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Can I remove my dog's tartar at home without a vet dental cleaning?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Spitz | Female | spayed | 2 years and 5 months old | 11 lbs

Is it possible to get rid of my dog's tartar buildup without dental cleaning (cause I really can't let) but at home with brushing her teeth with pasta made by soda or is it already too bad?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Joshie's tartar build up isn't that bad. I think the best thing for you to do if you do not want to anesthetize him to clean the teeth is to be as aggressive as possible to prevent further tartar build up. Some dogs will allow you to try and scrape the tartar off with your nail or the Vet with instruments. But honestly they have to be VERY good as no one wants to get bit. So I would focus on prevention. He should have his teeth brushed at a MINIMUM of 3 days a week. I would put him on Hill's t/d food and take a look at this link from the Veterinary Oral Health Council on accepted products: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html I would try to buy a dog tooth paste but the paste you are making should be fine. I hope this helps and I wish you and Joshie the best!

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