blogger online: Dental Care for Dogs - Natural, Herbal, Homeopathic DIY Remedies, Treatments

There are many natural, herbal and homeopathic interventions and treatments that you can adopt to improve and maintain your dog’s oral health.

If your dog 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.

Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)

Toothpaste - Baking 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 teeth - baking soda is an abrasive so do not apply pressure when brushing.

Toothpaste - Baking Soda & 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 teeth - baking soda is an abrasive so do not apply pressure when brushing.

For more information on cinnamon (benefits, dosage) see the section on ‘Cinnamon, Kefir and Manuka Honey’ below. Do not give cinnamon to a pregnant dog.

The amount of baking soda required to clean your dog’s teeth is very small - you do not need to laden the brush - a little is affective. If ingested in large amounts baking soda is not good for your dog. Ingesting a large amount of baking soda can cause problems with electrolyte levels (low calcium, low potassium, high sodium), muscle spasms and/or congestive heart failure.

Benefits of Baking Soda

Baking Soda is derived from a naturally occurring mineral called natron, which was first mined by the ancient Egyptians. I. the 1800’s to bakers from France created the modern version of Baking Soda. It is a mild abrasive and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Calendula (also known as Pot Marigold)

Treatment for Bleeding Gums Use a cotton swab to generously apply tincture of Calendula on inflamed gums.

Benefits of Calendula

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, including pregnant dogs.

Cinnamon, Kefir and Manuka Honey

You may be surprised to see honey listed as an ingredient for use in oral care, but manuka honey has very special properties (as noted below), unlike most sweeteners - which are very bad for your dog’s teeth and general health.

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

Oral Rinse – Cinnamon and Warm Water

In a glass, mix about 2 tbs of warm water with 1/8 tsp of 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 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 mouth…or they may choose to have a drink of water on their own.

You can use this remedy on yourself as well - it is as good if not better than any commercial mouthwash…and unlike many of the big name products, it is not tested on animals and does not contain any toxins.

Toothaches, Infected, Bleeding Gums – Cinnamon and Manuka Honey
To relieve your dog’s discomfort…make a paste of:

1 tsp Cinnamon Powder;
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! Daily maximum cinnamon dosage for dogs is provided below.

Toothpaste – Cinnamon, Kefir and 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 teeth. They will love the taste!

Benefits of Cinnamon, Kefir and Manuka Honey

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has quite an extensive list of beneficial properties for oral care…it is an:

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 and gums, including the gums of teething infants.

Maximum dosage of Cinnamon per Day

Large Dogs - ½ tsp a day;
Medium Dogs - ¼ tsp a day;
Small Dogs - 1/8 tsp a day.

Cautions: In some very rare cases cinnamon can be an irritant. All of my ten dogs (small, medium, large breeds) have cinnamon on a daily basis and have never experienced any reaction. Cinnamon powder in the doses mentioned above is safe for pregnant dogs, but do not use cinnamon essential oil on a pregnant dog.

Kefir

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 its health benefits.

Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey is produced by bees that fed 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, antifungal, 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.

Echinacea

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.

Treat Infected Teeth and Infected, Bleeding Gums
Use a cotton swab to generously apply tincture of Echinacea directly your dog’s gums.

Mouthwash

In a glass, mix ½ tsp dried Echinacea root powder with 1 cup of water in a microwavable glass bowl or cup;
Microwave for three minutes;
Remove from microwave and cover bowl or cup with plastic wrap or other cover;
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 your dog’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 mouth…or they may choose to have a drink of water on their own.

Fragaria Vesca (Fragaria 6x, Woodland Strawberry)

Fragaria Vesca is used for softening and removing tartar and plaque. Once softened normal use of a toothbrush is more affective and can be used to affectively 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.

Toothpaste and Tartar/Plaque Softener

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 teeth and gums

Goldenseal, Myrrh and Oregon Grape

Skip the Toothpaste, use Regular Gum Treatments - Oregon Grape, Myrrh, Goldenseal
You can use this treatment several times a week as part of an ongoing oral care maintenance program. Using a cotton swab, generously apply tincture of Oregon Grape, Myrrh or Goldenseal to your dog’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.

Toothaches, Infected, Bleeding Gums – Oregon Grape, Myrrh, Goldenseal
For infected teeth or gums - use a cotton swab, generously apply tincture of Oregon Grape, Myrrh or Goldenseal on inflamed gums reduces painful swelling and works to stop more serious infection from setting-in.

Mouthwash - Goldenseal

In a glass, mix 1/2 tsp. goldenseal root powder with 1 cup of water in a microwavable glass bowl or cup;
Microwave for three minutes;
Remove from microwave and cover bowl or cup with plastic wrap or other cover;
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 your dog’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 mouth…or they may choose to have a drink of water on their own.

Benefits of Goldenseal, Myrhh and Oregon Grape

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.

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.

Oregon Grape (also called holly-leaved barberry, mountain grape)
Although grapes and raisins are very bad for dogs, the tincture of Oregon Grape is non-toxic to dogs, 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.

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 defence 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.

Toothpaste

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 brush your dog’s teeth.

Foods & Herbs that Fight Oral Bacteria and Reduce Plaque

Apples, Carrots, Celery
Dogs 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 - you can learn more about the benefits of lemons here.

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

Daily amount…

Large size dogs 3 - tbs a day;
Medium size dogs - 2 tbs a day;
Small dogs - 1 tbs a day.

Yogurt
Adding a little yogurt with active cultures to your dog’s daily diet reduces the odor- causing hydrogen sulfide in your dog’s mouth and helps destroy bacteria that causes plaque and tartar. A diet rich in Vitamin D (yogurt and cheese are both high in vitamin D) creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria. Make sure you give your dog plain yogurt with active cultures, not highly processed yogurt with sugar or artificial sweeteners. I usually give my dogs 2% plain yogurt. You can add fresh fruit to the yogurt, top it with a little cinnamon and give it to your dog as a treat on its own or add it to their kibble etc.

Daily amount…