more energized and active, and can also help dogs who are struggling with obesity.
Dental Health
In terms of dental health, you can use coconut oil with a mixture of fresh aloe vera gel to get rid of plaque build-up. Once the plaque is removed and you can maintain your dog’s oral health by brushing their teeth daily using coconut oil and a soft dog toothbrush. If your dog has chronic bad breath try adding a couple of drops of peppermint oil to the coconut oil mixture.
Brush your dog’s teeth using the oil one to two times daily. If your dog is prone to dental issues you may need to brush more often, especially if you have a small breed dog. If you’re having trouble brushing your dog’s teeth don’t worry, especially if you have an older dog.
Most vets recommend starting oral care when your dog is a puppy in order to get them used to the process. But if you’ve recently adopted an older dog then you may have more trouble getting them to tolerate a tooth brushing session. If that’s the case, there are other ways you can introduce proper oral care that’s perfectly safe and can help to keep their teeth plaque-free and looking healthy.
Chew Toys for Oral Health
You’re probably familiar with dog bones that are marketed as a way to keep your dog’s teeth free from plaque. But you can also buy dog chew toys and coat them with coconut oil so they can still enjoy the many benefits of this superfood without having their teeth brushed.
Additionally, you can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil and mix it in with their dry food to ensure they’re getting their daily dose. This can help wonders if you’re dealing with a dog that has dry skin and is prone to shedding.
Professional Dental Cleanings
In some cases, you may need to have your pet’s teeth cleaned by a professional. But this is for serious cases in which abscesses and obvious tooth decay is involved. However, professional teeth cleaning can be very expensive. But in some cases, it’s necessary in order to prevent complications. If you just paid to have your dog’s teeth cleaned, then you’ll want to take that extra step to maintain their oral health. At this point, make sure you’re brushing their teeth one to two times daily using coconut oil and a toothbrush. This will help to prevent future plaque buildup and decay. Follow your vet’s recommendations in terms of how often your pet should have a professional dental cleaning. In some cases, dogs with serious cases of decay may need to go in as frequently as every three to six months. Between these appointments make sure you’re consistently brushing their teeth daily to avoid future complications such as cavities and receding gums.
Related Questions
Can I Use a Dog Stroller for My Elderly Large Breed Dog?
Yes, fortunately, there are many styles, types, and models to choose from. The best dog jogging stroller should come equipped with larger wheels, which will make it easier for you to turn and control the stroller. Additionally, if your dog is disabled or elderly, make sure you pick a model that features low sides and an overall design that will make it easier for your dog to get in and out. I recommend the Ibiyaya pet stroller, which is perfect for large breed use.
When Should You Start Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth?
As I briefly mentioned earlier, most vets recommend starting oral care as early as possible. If you start brushing your dog’s teeth when they’re still a puppy, you’ll find that they will quickly adjust to the process. By the time they’re one year of age, you should have no problems with your dog tolerating having their teeth brushed. Starting off at an early age can also prevent many serious dental issues in the future.
How Do You Get Tartar Off a Dog’s Teeth?
This can be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with serious buildup. In most cases, brushing their teeth once daily and using dog bones or treats specifically designed to remove plaque should help to keep the tartar problem under control. If your dog has serious tartar buildup, then a professional cleaning may be required, after which you can brush their teeth daily and use tartar-fighting treats to maintain proper oral health.
Final Thoughts
As you’ve learned by now, there are many benefits to brushing dog’s teeth with coconut oil. You can easily keep your dog’s teeth looking healthy and plaque-free, using is powerful superfood. It can also aid in digestion, boost the immune system, help promote weight loss, and it can even help minimize shedding while boosting skin health. Basically, using coconut oil for oral care in pets is a great, all-natural way to promote oral health, well preventing any serious complications such as tooth decay, receding gums, and abscesses.
If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before, now is the time to start. However, if you’ve noticed your dog struggling to eat hard food, they have bad breath, or severe plaque buildup I recommend consulting with your vet prior to using coconut oil in order to determine if they’re in need of a professional cleaning.
