My Dog Ate Poop How Do I Clean His Mouth? [The Best Options]

What can be worse than having to clean your dog’s mouth after they have eaten poop? Unfortunately, that’s the situation you may find yourself in from time to time. But how do you do so safely, effectively, and hygienically? That’s what we will be discussing today.

So, how do you clean a dog’s mouth that has eaten poop? You can clean a dog’s mouth with specific mouthwash, toothpaste, or dental chews designed for dogs. Equally, you can use a clean cloth or a doggie toothbrush to gently rub teeth and around the mouth. It is, however, essential that you only use products intended for use on dogs and be gentle and not overly forceful at all times.

Thankfully you have quite a few options.

Although some are certainly more effective than others.

Especially when not all dogs like the fuss and attention.

Sometimes it can be particularly challenging to get your dog to sit still, or worse yet, allow you access to their dirty mouths.

But don’t be discouraged.

Maintaining good hygiene is the most important thing here, after all.

Who wants a dog with pooey breath anyway!

So, let us now break down the approach of cleaning for each option in further detail so that you can forget about this as quickly as possible!

How Do I Clean My Dog’s Mouth After Eating Poop?

To clean your dog’s mouth after eating poop you will need to safely and effectively remove any remnants of poop. Certain dog-friendly oral products, along with increasing your dog’s natural production of saliva are the most effective methods.

Let’s get into the methods.

Mouthwash

First and foremost, you can use something as simple as a mouthwash designed for dogs.

That’s right – they do exist.

It is essential that you never reach for the Listerine though.

Many of the ingredients found in human mouthwashes can be outright dangerous and toxic to a dog.

So, stick with a well-formulated and trusted brand. This is the one to buy from Amazon ?.

And as you can see, it’s so simple to use – you just need to add it to their drinking water.

As your dog drinks, they’ll naturally be swishing around the solution and it will be effectively breaking down bacteria and any remnants of the poop that remains in their mouth.

It has to be the most convenient method and better still, you don’t need to get up in your dog’s face or anywhere near them for that matter.

At least until it’s all gone!

Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Next up we have a more hands-on practical approach. Manual cleaning.

While this may seem relatively gross – the benefit of this approach is that you can get the poop (and any accompanying bad breath) removed very quickly!

Besides, sometimes we just want to get rid of the evidence.

Or, we have something in our schedule that cannot wait.

Dogs sometimes need sorting out, and quickly.

That’s where doggie toothpaste and toothbrushes come in.

Again, you’ll need both products that are designed for dogs.

Human toothpaste can be highly problematic and dangerous; human toothbrushes can be ineffective, or even accidentally harm or gag your dog.

Below is a well-reviewed all-in-one kit from Amazon that provides all that you need. I suggest you take a look:

Dental Chews

Dental chews and stix are often recommended by vets to routinely give to dogs to maintain good oral hygiene.

What better time than to use them following the consumption of poop?

In fact, there benefits are twofold:

1. The chewing will help your dog produce more saliva,
2. The ridges and edges of the chews will help scrape away any poop that is stuck in the mouth, and remove any dental plaque all at the same time.

Win, win.

You may want to let your dog do this outside however, you don’t really want that saliva going everywhere in your home!

Cloth and Wipe

So long as you are careful, you could even approach your dog slowly and look to gently wipe away any poop residue from their mouth.

A clean, soft cloth is all you need here.

Perhaps dampening it a little before you start.

Just be sure to wash or dispose of the cloth soon after.

At the very least keep it out of the reach of your dog – you don’t want them eating this too!

Failing this, you could also opt for dog wipes that are good for sensitive areas. Though you will of course need to order these for next time, unfortunately…

Still they are good to have in the house, especially for grooming.

Let Nature Do Its Course

Here’s the good news.

Dogs’ saliva is naturally cleansing – it will automatically break down bacteria and will generally be removed from the mouth through dribble.

At the same time, the consumption of any water or food will also support the saliva production process – again helping to naturally clean the mouth.

So, if you simply keep your dog well fed and provide them with plenty of water, the poop should go in time.

Not perhaps the most effective, but it is the most economical and doesn’t require the need for any products, per se.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Dogs naturally eat poop, both dog and other animal poop, and do so for a variety of reasons. They are also to like to it at different stages of their life. While offputting, it is in many ways instinctual to them and is not necessarily a cause for concern unless it becomes all-consuming or compulsive.

Some camps believe that dogs have been doing it for thousands of years and that it is a natural part of scavenging; a means of ensuring they get enough food to eat.

Other camps will argue it’s a behavioral attempt to get more attention.

And then there is the argument that a dog may be anxious, feeling unwell, is being fed a diet lacking in nutrients/calories, or is seeking to acquire undigested food.

In reality, it’s probably a combination of different factors at different times.

It’s likely context-dependent and that differs depending on the environment, age, and health of a dog.

And most importantly, most vets and dog experts would not classify poop eating as abnormal or necessarily bad behavior if it only happens every so often.

Unless of course, it is accompanied by other symptoms of ill health.

Can A Dog Get Sick From Eating Poop?

Most poop eating will be harmless for a dog, although dogs can get sick if they eat poop that is contaminated with parasites, viruses, certain strains of bacteria, or toxins.

Sickness is more likely to occur when dogs eat the poop of other dogs or other animals.

Generally, a dog will develop one of or several of the following symptoms in the hours or days following the event:

• Vomiting,
• Diahreea,
• Lethargy
• Weakness,
• Disinterest in food,
• Weight loss,

It is therefore essential that you closely monitor your dog following any consumption of poop.

If you suspect they are developing symptoms, contact your vet at the earliest opportunity.

How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Poop?

Preventing your dog from eating poop is as much about careful planning as it is about implementing techniques of distraction and eliminating exposure.

Here are some things you should look to introduce if you are not already:

Remove Poop Right Away

Your dog cannot eat poop if it is not there right?

The more you can clean up after your dog, the fewer opportunities your dog will have to be able to partake in this behavior.

Of course, dogs will always go to the bathroom without you knowing, so this strategy is only effective to some extent.

Train Commands

There are several commands you can teach your dog to stop eating their poop.

Perhaps the most appropriate here is the “leave it” command.

Besides, this is great for stopping them from eating anything which they shouldn’t.

Once taught, all you need to do is relay this command and your dog should stop in its tracks.

They’ll then know that poop is off-limits.

To teach the command will take time and consistency, and the involvement of many treats, but it will be certainly worth your effort.

Keep Your Dog Occupied

If poop-eating is a result of boredom, then you can help to resolve the underlying cause by keeping them more busy.

Games, regular walks, interactive toys.

All are good approaches.

Optimize The Diet and Feeding Schedule

It could just be your dog is hungry or not getting enough nutrition.

So, be sure to feed your dog a high-quality feed, inappropriate amounts for their age, size, and activity level.

You’ll want to stick to higher protein sources that contain minimal grains too.

When it comes to feeding, be sure to put down food at the same time each day.

This will help to maintain a regular eat/poop schedule which can help ensure they consume the right amount of food, and that you can be there to clean up when the time comes!

Get Your Dog A Checkup

It could very well be that your dog is suffering from something.

It could be an infection, a parasite, or other disorder which prevents them from properly digesting their food or is causing excess hunger.

If you notice or suspect anything is up with your dog, do take them to see a vet.

They’ll be able to run some tests and investigate the issue.

You may find that with a little treatment, this poop-eating behavior subsides.

Finally

Dogs eat poop.

Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is.

Even if it wasn’t advertised to you before you brought your dog home.

Besides, it’s a pretty gross subject. Can we really blame them?

Nevertheless, for the most part, cleaning up after your dog here isn’t too difficult or time-consuming with the right products.

And making the investment now and having them on hand can ensure you are ready the next time it comes around.

Failing that rest assured your dog does come equipped with a natural mouth self-cleaning system.

So, at the very least, it will go. Just in time without your intervention.

But if you get the supplies in, you’ll be able to swiftly sort this out the next time it happens.

The same can be said if your dog is pooping in the house.

Concerned or wondering what other things your dog can/cannot eat. Check out my related guides below:

• My Dog Ate Toothpaste [What You Must Do, Right Now]
• My Dog Ate Aspirin [This Is What You Must Now Do]
• My Dog Ate A Napkin [How Worried Do You Need To Be?]
• My Dog Ate A Scrunchie [This Is What You Need To Do]
• My Dog Ate A Rubber Band [What Do You Need To Do Now?]