Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Look in our emails and on our Facebook page all month long for useful information on how to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and healthy!
Just like people, dogs and cats can get tartar and plaque build up, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and even heart disease. There are many solutions that we will touch on throughout the month, but the best treatment is always preventative treatment! For example, dogs should have their teeth brushed regularly. If you do not have a toothbrush on hand, a terry-cloth rag wrapped around your finger is a suitable alternative. Ran out of puppy toothpaste? Not a problem! See below how easy and affordable it is to make your own!
What You Need:
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 beef or chicken bouillon cube
- 2 tbsps baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
What To Do:
- In a small mixing bowl, dissolve the bouillon cube in the water. This will give the toothpaste an irresistible flavor!
- Add your cinnamon and baking soda. Both are mild abrasives that will help clean the surface of your dog’s teeth. Added bonus? The cinnamon will help freshen breath!
- Stir in the coconut oil until all ingredients are combined and evenly mixed. Coconut oil is a safe and healthy component which will help hold all the other ingredients together. If your dog ingests it, no big deal–coconut oil is excellent for his skin, coat, and digestive system!
Now, store your homemade toothpaste in a resealable container at room temperature so that it’s ready for use any time. Remember, never use regular toothpaste on your dog! Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which can be toxic when ingested.
Stay tuned for more helpful tips on your pets’ oral hygiene. Happy Brushing!