When your dog is very fussy about having a tooth brush shoved into his mouth you may want to consider an alternative way of cleaning his teeth. You may then think of dental teeth wipes that are quite effective in cleaning dog’s teeth and gums. Also there are flavored options safe for dogs of all ages and breed type. But what if your dog takes time to get used your fingers going near his mouth and you rubbing them over to clean his teeth?

Even you may initially be hesitant of taking your fingers close to its jaw. Your dog may get accustomed to dental wipes in due course of time but what alternatives can be used in this interim period is the question. Obviously your dog can’t go without dental hygiene, and should practice daily dental care in one way or the other. Your pet completely depends upon you for this. To ease said task for you we have put together some great alternative ways for dealing with plaque build-up and bad breath in dogs. (Gif credit - giphy.com)

Dental chew toys: Canines are wired to chew what appeals to their teeth. Sometimes it could get his teeth onto your shoes, slippers, and socks. Why not offer him/her something that will appeal to his/her mouth, and offer important benefits like cleaning its teeth and staving off boredom. Go for all natural rubber chew toys for dogs that are designed with depressions and bumps to heighten their effectiveness as a dental tool while massaging the gums and teeth. Some toys have a distinct minty flavor to them. Apart from removing plaque, another positive testified is the stimulation of blood flow to gums due the massaging activity of such toys.

Raw Hide Bones for your dog: There are safe options in the market that will be much liked by your dog and covertly carry on its special task to scrape tartar buildup and sticky plaque along with strengthening its teeth and exercising the jaw.

Raw chicken necks and wings are free of salmonella and other bacteria and can be given to the dog after consulting a vet regarding the portion size and suitability.

The vet may also advise you on certain tips when working with bones, like allowing chewing a bone only for 20 minutes a day and discarding a bone much before it’s too small to prevent the dog from gulping it down its throat. It’s important for you to always supervise such interactions between the dog and its bone. Don’t store raw hide dog bones, throw away after one use.

Dry dog food: If we start a debate on dry kibble food Vs soft food for dogs, in the context of oral health it’s the dry dog food that wins. Soft food will stick to your dog’s teeth and gums and increase the likelihood of tooth decay.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Including fresh veggies & fruits safe for your furry friend in its diet is a great way to boost its overall health. Also vegetables/fruits are low on carbohydrates and therefore contribute way less to the plaque build-up.

Dental dog treats: Treats in exciting flavors are a hit with dogs and their teeth. For a healthy set of pearly whites include some in your pet’s diet. Ask your vet for brands/products approved by the veterinary oral health council (VOHC).

These treats are made up of special ingredients to tackle buildup in your pup’s mouth.

Every six months get your dog’s teeth examined by the veterinarian. In case you notice any of these signs rush to a vet without further delay to deal with the dental problem at hand:

• Bad breath
• Change in eating or chewing habits/Loss of appetite: A painful tooth/teeth can stop a dog from eating normally.
• Inflammation in gums: Painful and bleeding gums eventually recede and cause tooth loss.
• Changes in mood/depression/irritability.
• Shaky or Missing teeth: Clearly indicate unhealthy gums and tooth decay.
• Plaque and tartar build up/ Yellowish brown tartar coating along the gum line: Plaque is a build-up of food, saliva and bacteria on teeth. This if not removed hardens into tartar that negatively affects the gums.