February is doggy dental month so we have put together a list of our five favourite ways to keep dog’s teeth clean, shiny, healthy, and strong.

I really hope you love the products I recommend. Just so you know, I may receive some compensation from the links on this page (because a dog-website doesn’t fund itself – unfortunately)!

Dental disease is very common in dogs, second only to ear infections according to the RSPCA. So cleaning their teeth is an important part of a dog’s grooming routine (and can help avoid some expensive vet treatments).

Below is a list of some of the best ways I have found to look after Buddy’s teeth.

1. A Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Let’s start with the most effective (but least popular in our household). Sometimes there is nothing better than a proper teeth clean, and that means an old-fashioned brush and paste situation.

There are two main types of brush available:

1. a finger toothbrush, like Logic Oral Hygiene Gel for Dogs with Finger Brush;
2. or a double-ended toothbrush, with different sized heads for dogs’ front and back teeth, like this Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit.

Luckily dogs seem to really like the taste of the Logic gel, so that makes my life a bit easier!

If you are new to brushing your dog’s teeth then I recommend checking out the useful advice on the Blue Cross website. There are also plenty of tutorials to be found online.

2. Toys!

Another great way to keep those teeth clean is the regular use of toys that get their teeth working. Anything that is going to encourage chewing and has a shape that massages gums is perfect.

Our favourite at the moment is definitely the KONG Stuff-A-Ball Dog Toy.  It has slightly more give than a traditional KONG to encourage chewing, but with all the strength that you would expect with the brand (it has easily managed Buddy’s powerful chewing).

Psst. you can get the KONG Stuff-A-Ball Dog Toy for just £6.49 at the moment on Amazon (price accurate as of February 2019).

3. Coconut oil

Searching for a natural toothpaste?

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil makes the perfect natural teeth cleaner. It helps eliminate the harmful bacteria that live in your dog’s mouth. This can help prevent plaque from forming and avoid dental disease.

Best of all, most dogs love the taste! Just open his mouth wide and scrub some on your dog’s teeth

4. Chews

Whether you prefer antlers, raw bones or bully sticks, chews can help to keep teeth clean in the same way as toys – they massage gums and can remove some plaque. However, they are high in calories (aren’t all the yummy things?) , so we would recommend using them as a treat.

5. Dental Treats

There are so many dental treats on the market saying that they will reduce plaque build up and keep your dog’s teeth clean. While they are by no means they best way to keep teeth clean (they are also high in calories) there is some evidence to suggest they can help to remove plaque.

Buddy certainly loves these WHIMZEES natural dental crocodiles (they are also hypoallergenic and grain-free), so again they make a good occasional teeth-cleaning treat.