How to Deal with Dog Jealousy When You Get a New Pet

Those slobbery kisses are one of the greatest joys of being a pet parent. That is until you have to deal with that fetid doggy breath. One surefire way to get rid of it is to invest in good dental care for your furry baby. Of course, canine dental care is more than just fresh breath. It’s key to your dog’s overall health. However, store-bought toothpastes often contain fluoride, xylitol, or harsh detergents that aren’t meant for dogs. That’s why so many of us turn to homemade dog toothpaste. 

It’s cheaper, nontoxic, and you can tailor the flavor to your pup’s taste. Plus, making it yourself means you can be sure that ingredient is pet-safe. Now you may be wondering, “All that sounds great but how do I get started? Making toothpaste from scratch sounds like a lot of work.” Well, allow me to help with my selection of five easy DIY Dog toothpaste recipes that I’ve been using for years. Along the way, I’ll also share why brushing matters, what ingredients to use and avoid, and how to make brushing a pleasant experience for your pooch. 

Why Dental Hygiene Matters for Dogs

Many pet owners don’t realize that dental disease is hugely common in dogs. In fact, veterinary experts report that over 80% of dogs over the age of three have gum disease. Plaque buildup due to lack of dental care can lead to gingivitis, bad breath, inflamed gums and eventually loose or painful teeth. Worse still, infection in the mouth doesn’t stay local. Bacteria from untreated gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious problems in the heart, liver, and kidneys. 

Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy has benefits that far extend those sweet kisses they lavish you with. It also helps prevent pain and lifelong health issues, ranging from preventing plaque and tartar to tooth decay or painful abscesses. The American Veterinary Medical Association even recommends brushing dogs’ teeth daily or at least several times a week—just like following a consistent puppy night routine helps build lifelong habits.

Given these stakes, investing in dog dental hygiene can be a lifesaver. Of course in the interest of avoiding chemicals in commercially manufactured products, I lean in favor of natural dog dental care using gentle ingredients. 

What Makes Human Toothpaste Unsafe for Dogs

Humans and dogs are very different under the hood, so what’s fine for us can be toxic to them. The main culprits in human toothpastes are xylitol and fluoride, found in ingredients like sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride. Dogs metabolize xylitol rapidly, and it can cause a dangerous, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and even liver failure, even in tiny amounts. Fluoride compounds can irritate a dog’s stomach or, in large enough doses, cause toxicity. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that just 5–10 mg per kg of sodium fluoride can be fatal to pets, and even much smaller doses cause serious problems. 

So, while dog oral care is essential, it shouldn’t involve products designed for human use. Homemade dog toothpastes made from simple, edible ingredients that pets can swallow without worry are a great, safe alternative—similar to how choosing the right dog starter kit essentials ensures safety from day one.

Key Ingredients to Use in Homemade Dog Toothpaste

The beauty of homemade dog breath remedies and oral hygiene products is that these can be made from common kitchen staples. Here are some star ingredients of an all-natural dog dental care regimen: 

• Coconut oil: This oil gives the paste a spreadable base and can even kill harmful bacteria. Veterinarian Dr. Paula Simons says, “Coconut oil is a safe and natural ingredient to use in dog toothpaste, thanks to its antimicrobial properties.” Most dogs enjoy its mild taste too. If your dog is sensitive to coconut, mild olive or avocado oil can work too. You’ll also find coconut oil in many natural dog grooming essentials for its skin and coat benefits.
• Baking soda: Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps scrub away plaque. It also neutralizes mouth acids that cause decay and prevents tooth decay and bad breath. However, given its abrasive nature, it should be used in moderation. When used sparingly, it whitens teeth naturally and makes homemade toothpaste foamy without being harsh
• Fresh parsley or mint: These herbs act as natural breath fresheners. The chlorophyll in parsley is especially good at neutralizing odors. However, make sure you use mint oil sparingly. Some dogs are sensitive to it
• Cinnamon and turmeric: Both spices are known for their antimicrobial properties, making them great choices for dog dental hygiene products. Cinnamon has natural antibacterial effects and is appealing to dogs’ taste buds, while turmeric’s curcumin compound has anti-inflammatory benefits for gums. A pinch of these in your paste, or simply rubbing them on dry teeth, can help improve dental health for dogs
• Chicken or beef broth: Dogs love meat flavors, so adding a spoonful of low-sodium chicken or beef broth makes the paste palatable. Ensure the broth does not contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. A bit of broth adds moisture and a yummy taste, turning tooth-brushing from a chore into a treaţ

5 Easy DIY Dog Toothpaste Recipes

Maintaining dental health for dogs doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can whip up a homemade dog toothpaste using a handful of ingredients from your kitchen and store them in the fridge in an airtight jar for about 1–2 weeks. Here are 5 such simple, vet-approved homemade dog toothpaste recipes. 

Note: When you introduce any of these pastes to your dog, let them dog lick the brush and taste-test to make the experience positive.

1. Coconut Oil & Baking Soda Basic Paste

Good for: General cleaning and whitening. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil. Melt it, if solid
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

• Mix the coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl until smooth
• The paste should be a toothpaste-like consistency. Adjust by adding a bit more baking soda for thickness or a drop of water if too stiff
• Store in a clean glass jar in the fridge. Before each use, let a pea-sized bit soften to room temperature

Coconut oil gives an antibacterial boost and tastes dogs love, while baking soda whitens and scrubs. This ultra-basic paste can be used daily. If your dog resists pure baking soda flavor, try adding a pinch of dried parsley or a drop of chicken broth for extra appeal.

2. Fresh Breath Parsley Paste

Good for: Freshening breath

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1–2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley. You can also use mint leaves

Instructions

1. Combine the oil and baking soda in a bowl
2. Stir in the chopped herbs until evenly mixed
3. You should see a fleck of green herbs throughout the paste. If too thick, add a bit more oil
   
4. Spoon into a jar and refrigerate. Use within a week for the best flavor

Parsley is a breath-freshener thanks to its chlorophyll content. As your dog chews and licks this minty-green paste, the parsley oils help neutralize odors. Cinnamon or a pinch of xylitol-free vanilla can be added if your pup likes sweeter tastes.

3. Meat-Flavored Toothpaste

Good for: Picky dogs who hate mint

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon beef or chicken broth. Use the unsalted kind, with no onion/garlic
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Optional: ½ teaspoon dried parsley or a dusting of turmeric for color

Instructions:

1. Warm the broth slightly and mix with the coconut oil
2. Stir in the baking soda until it forms a paste
3. Add parsley or turmeric if desired
4. Store in the fridge
   

Pro tip: If using concentrated broth or bouillon cubes, verify the ingredients. Some beef bouillons contain garlic salt, so it’s better to make a little homemade broth with plain beef. The savory taste really sells the brushing experience, especially for picky eaters who may also benefit from homemade puppy feeding schedules that match their routine.

4. Turmeric & Coconut Oil Anti-Inflammatory Paste

Good for: Tartar control and soothing gums

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional for extra abrasion)

Instructions

• Mix the coconut oil and turmeric into a paste. The bright yellow color is natural
• Add a touch of baking soda if you want scrubbing power
• Stir until smooth and store in a jar

This paste is gentle enough for daily use, though it will temporarily tint your dog’s fur, so wipe his mouth afterwards. Only use small amounts, as too much turmeric can stain surfaces and sometimes cause mild stomach upset.

5. Activated Charcoal Whitening Paste (Use Sparingly)

Good for: Occasional whitening

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (for texture)

Instructions

• Mix the charcoal into the coconut oil and baking soda until well combined.
• The paste will be black. Apply a tiny amount to your dog’s teeth once a week for a “whitening” touch-up. Rinse your dog’s mouth afterwards to avoid mess

Note: Activated charcoal adsorbs stains and can freshen breath, but it’s abrasive and messy. Use this homemade dog toothpaste very rarely, just to brighten up a dull smile. Avoid frequent use to protect enamel.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth with DIY Paste

Brushing a dog’s teeth can be tricky at first, but with patience it can become a stress-free routine. Start slow and make it fun. Let your dog lick and taste the new paste first, and use lots of praise or treats. Here are the steps I follow:

1. Introduce the routine: Choose a calm time and sit with your dog. Let him sniff and lick a bit of paste off your finger so he knows it’s yummy. Speak softly and reward him
2. Get the right tools: Use a dog toothbrush with very soft bristles. Humans have hard gums and enamel; dogs do not. You need to be cautious about the kind of dog dental hygiene tools you use—similar to being careful when choosing teething toys for puppies that won’t damage sensitive gums.
3. Proper technique: Gently lift your dog’s lips and brush in small circles along the gumline and tooth surfaces. Focus on the outside of the teeth. Dogs don’t usually tolerate brushes inside well. Use a pea-sized amount of paste each time. Make sure you cover all teeth bit by bit
4. Be consistent: Ideally brush daily, or at least a few times each week. Even brushing your dog’s teeth for a couple of minutes each session goes a long way
   
5. Make a positive association: Treat it as bonding time and make the experience a pleasant one for your dog. I always end a brushing session with a favorite treat or play session. Over time, my dog has started getting excited to have his teeth brushed because he knows it means praise and snacks. 

How Often Should You Replace DIY Dog Toothpaste?

Homemade dog toothpastes don’t have commercial preservatives, so they won’t last forever. That’s why it’s important to replace them regularly. In my experience, when stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator, these pastes stay fresh for up to two weeks. 

After that, you might notice the oils separating or a stale smell. That’s why it’s best to make a small batch that you can go through in this timeframe. You can then make a fresh batch, maybe even try different recipes. The ingredients are cheap and quick to mix. Using fresh paste ensures the best taste and safety for your pup’s mouth.

Precautions and When to Consult a Vet

While DIY toothpaste is safe, always observe your dog’s reaction the first time. Try a patch test. Rub a small amount on one tooth and gum, then watch for any excessive drooling or stomach upset. If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, skip ingredients they don’t tolerate well. 

Schedule a veterinary exam if you notice any warning signs such as, 

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding
• Loose or broken teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Persistent bad breath
• Refusal to eat

Most dogs won’t show obvious signs of pain or discomfort, so you have to look for clues like pawing at the mouth, head shaking or chewing on one side. These can indicate advanced dental disease that only a vet can fix. Similar subtle signs often show up with dog jealousy behavior, reminding us how important it is to read canine signals carefully.

Takeaway: Make Dog Dental Care Fun and Safe

Switching to homemade dog toothpaste has been one of the best changes I made as a pet parent. Not only do I feel great knowing exactly what’s going into my dog’s mouth, but the brushing sessions have become bonding moments. And yes, his kisses have never been sweeter. By using simple natural ingredients and a gentle routine, you’re, too, implement these dog breath remedies and take the first step toward improving your pet’s dental health.