Every time I take Júpiter and Pluto to the vet, the same thing happens — the vet checks their teeth and says they look great. Clean, healthy and no bad breath. I am honestly proud of this because dental care for large dogs is something a lot of people overlook.
I will be honest — since having our baby I do not brush their teeth as often as I used to. With an 11-month-old at home, some routines have had to adapt. But I have found a combination of things that keeps their teeth in great shape even on the busiest days.
Why dental care matters for German Shepherds
Bad dental health in dogs is not just about bad breath. It can lead to infections, tooth loss and even affect their heart and kidneys over time. For large breeds like German Shepherds, taking care of their teeth from an early age makes a real difference in their long-term health.
Signs your German Shepherd may have dental issues:
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Reluctance to eat or chew
- Pawing at their mouth
Júpiter and Pluto have never had any of these issues. Their mouths are healthy, their breath is fine and the vet always comments on how clean their teeth look. Here is everything we do.
The frozen chicken paw — our secret weapon
This is the thing that has made the biggest difference for us. Almost every day we give Júpiter and Pluto a frozen chicken paw. They absolutely love it — the moment they see us getting it they start going crazy with excitement.
Why frozen? Because the cold and the texture work together to scrub their teeth naturally as they chew. The cartilage and bone act like a natural toothbrush, getting into the spaces between teeth and removing buildup. It also keeps them busy for a good while, which is a bonus when you have a baby at home.
Since we started giving them frozen chicken paws regularly, I have noticed their teeth stay noticeably cleaner between brushing sessions. The vet has confirmed this too — their teeth look great and we credit the chicken paws as a big reason why.
Always give chicken paws frozen — not cooked. Cooked bones can splinter and be dangerous. Raw frozen chicken paws are safe and incredibly effective for natural teeth cleaning.
Brushing their teeth — two completely different dogs
Before the baby arrived I brushed Júpiter and Pluto's teeth more regularly. Now with an 11-month-old at home I do it when I can — not every day, but consistently enough to make a difference. Life with a baby and two large dogs requires flexibility and realistic expectations.
Both Júpiter and Pluto have their own toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on dogs — the fluoride and other ingredients can be toxic for them. Dog toothpaste comes in flavors they love like chicken or peanut butter, which makes the experience much easier for everyone.
Júpiter — he actually loves it
Júpiter is the easiest dog I have ever tried to brush teeth on. The moment I bring out the toothbrush he relaxes completely. He lies down, rolls onto his back with his belly up and just lets me do it. He is so relaxed that sometimes he grabs the toothbrush with his paws and does not want to let go — like he wants to keep the toothbrush for himself. It is one of the funniest and most endearing things he does. I always talk to him softly while I brush and he just melts.
Pluto — he thinks it is something terrible
Pluto is the complete opposite. The moment he sees the toothbrush coming toward him he lowers his head and flattens his ears completely — like he is preparing for something awful. He looks at me with those big sad eyes as if I am about to do something unforgivable. He is not aggressive about it, he just looks absolutely defeated.
What helps Pluto is talking to him with a lot of love and petting him throughout the whole process. I never rush it and I never make it tense. I stroke his ears, speak softly and go slowly. By the end he tolerates it and gets a treat immediately after. His association with it is improving slowly — he no longer runs away when he sees the toothbrush, he just looks very sorry for himself while it happens.
You do not need to brush perfectly every single day. Consistency over time matters more than perfection. Even brushing a few times a week combined with natural chews makes a real difference. And always speak with love — it makes everything easier for your dog and for you.
Raw carrots — a natural dental treat
We give Júpiter and Pluto raw carrots regularly — not every day but often enough. Carrots are crunchy and fibrous which means chewing them naturally scrubs the surface of their teeth. They are also a healthy low-calorie snack that both dogs love.
It is not something I specifically added to their routine for dental purposes — it started as a food supplement for their diet and I noticed the dental benefit as a bonus. Now it is one more tool in our dental care routine.
Coconut oil — they lick it and it helps
We apply coconut oil on Júpiter and Pluto's nose and paws regularly — it moisturizes and protects their skin. But something I have noticed is that they always lick it off enthusiastically. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties that can help with oral health when they lick it.
It is not a replacement for brushing but it is one more small thing that contributes to their overall oral hygiene. And they love the taste so much that it is never a struggle.
What the vet says
Every time we go to the vet, without exception, they check Júpiter and Pluto's teeth and give them a clean bill of health. No buildup, no gum issues, no bad breath. The vet has always been happy with the condition of their teeth.
I think the combination of regular natural chews, occasional brushing and a good diet is what keeps their dental health in such great shape. None of these things alone is a miracle solution — it is the combination and consistency that makes the difference.
✅ Frozen chicken paw almost daily · ✅ Toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste when possible · ✅ Raw carrots regularly · ✅ Coconut oil on nose and paws (they lick it) · ✅ Regular vet checkups · ✅ No bad breath, clean teeth every visit
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🐾 Written by Júpiter & Pluto's mom — real experience keeping two German Shepherds' teeth healthy. Always consult your vet for specific dental health advice.