Did your dog snack on some ‘poop sausage’? Before your pooch gives you stinky kisses, you must know how to clean dog’s mouth after eating poop.
Poop eating may sound gross, but it’s a common behavior among dogs. Experts say that this behavior is attributed to a potential nutrient deficiency, stress, or a condition called Pica. But whatever the cause is, it always calls for some thorough mouth-cleaning.
How to clean dog’s mouth after eating poop
If you discovered that your dog ate poop, you can clean its mouth through a combination of these methods:
1. Brush your dog’s teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective way to clean its mouth after eating feces. You should use a dedicated dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste for this.
Take note that human toothpastes have xylitol, which is a highly toxic substance for dogs. This is why you should never use it for your pet, no matter how much you want to make its breath fresh.
Also, dog toothpaste is flavored, which makes brushing a rewarding experience for canines.
When brushing, try to reach the farthest tooth from the outside. Also, let your dog lick the toothpaste, so it gets spread all over its mouth.
2. Opt for finger brushes
For dogs that hate toothbrushes, a finger toothbrush might do the trick. It’s has a sleeve construction that makes it invisible to your pet’s eyes.
As a regular dog toothbrush, you can use dog toothpaste with this. However, make sure that the finger brush won’t slip out and get swallowed by your dog.
Overall, a finger toothbrush is as effective as a traditional toothbrush in removing poop traces from your dog’s mouth.
3. Use dental wipes
Another way to clean your dog’s mouth after eating poop is by using dental wipes. Unlike typical wipes, dental versions are formulated with gum and teeth-friendly antiseptic. Most of all, it will freshen up your dog’s breath without the risk of poisoning.
Overall, dental wipes clean your dog’s mouth like toothbrushes. However, since it doesn’t have bristles, it won’t be as effective in removing deep-seated dirt, plaque, or tartar.
Nevertheless, wiping your dog’s teeth with dental wipes is a great way to finish off a good brushing session.
4. Give chew sticks
Aside from brushing your dog’s teeth, chew sticks like Dentastix will help remove any remaining poop from your dog’s mouth. These chew treats are designed to scrape off dirt on your dog’s teeth. It’s also infused with ingredients that help freshen up a canine’s breath.
Take note that you should only provide chew sticks once a day. It shouldn’t be given as training treats since it takes time to consume. Also, giving too many chew sticks may upset your dog’s tummy.
5. Mix water additives on the dog bowl
If you don’t want to get up close on your dog’s poop-laced mouth, you can use water additives instead. These additives are mixed in a dog’s water bowl, so as the canine drinks, its mouth will be washed. It’s safe to consume and available in a flavorless formula.
However, you should remember that water additives aren’t alternatives to brushing. Even if you’re using this solution, you should still brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
6. Consider using oral sprays
If your dog doesn’t like water additives, you can try using oral sprays. These sprays will help neutralize foul odor from the poop your dog ate. Also, it will help disinfect your dog’s mouth the same way that water additives work.
Aside from that, some formulations of oral sprays can help reduce plaque and tartar. But then again, it’s not interchangeable with brushing.
7. Provide chew toys
Chew toys are effective ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean. It can also help clean your dog’s mouth after eating poop. However, make sure that you wash it afterward.
Moreover, chew toys should be sized properly for each dog. Also, you should check the stiffness and make sure that it suits your canine.
Above all, chew toys should be replaced once it shows signs of wear and tear. Your dog shouldn’t consume any part of the chew toy because it can lead to intestinal blockages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you disinfect a dog’s mouth?
A: To disinfect a dog’s mouth, you can brush it using dog toothpaste. Water additives, oral sprays, and dental chews are also effective solutions. Other pet owners use dental powder, but make sure that your dog won’t have adverse reactions to it.
Q: What should I do if my dog eats poop?
A: If your dog ate poop, it’s important to observe the pooch for 12 to 24 hours. If your dog exhibits adverse reactions, you should call the vet right away. You should also clean your dog’s mouth after it ate poop.
Q: Why is my dog obsessed with eating poop?
A: Dogs, especially puppies can get obsessed with eating poop. This might be a self-soothing habit when the dog is under extreme stress or anxiety. In some cases, dogs who suffer from Pica eat poop, among other inedible items.
Q: Does a dog’s mouth sanitize itself?
A: A dog’s mouth has saliva containing a balance of acids and alkaline that neutralize germs. However, it’s not necessarily clean. You still have to brush your dog’s mouth, especially after it ate dog poop.
Q: Does pineapple help stop dogs from eating poop?
A: There’s a theory that the poop of a dog that ate pineapple will be unappealing to canines who are obsessed with eating feces. It’s said to be related to bromelain, the enzyme found on pineapples. Such enzyme is said to release an unappealing smell. Still, the results are mostly anecdotal.
Final words
Knowing how to clean dog’s mouth after eating poop will save you from gross kisses. Also, it’s important to clean your dog’s mouth, so it won’t spread the stinky matter all over your house.
But whether your dog ate poop or not, you should still make it a habit to brush its teeth. After all, it’s a crucial part of maintaining proper canine dental health.
