Dental Care (Dogs & Cats) – Pet Info Alley

Before I start writing about all the physical tools as toothbrushes, I want to talk about Denta Sure.

Denta Sure is available from the manufacturer and this is their link…

GEL

https://natural-wonder-pets.com/product/dentasure-gel-4-oz/

SPRAY

https://natural-wonder-pets.com/product/denta-sure-spray/

I also want to caution you to carefully chose what you use in your pets mouth and I want to emphasize not to use any products containing alcohol as even the tiniest amount can cause irreversible harm to your pet’s health !

MECHANICAL TOOLS FOR REMOVING PLAQUE

So lets talk about cats first as they are much more difficult to care for than dogs ! Good luck with cat letting you sticking anything in its mouth !

So these are two similar toys. I actually have the blue dolphin. It comes with little baggy full of cat nip which is inserted inside the dolphin. In order for cats to get to cat nip they have to bite on the dolphin and thus penetrate soft silicone which can remove some of plaque build up.

CAT TEETH CLEANING TOOLS

This one I believe works in the same way as the dolphin above

DOG TEETH CLEANING TOOLS

This toothbrush would be ideal if your dog will let you brush it’s teeth. That is why it is so important to train your dog as a puppy to allow you to examine mouth and brush teeth. If you are able to brush your dogs teeth I would use food based ingredients that will not harm your pet if they swallow it. For example, you can brush your dogs teeth with mixture of coconut oil and baking soda.

WARNING: STAY AWAY FROM PET TOOTH PASTES AS THEY ARE LOADED WITH ALL KINDS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS

FINGER BRUSH

These brushes are super soft and made of food grade silicone

Finger brush also has massaging bumps on the opposite side of the brush

Take a moment on daily basis to care for your pet’s dental needs. In the long run your pets will thank you. Caring for your pet’s mouth will prevent mouth and teeth issues, spare your pets unnecessary pain and save you lots of money on expensive and evasive dental procedures.

HOW TO BRUSH DOG’S TEETH

HOW TO BRUSH CAT’S TEETH

Dental Care for Dogs & Cats Natural Herbal Remedies & Treatments

FULL ARTICLE:

http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/05/dental-care-for-dogs-natural-herbal.html

1. Natural Care of Gums, Mouth, Teeth

2. Review of Oral Health Benefits – Herbs and Nutraceuticals

3. Regular Maintenance Gum Treatments – support good oral health

4. Tooth paste – Natural Herbal Recipes

5. Bleeding Gums, Infected Teeth – Natural Treatments

6. Oral Rinse, Mouth Wash Recipes

7. Plaque Softener Recipes

8. Foods, Herbs that Fight Oral Bacteria and Reduce Plaque

9. General Guide for Daily Intake of Herbs and Spices

1.0 Natural Care of Gums, Mouth, Teeth

There are many natural, herbal and homeopathic interventions and treatments that you can adopt to improve and maintain your dog’s and cat’s oral health. If your dog or cat already has gingivitis or periodontal disease it is best to have the built-up plaque and tartar removed, and then start a regular maintenance regimen. Fragaria Vesca can be used to soften the tartar/plaque – you will find instructions on the use of Fragaria below along with many options for simple, affective natural, herbal, homeopathic oral health care, including…Toothpaste, Gum treatments, Oral rinse, Treatment/remedies for bleeding gums, Treatment/remedies for killing bacteria. Foods & herbs that fight oral bacteria and reduce plaque. A dog that has infected teeth and gums can become weak as they do not wish to eat due to pain. You will see below that there are many herbal tinctures that you can choose from to treat the pain caused by infected teeth and gums so that your dog will be interested in eating again. These same tinctures also work to fight bacteria which causes infection while reducing inflammation and bleeding.

1.1 Note: If you are using one of the treatments below that call for use of tinctures make sure you use alcohol-free tinctures only. Organic ingredients have greater medicinal value than non-organic, in addition, non-organic can be high in herbicide and pesticide residue – go organic as much as you possibly can. If you have decided on using a treatment – read the related links when provided. These links are an important source of detailed information on health benefits, selection of quality and appropriate products, cautions, interactions, etc. Make sure that you use good quality human food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade products.

2.0 Review of Oral Health Benefits – Herbs & Nutraceuticals

Before we get into the actual treatments lets take a quick look at some of the benefits of the herbs and neutraceuaticals that will be used in the oral care recipes and treatments. These include: Baking Soda, Calendula, Ceylon, Cinnamon, Coconut OIl, Colloidal Silver, Echinacea, Feverfew, Fragaria Vesca, Goldenseal, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Kefir, Manuka Honey, Myrrh, Oil of Oregano, Oregon Grape, Vitamin C

2.1 Baking Soda

Baking Soda is derived from a naturally occurring mineral called natron. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

2.2 Calendula (also known as Pot Marigold)

Calendula has been used in herbal preparations for thousands of years. Calendula is excellent for promoting the healing of wounds and stopping bleeding. It has antiviral, anti-genotoxic, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Calendula promotes the metabolism of proteins and collagen which is necessary to grow new healthy cells and tissue. Calendula is safe for dogs and cats, including pregnant dogs and cats.

2.3 Ceylon Cinnamon Ceylon

Cinnamon provides an extensive list of beneficial properties for oral care: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial (fights bacteria, fungi, etc.) Anti-septic, Mild anesthetic, Helps dissolve food particles and aids in the digestion of food. Historically cinnamon has been used to numb teeth/gums, including the gums of teething infants.

Daily Dosage

Small Dogs and Cats – 1/8 tsp a day

Medium Dogs – ¼ tsp a day

Large Dogs – ½ tsp a day

Cautions: In some very rare cases cinnamon can be an irritant, particularly cinnamon oil. Ceylon cinnamon powder in the doses mentioned above is safe for pregnant dogs, but do not use cinnamon essential oil on a pregnant dog or cat.

2.4 Coconut Oil – organic Coconut oil…

Helps fight tooth decay and oral health issues; Hardens tooth enamel; Can help reduce sores and infections. Organic Coconut Oil has many other health benefits and is an excellent supplement to add to the daily diet. Coconut oil is safe for dogs and cats.

2.5 Colloidal Silver

Silver is a natural and powerful broad spectrum antibiotic agent, it also has excellent antiseptic, anti-fungal and disinfectant properties. Colloidal Silver kills virus, fungus and bacterium. Colloidal Silver can be used topically and ingested.

2.6 Echinacea (Cone Flower)

Echinacea has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and analgesic properties. Echinacea has been used in oral care for hundreds of years, popular as a mouthwash, it aids in the fight against gingivitis and periodontal disease by supporting immunity to bacterial infections that help destroy germs and minor infections in the gums. Its analgesic properties soothe aching guns and teeth. Echinacea is safe for use with pregnant dogs and cats.

2.7 Fragaria Vesca 6x (Woodland Strawberry)

Woodland Strawberry – Fragaria Vesca is used for softening and removing tartar and plaque. Once softened normal use of a toothbrush is more effective and can be used to effectively help keep teeth clean. Continued use of Fragaria Vesca helps keep tartar and plaque from reforming on teeth. Fragaria Vesca is safe for use on pregnant dogs and cat’s.

2.8 Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been used for centuries by Native Americans and is a widely used herb today. Goldenseal has anti-inflammatory, amoebocide and antiseptic properties. Do not use on pregnant or nursing dogs or cats.

2.9 Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit. Extract from the seeds of the grapefruit are valued for their medicinal qualities. Grapefruit seeds contain active ingredients that are: Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Anti-parasitic and more. GSE is safe for most dogs and cats.

2.10 Kefir – Fermented Milk

Kefir is a creamy, dairy based food made from the milk of cows, goats and sheep, sometimes also made from coconut milk, rice and soy. (Do not purchase kefir made from soy if you live in North America as almost all soy crops are from genetically modified seeds). Kefir contains a large amount of phosphorus and B Complex vitamins (important for maintenance of healthy teeth), it promotes the faster healing of wounds, illness, it is excellent for the immune system, and a rich source of good bacteria – these are just a few of kefir’s health benefits.

2.11 Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey is produced by bees that feed on a native tree of New Zealand. Manuka honey has been used for its great healing properties for centuries. Manuka Honey is well known for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic properties. It speeds up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues; initiates the healing process in dormant wounds; is an autolytic debridement (helps remove damaged, dead, infected tissue) and is an excellent moist wound healing agent. You can also use other types of raw unpasturized honey – i.e. wild flower, lavender etc. which also have medicinal properties but Manuka honey has even stronger medicinal properties than most other honey. Do NOT attempt to use any type of pasturized honey as it has NO medicinal properties and is simply another form of sugar. Honey is safe for most dogs and cats. If you cannot get Manuka honey you can substitute with any organic unpasteurized honey.

2.12 Myrhh

Myrhh is a natural dental care product with antibiotic, astringent, amoebocide and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically it has been used for many centuries to treat swollen gums, mouth ulcers, etc. Myrhh is safe for pregnant dogs when used in small amounts. Don’t use Myrhh for cats.

2.13 Oregon Grape (holly-leaved barberry, mountain grape)

Although grapes and raisins are very bad for dogs and cats, the tincture of Oregon Grape is non-toxic to dogs and cats, provided it is used in moderation – large quantities are not necessary. Oregon grape is a natural antibiotic, astringent, amoebocide and anti-inflammatory. Do not use Oregon Grape tincture on pregnant dogs or cats.

2.14 Vitamin C

A deficiency of vitamin C in the diet has been proven to lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease and a reduction in the body’s ability to fight infection. Clinical research has shown that vitamin C improves host defense mechanisms thus supporting periodontal health and boosting the immune system. Vitamin C is required for the development of collagen – a substance that gives cell tissue strength and elasticity. Gums are fragile by nature so supporting healthy collagen production is all the more important. Vitamin C is safe for pregnant dogs and cats.

3.0 Simple Regular Gum Treatments – Support good oral health

You can use the following treatment several times a week as part of an ongoing oral care maintenance program… Using a cotton swab, gently and generously apply tincture of Oregon Grape, or Myrrh or, Goldenseal to your dog’s or cat’s gums. This will inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes plaque and tartar; In addition to being antiseptic, Goldenseal, Myrrh and Oregon grape also stimulate new tissue growth of the gums.

4.0 Toothpaste – Natural Herbal Recipes

4.1 Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)

Dampen a tooth brush with a little warm water. Dip the brush in baking soda (just a little soda is required – do not load the brush with soda). Gently brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth – baking soda is an abrasive so do not apply pressure when brushing.

4.2 Baking Soda & Ceylon Cinnamon

In a glass combine 1 tsp of baking soda with 1/8 tsp of cinnamon. Mix the soda and cinnamon. Dampen a tooth brush with a little warm water. Dip the brush in the cinnamon/baking soda powder mix (just a little is required – do not load the brush with soda). Gently brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth – baking soda is an abrasive so do not apply pressure when brushing. The amount of baking soda required to clean your dog’s or cat’s teeth is very small – you do not need to laden the brush – a little is effective.

4.3 Baking Soda & Coconut Oil

In a glass or small bowl combine: 1 tsp of baking soda, with 1tsp of coconut oil. Mix the soda and coconut oil until it forms a paste. Optional ingredient: You can add a drop of food grade peppermint oil. or, a pinch of very finely chopped fresh peppermint. Dip the brush in the baking soda/coconut mix (just a little is required). Gently brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth – baking soda is an abrasive so do not apply pressure when brushing.

4.4 Coconut Oil

Dip a tooth brush in coconut oil. Gently brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth.

4.5 Ceylon Cinnamon, Kefir & Manuka Honey

In a glass mix kefir, with manuka honey and a little cinnamon – the consistency should be that of a paste. Use this paste to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth. As an option you can also add a drop of grapefruit seed extract

4.6 Fragaria Vesca (Fragaria 6x, Woodland Strawberry)

Place 3 Fragaria pellets in ¼ cup of warm water. Allow the pellets to soak in the water for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes remove the pellets from the water. Use the resulting fragaria water to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth and gums.

Fragaria Vesca 6x, a few pellets diluted in water and used as a toothpaste will (over a period of a few weeks) loosen tartar rapidly and make it easy to brush or flick off. It’s no complete substitute for a professional cleaning, but if the dog’s health makes a dental cleaning not an option, this might be something to consider.

4.7 Vitamin C

Mix one cup of warm water with ½ tsp of powdered vitamin C (or grind-up vitamin C tablets to create a powder. Use the resulting liquid to gently brush your dog’s teeth.

5.0 Bleeding Gums, Infected Teeth – Natural Treatments

Use one of the following to treat bleeding, inflamed or infected gums, reduce painful swelling, treat infected teeth, and help stop more serious infection from setting in.

5.1 Calendula (Pot Marigold)

Use a cotton swab to gently, generously apply tincture of Calendula on inflamed gums. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until condition subsides.

5.2 Ceylon Cinnamon, Kefir & Honey

To relieve your dog’s or cat’s discomfort…make a paste of: 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon powder, 1 tsp Kefir (optional) 5 tsps Manuka Honey. Apply the paste to the aching tooth. You may apply this paste up to 3 times per day until the pain is arrested. You can use this remedy on yourself as well!

5.3 Colloidal Silver

Use a cotton ball to gently apply colloidal silver water or gel to the affected areas of the gum.

5.4 Echinacea

Use a cotton swab to gently and generously apply tincture of echinacea on inflamed gums. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until conditions subsides.

5.5 Feverfew

Use a cotton swab to gently and generously apply tincture of feverfew on inflamed gums. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until conditions subsides.

5.6 Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

Options One: Mix together 1 tsp of coconut oil and 2 drops of grapefruit seed extract. Use a cotton swab to gently and generously apply the grapefruit seed extract and coconut oil mixture on inflamed gums. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until conditions subsides.

Option Two: Mix together 1 tbs of water and 2-3 drops of grapefruit seed extract. Use a cotton swab to gently and generously apply the grapefruit seed extract and water mixture on inflamed gums or infected teeth, or use a small spray bottle to spray the water/GSE mixture onto the tooth (teeth) Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until conditions subsides.

5.7 Myrrh

Use a cotton swab to gently and generously apply tincture of myrrh on inflamed gums. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until conditions subsides.

5.8 Oregon Grape

Use a cotton swab to gently and generously apply tincture of oregon grape on inflamed gums/ Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until conditions subsides.

6.0 Oral Rinse, Mouth Wash Recipes

6.1 Ceylon Cinnamon, Kefir & Honey

In a glass, mix about 2 tbs of warm water with 1/8 tsp of Ceylon cinnamon powder. Make sure the cinnamon is completely mixed with the water. Use an eye dropper or medicine dispensing syringe to squirt the liquid into your dog’s or cat’s mouth. Have a towel ready and keep it under your dog’s chin as the liquid will dribble back out of your dog’s mouth. Follow-up by squirting some plain water into your dog’s or cats’s mouth or they may choose to have a drink of water on their own.

6.2 Goldenseal

Boil 1 cup of water on the stove in non aluminum dish. At boiling point remove from stove and add 1/2 tsp. Goldenseal root powder. Cover and let it sit for 3 minutes. Allow the liquid to sit and cool for an hour. After an hour, strain the liquid. Use an eye dropper or medicine dispensing syringe to squirt the liquid into dog’s mouth. Follow-up by squirting some plain water into your dog’s mouth or they may choose to have a drink of water on their own.

6.3 Echinacea

Boil 1 cup of water on the stove in non aluminum dish. At boiling point remove from stove and add 1/2 tsp. Echinacea root powder. Cover and let it sit for 3 minutes. Allow the liquid to sit and cool for an hour. After an hour, strain the liquid. Use an eye dropper or medicine dispensing syringe to squirt the liquid into dog’s mouth. Follow-up by squirting some plain water into your dog’s mouth or they may choose to have a drink of water on their own.

7.0 Plaque Softener Recipes

7.1 Fragaria Vesca (Fragaria 30C, Woodland Strawberry)

8.0 Foods & Herbs that Fight Oral Bacteria & Reduce Plaque

8.1 Apples, Carrots, Celery

Dogs and yes some cats too love the taste of apples. Chewing on fresh, crisp apples helps remove bacteria and food particles from teeth. Just wash the apple, remove the apple core (the seeds contain arsenic which is poisonous to dogs), slice the apple-up and let your dog enjoy. Carrots and celery are also healthy choices offering the same bacteria removing action as apples. These foods also increase saliva production which helps to wash away bacteria and plaque.

Citrus Fruits, Melons and Berries

Citrus fruit such as clementines, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, tangerines, melons and berries such as blackberry, cranberry, gooseberry, raspberry and strawberry all contain high levels of vitamin C. A diet that is rich in vitamin C creates an environment in which bacteria does not thrive. These foods also increase saliva production which helps to wash away bacteria and plaque. The other benefits of vitamin C are listed in the section on Vitamin C above. Lemons have many other health benefits as well. Many people think that lemon and other citrus is poisonous to cats (and yes some people believe this is so for dogs as well). The fresh juice of citrus fruit – such as lemon and the fresh flesh of the fruit is not poisonous to cats or dogs (unless you are forcing your dog or cat to consume copious quantities on a daily basis). The concentrated extract of citrus oil is poisonous cats and in large quantities would be poisonous to dogs as well.

Cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon) – Sprinkle it on Food

Dogs love the taste of cinnamon so ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on top of your dog’s or cat’s food. Cinnamon helps dissolve food particles and aids with the digestion of food. Daily maximum dosages for cinnamon are provided below.

Cheese – Particularly cheddar cheese

Eating cheese drops the pH level in the mouth. Lower pH levels help fight plaque, protects tooth enamel and erosion of teeth. Cheddar cheese contains the highest levels of alkali making it the best cheese for attaining better pH levels in the oral cavity.

Herbs

Corriander (cilantro), Mint, Peppermint and Spearmint have germicidal properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth. You can add these fresh herbs to your dog’s and cat’s food or combine with some sliced apple, etc. Just finely chop the fresh herb – you can also sprinkle a little olive oil on the herbs.

Daily amount

Large size dogs – 3 tbs a day

Medium size dogs – 2 tbs a day

Small dogs and cats – 1 tbs a day

Poultry, Meat or Vegetable Broth

Many allopathic veterinarians promote dry processed dog and cat food as good for the teeth – such promotion is not well considered. In general dry processed food lacks the immune system boosting properties of a good raw or homemade well balanced food and fresh whole food diet. It also lacks the moisture required to help support oral health.Although dry food is promoted as being great for dental health – dry food can actually promote dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. In the absence of moisture particles of food remain on the dog’s or cat’s teeth. With insufficient moisture to flush the particles away – bacteria forms, then plaque. You inadvertently create dental issues for your companion animal. It is important to note that most commercial dental bones contain species inappropriate ingredients, toxins and carcinogens. You can further increase the dental health benefit by sprinkling some Ceylon cinnamon on top of the food and broth. By hydrating pets’ food you support dental, digestive and eliminatory health.

Yogurt or Kefir

Adding a little yogurt with active cultures to dog’s/cat’s daily diet reduces the odor causing hydrogen sulfide in dog’s mouth and helps destroy bacteria that causes plaque & tartar. A diet rich in Vitamin D (yogurt & cheese are both high in vitamin D) creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria. Make sure you give dog plain yogurt with active cultures, not highly processed yogurt with sugar or artificial sweeteners. (2% plain yogurt). You can add fresh fruit, sprinkle little cinnamon and give it to dog as a treat on its own or add to the kibble. Most cats prefer the yogurt plain (no fruit added).

kefir-yogurt-are.html

You can also combine yogurt, kefir and fruit such as berries with Ceylon cinnamon to make a smoothie for your dog or cat – you can find recipes here.

Recommended Daily Intake of Kefir or Yogurt

Yogurt

Small size dogs and cats – 1 tsp to 1 tbs

Medium size dogs – 1/8 cup

Large dogs – 1/3 cup

Extra large dogs – 1/2 cup

Kefir

Small size dogs and cats – 1 tsp to 1 tbs

Medium size dogs – 1 tbs to 2 tbs

Large dogs – 2 tbs to 3 tbs