It’s easy to overlook dental health when it comes to your pets. But keeping your pup’s teeth clean impacts their overall health and wellness. An effective toothpaste removes plaque buildup that, if left unchecked, can cause several dental problems for your pup. To help you find the best toothpaste for your dog, our team of experts tested some of the top options on the market using criteria including ingredients, smell, consistency, and more.
As pet parents, we all want to provide the best for our furry family members — and that includes regular dental care. With a multitude of pet dental products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
When selecting a toothpaste for your dog, there are a few key factors to consider:
There are two main types of dog toothbrushes – handled brushes and finger brushes. Keep in mind that using a brush is always recommended, even when using a brushless paste. The act of brushing is what removes tartar buildup.
We recommend trying different types of brushes to find what works best for you and your canine. The size and breed of your dog matters less than their personal preferences.
Keep in mind that you will need to reach the back of your dog’s jaw as you brush. You may want to opt for a soft-bristled doggie toothbrush that will give your dog an efficient and gentle tooth-brushing experience. Since human toothbrushes are shaped for our mouths, we don’t recommend using one on your dog.
You can give your dog dental chews in addition to daily brushing. Many options taste like a treat, so your pup will have no idea they’re eating something that’s cleaning the plaque off their teeth.
Dental water additives are liquids that can be added to your dog’s water to clean and freshen their mouth. These are not replacements for daily toothbrushing but help fight plaque and reduce tartar. Many dental water additives have ingredients like zinc chloride, citric acid, and sodium citrate that fight bad breath and prevent bacterial buildup.
Never use human toothpaste on your dog — leave Arm & Hammer and Colgate to the humans. Fluoride is a common ingredient in human toothpaste that’s extremely dangerous for dogs.
Human options also often contain a harmful ingredient called xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. If consumed, your pet will need to be taken to the vet straight away for help. Xylitol can cause severe drops in blood sugar, which can result in seizures, lethargy, and liver failure.
Many popular toothpaste brands have been recommended by others out there. However, after reviewing, we decided not to include them on our list. Here’s why.
There are several high-quality dog toothpastes on the market, but two stand out due to their effectiveness and rave reviews from pet owners. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is known for its excellent cleaning abilities and breath-freshening qualities, and it comes in a variety of flavors that dogs love. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste is another top pick, earning high marks from users and being named Amazon’s choice for pet toothpaste.
Veterinarians often recommend products that have been proven to be effective and safe for pets. Two such products are Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste and Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. Both these toothpastes are known for their plaque-fighting abilities and are often recommended by professionals in the field.
When selecting a toothpaste for your dog, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that can be harmful to your pet. Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Also, human toothpaste often contains fluoride, which can be harmful if swallowed by dogs.
Yes, dogs do require special toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful if ingested by dogs. Dog toothpaste is formulated to be safe for dogs to swallow and often comes in flavors that are appealing to them.
You’ll see the best results from regular brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste. That’s key for removing tartar from your dog’s teeth. There are toothpastes specifically designed to remove tartar effectively. Additionally, professional cleanings by a veterinarian can help remove any stubborn tartar that brushing alone can’t handle.
DIY dog toothpaste is an easy way and affordable to keep your pup’s teeth clean without any extra trips to the pet store. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian about ingredient safety before trying your hand at making homemade dog toothpaste.
