Have you ever heard of doggy dentures? Me neither. Since false teeth aren’t an option it’s best to keep your chihuahua’s teeth clean and plaque-free to prevent periodontal disease. It is especially true of Chihuahuas. You should be even more diligent in keeping their teeth healthy. Why?
Adult dogs have 42 teeth — compared to our measly 32 average. What this means is that a Great Dane has 42 teeth and so does a Chihuahua. Get the picture? 42 teeth in a Chihuahua’s tiny mouth makes for a very crowded mouth. This makes it much easier for plaque and tartar to build up causing gingivitis or periodontal disease.
How many Chihuahuas have you seen with their tounges hanging out? Because of their crowded mouth and periodontal disease, it is common for Chihuahuas to have teeth pulled, especially as they get older. When they lose all their front teeth there is nothing to help keep the tongue in their mouth.
Regardless of how or in what way you choose to keep your Chihuahuas teeth clean at home, it is still important to have their teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian at least once a year. For a Chihuahua, in particular, every six months is better.
However, between professional dental cleanings, it is still up to you to make sure that you do your part at home to keep your Chihuahua’s teeth healthy.
Brushing every day with a dog-safe toothpaste is still the best way to keep your Chihuahua’s teeth clean daily. However, many times that is a lot easier said than done! A Chihuahua that will sit still and calm while you brush their teeth is a rarety indeed. Thankfully there are not alternatives that are easier and still effective.
10 Ways To Clean Their Teeth Without Brushing
#1. A Fresh, Healthy Diet
The number one important thing is to provide your Chihuahua with a natural and healthy diet. Dog food companies have done a good job of convincing people that eating dry kibble will scrape plaque and tartar off a dog’s teeth. That is simply not true! Does eating crunchy food scrape the tartar and plaque off your teeth? Well, then…..
A fresh natural diet will do a lot more toward keeping your Chi’s teeth strong and healthy than any dry kibble will.
#2. Natural Dental Sprays
If your Chi will allow you to lift up their lips on either side, then a dental spray is a good option and much easier than brushing. Dental sprays will help reduce and prevent plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth as well as control bacteria that causes it. An added bonus is minty fresh breath!
Leba III Dental Spray
A unique dental spray for dogs and cats, balances the chemistry of the mouth to keep teeth clean and the gums healthy for the entire life of your pet, without side effects.
#3. Dental Chew Toys
Dental chew toys are designed to encourage your Chihuahua to chew and are made in different textures that will help to scrape off plaque and tartar. Dental chew toys alone are not going to be enough, however, it is an option that will help and that will require no effort from you and is a pleasure for your Chihuahua. Remember to always supervise your Chi while chewing on any toy to make sure that they don’t swallow any large pieces.
#4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is often referred to as “natures toothpaste” has antimicrobial properties that promote dental health. But, best of all, dogs love it!
Studies being done have proven some big benefits of coconut oil in promoting dental health. According to one study “plaque and gingivitis were significantly decreased by day seven and continued to decrease for the duration of the study”.
I learned a great tip from I Heart Dogs regarding coconut oil that I (and my Chihuahuas) absolutely love!
GET TIP
Grab a healthy dog-friendly vegetable like a carrot, poke holes in it with a knife, and drip liquid coconut oil into the holes. Then throw the carrot stick in the freezer for a few minutes and then serve to your Chi — Warning, it’s messy!
#5. Dental Wipes
If your Chihuahua is like mine they will allow you to put your finger in their mouth but will run at the sight of a toothbrush, then dental wipes may be the right option for you. Dental wipes will do the job of removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your Chihuahua’s teeth.
#6. Raw Bones
Never give your Chihuahua cooked bones of any type and never give them chicken bones ever. Cooked bones can easily splinter and chicken bones are a huge choking hazard. With that being said, raw bones are very good for your Chi.
Make sure that they are size appropriate and always supervise your Chihuahua while chewing on a raw bone! When my Chihuahuas’ raw bones get chewed down to a size small enough to be swallowed whole, I throw it away. Don’t take any chances on your Chi chocking on a bone.
#7. Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are a great way to help scrape plaque and tartar off teeth. Dogs absolutely love them! They make less of a mess than a raw bone does and they are completely digestible. An added bonus is that they will keep your Chihuahua occupied for longer AND keep your Chihuahua’s teeth clean at the same time!
Just be sure to adjust their food serving for that day because bully sticks are high in calories. And always supervise while your Chi is chewing on a bully stick. Again, when they have chewed it down to a piece that they could swallow whole, I throw it away.
#8 Water Additives And Rinses
One of the easiest ways to help keep your Chihuahua’s teeth clean is water additives or rinses. It’s as simple as adding a drop into your Chi’s water bowl.
If your Chi will let you, rinses are a good choice. These are generally more effective than water additives, but you should talk to your veterinarian before use. Instead of putting in your Chi’s water bowl, you apply this along your Chihuahua’s gum line. Use after each meal or as per your veterinarian’s instructions.
#9 Antlers
While chewing on antlers they gradually chip away the antler and thus massage the teeth and gums and remove plaque. These will last for days, even weeks. Be sure that the antler you choose is one that was naturally shed. They also sell antlers that were cut off live deer or elk.
Any time you give your Chihuahua anything to chew there are potential choking hazards, so please be sure that you supervise whenever your Chihuahua has a chew treat of any kind.
Dental Chew Treats
Dental chew treats would probably be your Chihuahua’s choice. I love seeing the love in my Chihuahuas’ eyes when I give them a treat. I know that you do too. So, if you love to treat them why not give them a treat that also promotes good dental health?
I give my Chihuahuas OraVet. Why? OraVet is the only dental chew of it’s kind. It contains delmopinol and works to loosen and dislodge plaque as your Chihuahua happily chews away. But that’s no all. It also forms a barrier that protects against bacteria that causes plaque and tartar to buildup in the first place. Add bonus? Fresh kissable breath! It only takes one chew a day.
OraVet Dental Chews
Recommended by vets and highly dissolvable for easy digestion with a great taste that dogs will love.
Studies show that after nearly 2 months of use, dogs have 42% less plaque, 54% less tartar, and halitosis is reduced by 52.5%.
There are precautions you should know about and they are mentioned on the “BUY” page when you click the button above.
Brushing daily with a dog-safe toothpaste is still the very best way to keep your Chihuahuas teeth and gums healthy. I really don’t know many people that actually do it every day. Most Chihuahuas hate it and it’s a huge hassle. I’m guilty of not brushing my dogs’ teeth as much as I should ….. hardly ever …. seldom …… okay, not at all. Do I feel guilty? You bet! But I’m grateful for all the above products that help protect my Chihuahuas’ from periodontal disease.
So, be honest and leave a reply below — how many times a week do you brush your Chihuahua’s teeth? When you know that you aren’t alone in the struggle, you feel less guilty!
