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The importance of dog toothpaste is often overlooked by pet parents. If possible, dogs should get their teeth brushed daily just like humans should. This not only keeps their breath fresh but also prevents dental diseases that could lead to other serious health problems.
While brushing your dog’s teeth can be a frustrating task, the job becomes considerably easier and more effective with the right dog toothpaste. To help with your search, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog toothpaste products available. However, talking to your vet can be beneficial before making a decision.
Buyer’s Guide: Dog Toothpaste
Choosing quality toothpaste is crucial for maintaining your dog’s oral health. However, the number of products on the market can be overwhelming. Consider the following aspects when making your decision.
Ingredients
Look for toothpaste with pet-safe ingredients that won’t harm your dog if swallowed. Avoid any products with artificial sweeteners or other additives that could hurt your dog. Many dog parents prefer products with natural or organic ingredients, but make sure those ingredients can still effectively clean teeth.
Enzymatic toothpaste is often the best choice because it contains enzymes that effectively break down plaque and tartar while still being safe to swallow.
Flavor
Whether or not the toothpaste needs flavor depends on your dog’s preferences. Some dogs will be less likely to resist if the toothpaste tastes good. Luckily, there are lots of options with poultry or peanut butter flavoring. However, if your dog is finicky about flavors, a tasteless and odorless toothpaste may be the better choice.
Ease of Use
Some toothpaste products come in a gel form that can be applied to a dog’s teeth without brushing, which can be a good option for dogs who refuse to sit still. If the toothpaste requires brushing, it may be more convenient if it comes with a quality toothbrush to use.
Recommendations and Reviews
Products that are vet-recommended are often the best, especially if they’re vet-formulated. You can also look at online reviews from other pet parents to see if the product was effective for their dogs. When in doubt, ask your vet for advice on the best dog dental products.
Best Toothpaste for Dogs
1. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Veterinarian-formulated
- Made from a blend of natural ingredients
- Freshens breath while cleaning plaque and tartar
Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is a top-notch dental care product highly recommended by veterinarians and dog parents. Crafted from a blend of natural ingredients such as aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes, this toothpaste effectively combats plaque and tartar, improving overall dental health. It’s safe for dogs to swallow, eliminating the need for rinsing and making teeth cleaning hassle-free. Also, it works wonders in eliminating bad breath, leaving your dog’s mouth fresh and clean.
2. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
- Flavorful for dogs
- First toothpaste to receive the VOHL Seal of Acceptance
- Dissolves sticky biofilm to reduce plaque and tartar
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is a high-quality product known for its advanced formula and proven effectiveness. It’s the first pet toothpaste to be awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s Seal of Acceptance for plaque inhibition, highlighting its superior performance in promoting dental health. Made with Petsmile’s patented Calprox formula, this toothpaste is designed to dissolve sticky biofilm from your pet’s teeth, effectively preventing plaque, tartar build-up, and bad breath. It’s safe to swallow, making the teeth brushing process easier and stress-free. Plus, with its appealing London broil flavor, Petsmile’s toothpaste makes dental hygiene a treat for your pet.
3. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
- Several appealing flavors
- Vet-recommended
- Reduces plaque formation while freshening breath
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs is widely recognized for its effective oral hygiene benefits. This toothpaste is specially formulated with an exclusive, patented dual-enzyme system that generates a natural antibacterial action to inhibit the formation of plaque, effectively eliminating mouth bacteria, reducing tartar build-up, and freshening breath. What sets this product apart is its range of dog-friendly flavors like poultry and seafood, which make teeth brushing an enjoyable experience for your pet. It’s designed to be safe to swallow, making this product easy and convenient.
4. Arm & Hammer for Pets Clinical Care Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Uses baking soda to effectively clean dog teeth
- Also freshens breath while reducing plaque
- Chicken flavored
Arm & Hammer for Pets Clinical Care Enzymatic Toothpaste harnesses the natural power of baking soda, which effectively deodorizes and cleans your dog’s teeth. It also includes additional enzymes to combat plaque and tartar build-up. The toothpaste is poultry flavored, making the brushing experience enjoyable for your dog. Plus, it’s formulated to be safe to swallow. The product’s potent yet gentle formula ensures effective dental care, resulting in fresher breath and healthier teeth for your pet. As a trusted brand in oral care, this is a popular choice for maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene.
5. TropiClean Fresh Breath No Brush Dental Gel
- No brushing required
- Uses natural ingredients like green tea leaf extract
- Fights plaque and tartar while freshening breath
Also available at Petco
TropiClean Fresh Breath No Brush Dental Gel is a unique and highly convenient dental care solution for dogs. Designed with busy pet parents in mind, this product doesn’t require brushing, making it easier for pups who squirm. It uses a blend of natural ingredients, including green tea leaf extract, to fight plaque and tartar effectively. When applied to the teeth, the gel works fast to freshen breath and clean the oral cavity, promising up to 12 hours of fresh breath. This gel is safe for routine use and is designed to be swallowed by your pet, eliminating any need for rinsing.
6. Radius USA Organic Canine Toothpaste
- Uses natural and organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free and eco-friendly
- Prevents bacteria buildup and freshens breath
Radius USA Organic Canine Toothpaste is an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes natural and organic products for their pets. The toothpaste is formulated with organic coconut oil, chamomile, and cinnamon. The coconut oil naturally prevents bacteria build-up, while chamomile and cinnamon offer calming and breath-freshening benefits. This toothpaste also stands out for its dedication to being cruelty-free and eco-friendly, with no artificial ingredients, chemicals, or preservatives. The product’s focus on high-quality organic ingredients and sustainability makes it a unique and health-conscious choice for maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene.
7. Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste
- Tasteless, odorless formula
- Works with or without a brush
- Neutralizes harmful bacteria and prevents bad breath
Oxyfresh Premium Dog Toothpaste is a top-tier dental care product, well-regarded for its innovative formula and effectiveness. This toothpaste features Oxygene®, a proprietary ingredient that safely and effectively neutralizes harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease and bad breath. It’s non-toxic and safe to swallow, making it easier to brush your dog’s teeth without rinsing. One of its standout features is its tasteless and odorless formula, which is ideal for picky dogs who may reject flavored toothpaste.
8. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Control Toothpaste
- Reduces plaque, tartar, and bad breath
- Features Denta-C, a scientifically-formulated ingredient blend
- Comes in a peanut butter flavor
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Tartar Control Toothpaste is a stellar product focused on providing comprehensive dental care for dogs. Its advanced formula is designed to reduce tartar and control plaque build-up, promoting healthier teeth and gums. The toothpaste features Denta-C, a scientifically-formulated blend of ingredients, including Vitamin C, clinically proven to reduce plaque. If you want to make it more appealing for your dog, there’s a peanut butter flavor available. Safe to swallow and easy to use, Nylabone’s toothpaste is a reliable option for maintaining a fresh, clean mouth.
9. Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste Kit
- Comes with a finger brush
- Poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste
- Removes food particles and plaque while fighting bad breath
The Vetoquinol Enzymatic Toothpaste Kit is a comprehensive dental care solution designed for the optimal oral health of pets. This kit includes a finger brush and poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste that most dogs find appealing. The toothpaste contains a triple enzyme formula designed to remove food particles and plaque, effectively fighting tartar and bad breath. Plus, it’s safe to swallow. With the additional tools included in the kit, this product provides a complete, efficient, and convenient approach to maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene.
10. Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel for Dogs
- No brushing required
- Reduces plaque, soothes gums, and freshens breath
- Veterinarian-recommended
Also available at Petco
Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel for Dogs is a cutting-edge product designed to provide excellent dental care without the need for brushing. This enzyme-based formula helps maintain oral health by inhibiting harmful bacteria, reducing plaque, and soothing inflamed gums. The toothpaste gel includes the LP3 Enzyme System that relies on the natural defense mechanism of enzymes to kill bacteria. Safe for everyday use and designed to be swallowed, it’s easy to apply and perfect for dogs who are resistant to brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Use Human Toothpaste?
No, you should never use human toothpaste for your dog. Most human toothpastes contain fluoride, which is extremely poisonous to dogs. Some may also contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are highly toxic to pets. Dog toothpaste is specifically formulated to be safe for dogs to swallow.
How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
It’s recommended to brush your dog’s teeth daily, just like you would for your own teeth. However, if this isn’t possible, even brushing a few times a week can be beneficial. In between teeth brushings, you can give your dog dental treats to further aid their dental health.
Is Dog Toothpaste Safe to Swallow?
Yes, dog toothpaste is specifically designed to be safe for dogs to swallow because dogs cannot spit it out like humans can. Thus, you don’t have to worry about rinsing your dog’s mouth after brushing.
What Flavor of Dog Toothpaste is Best?
Most dogs tend to prefer meaty flavors like chicken or beef, but it can vary depending on your dog’s individual preference. Some dogs dislike flavors and do better with a product that has no taste or scent. It may take some trial and error to find a flavor your dog enjoys.
Does Dog Toothpaste Expire?
Yes, dog toothpaste can expire. It’s important to check the expiration date on the packaging before use because using expired toothpaste may not provide the effective cleaning necessary for your dog’s oral health. In rare cases, expired toothpaste could potentially cause an adverse reaction.
Can You Use Dog Toothpaste on Cats?
Yes, you can generally use dog toothpaste on cats since most pet toothpaste is formulated to be safe and effective for both species. However, it’s essential to choose a product that’s appealing and palatable to your cat, and always avoid any toothpaste containing xylitol, as it’s highly toxic to both dogs and cats.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your dog’s dental health is essential to ensuring their overall well-being. Using high-quality dog toothpaste can make a significant difference in combating plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s specific needs before making a decision. With the right care, your dog’s teeth can stay healthy and strong for years to come.
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