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Just like humans, dogs need teeth cleaning products to maintain their dental hygiene. Dogs who don’t have good dental health could be in pain or have extra stinky breath. However, dogs can’t brush their teeth on their own like we can, so it’s up to us to help them. We want to ensure that all dog parents can give their dog the dental care needed, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog teeth cleaning products.
The Best Dog Teeth Cleaning Products
The number of products on the market for dog dental health can be overwhelming, so how do you choose? Dog toothbrushes and toothpaste are the most effective choices, but some dogs refuse to have their teeth brushed. Thus, we’ve selected a variety of dental products so you can find one that’s both effective and convenient for your dog.
1. iHeartDogs Happy, Healthy Brushy Sticks Dental Treats for Dogs
If you find yourself struggling to brush your dog’s teeth every day, you may want to use these treats on the days your dog refuses to cooperate. The iHeartDogs Brushy Sticks look, smell, and taste like a delicious treat to your dog, but they can remove plaque and tartar while also freshening breath as your dog chews. They come in two sizes, both with an easy-to-chew texture that dogs of all ages and breeds can appreciate. Plus, every bag purchased donates seven meals to shelter dogs!
2. TropiClean Fresh Breath Dog Oral Care Water Additive
A water additive is the easiest way to add dental care to your dog’s routine. All you have to do is add a little to your dog’s water and they will get the benefits every time they take a drink. Most dogs won’t even notice this in their water bowl, making it perfect for dogs to avoid teeth brushing at all costs. This formula can help control plaque and tartar while also freshening your dog’s breath.
3. Nylabone Power Chew Easy Hold Dog Toy
Nylabone is known for making durable toys for heavy chewers, and this one is designed specifically with dental hygiene in mind. The toy is shaped in a way that makes it easy for your dog to hold it with their paws while they chew. Each side has unique grooves on it to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. It even has a bacon flavor to entice dogs, making them less likely to chew on things they shouldn’t.
4. Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush and Enzymatic Toothpaste Kit
This kit comes with just about everything your dog needs for proper dental health. It includes dog toothpaste and two types of dog toothbrushes. The smaller toothbrush slides on your finger, making it easier to brush hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s mouth. The enzymatic toothpaste can gently remove plaque and tartar while also freshening their breath. Most dogs will be hesitant about getting their teeth brushed, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent dental disease.
5. Virbac CET Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
This is another effective dog toothpaste option. It cleans your furry friend’s mouth by reducing plaque and freshening breath. It’s vet-recommended and safe to swallow, helping pet parents feel at ease when using it on their dogs’ teeth. You can choose between vanilla, chicken, or beef flavors to make the toothpaste more appealing to your pup.
6. Petkin Dog and Cat Dental Wipes
Dental wipes are another convenient teeth cleaning product for dogs. All you have to do is wrap one of the damp cloths around your finger and then rub it against your dog’s teeth. It’s quicker and easier than traditional teeth cleaning while still effectively cleaning teeth and gums, reducing plaque and tartar, and freshening breath. It’s veterinarian-approved, and it doesn’t require any water or rinsing to do its job. It even has a mint flavor that many dogs love.
7. Whimzees by Wellness Natural Dental Chews
Whimzees are another dental chew that most dogs will mistake for a normal treat. When your dog chews on these vet-recommended snacks, they’ll experience fresher breath and less plaque and tartar. These chews come in a variety of unique shapes, all of which have small grooves to clean hard-to-reach spaces of your dog’s teeth. They’re available in four different sizes so all breeds can enjoy them.
8. iHeartDogs Fresh Mint Scented Brushing Bone Toy
If your dog loves to chew, this toy can satisfy that need while also cleaning their teeth. The natural rubber chew toy has a refreshing mint scent to entice your dog and freshen their breath. Then, the soft bristles help scrape off plaque and tartar as they chew. You can even stuff small treats and kibble pieces in the crevices to make the toy more exciting for your furry friend. Plus, every toy purchased donates a toy to an animal shelter.
9. iHeartDogs Fresh Mint Scented Brushing Ball
This natural rubber chew ball is similar to the bone toy. It entices your dog and freshens their breath with its mint scent, and it scrapes off plaque and tartar with its soft spikes. It also has several grooves that you can hide treats and kibble in if you want. These balls can be great for fetch because they can bounce easily, making them exciting for dogs to chase. Each purchase donates a toy to a dog in need.
10. Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel for Dogs and Cats
If you don’t have a dog toothbrush handy, that’s okay. This toothpaste gel can be used without any brushing. Simply squirt the toothpaste directly onto your dog’s teeth or use your finger if needed. It’s vet-recommended because it’s safe for daily use and it’s easier to use than some of its competitors. By using this product regularly, your dog can have cleaner teeth, cleaner gums, and fresher breath.
11. Petlab Co. Dog Dental Formula
This is another water additive formula that’s proven to give your dog a brighter smile with daily use. Like similar products, all you have to do is add a little to your dog’s water, and the product will work when your dog drinks from their water bowl. It can reduce tartar buildup while also freshening your dog’s breath, making your pup more kissable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup and promote optimal oral health. However, if daily brushing isn’t feasible, aiming for several times a week is beneficial and can still make a significant difference in your dog’s dental health. On days without brushing, you can use other dental products like chews or water additives.
What are Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs?
Signs of dental problems in dogs include persistent bad breath, yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth, bleeding or inflamed gums, difficulty eating, excessive drooling, and tooth loss. If you observe any of these symptoms, talk to your vet right away. Regular dental check-ups can help detect and prevent these problems.
Can I Use Human Toothpaste for Dogs?
No, you should not use human toothpaste for dogs. Many human toothpastes contain ingredients, like xylitol or fluoride, that are toxic to dogs. Always use a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs to ensure their safety and well-being.
Are Dog Dental Chews Effective For Cleaning Teeth?
Yes, dog dental chews are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar by mechanically scraping the teeth as the dog chews. Many dental chews also contain ingredients that can help freshen breath or break down plaque. However, while they can be a beneficial part of an oral hygiene routine, they should be used in addition to teeth brushing, not in place of.
How Often Should Dogs Get a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
The frequency of professional teeth cleanings for dogs varies based on their breed, age, and dental health. Typically, veterinarians recommend an annual dental check-up, with cleanings as advised based on the dog’s individual needs. Consulting with your veterinarian will provide the best guidance for your dog’s dental care schedule.
Is Bad Breath in Dogs Normal?
While dogs don’t naturally have minty-fresh breath, extremely foul-smelling breath is not typical and can indicate health problems. Persistent bad breath in dogs can be a sign of periodontal disease, gastrointestinal issues, or other underlying conditions. It’s important to consult a veterinarian if your dog has consistently bad breath to rule out potential health concerns.
Do Small Dogs Have More Dental Issues Than Large Dogs?
Yes, small dog breeds often have more dental issues than larger breeds, primarily because their teeth can be crowded together, leading to increased plaque and tartar buildup. This crowding can make it harder to keep teeth clean and can result in a higher risk of periodontal disease. Regular dental care is especially crucial for smaller breeds to prevent these issues.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of dog teeth cleaning products out there, including the many effective options mentioned in this article. Some options include toothbrushes, toothpaste gel, dental chews, water additives, and dental toys. Using more than one of these products can improve your dog’s dental health even more.
Dental disease can lead to lots of uncomfortable symptoms in dogs, so consider using one of these excellent dental products to stay on top of your furry friend’s health.
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