Best Dog Toothpastes

A close-up of a playful tan dog holding a blue and white toothbrush in its mouth, symbolizing the importance of dental care for pets. The dog's bright eyes and cheerful demeanor suggest a positive association with the routine of teeth brushing.

Best Dog Toothpastes

Vets recommend brushing your dog's teeth regularly to help keep their mouth healthy and free of plaque and tartar build-up, bad breath, and possibly other more serious dental issues like periodontal disease. When choosing a toothpaste for your pup, it's important to make sure you're using one that is specifically made for dogs. When shopping for a dog toothpaste, look for one that is made with natural ingredients and is free of artificial colours and flavours. It should also contain enzymes to help break down plaque and tartar build-up. Additionally, if
possible, look for a toothpaste that has antibacterial properties to help fight bacteria in your pup's mouth.

Dogs should stay clear of human toothpastes as they can be detrimental. Ultimately, it's important to select a toothpaste that your pup will enjoy using as this will help to make the dog brushing process a bit easier. This could involve finding one with a relished flavour or one that has an attractive texture to them.
Overall, regular brushing is essential for keeping your dog's teeth healthy and clean. However, making sure you use the right kind of toothpaste is important. There are lots of different products on the market, Discovery Magazine has a long list of possible options. In this article, we will look in a bit more detail about what toothpaste options might work best for your dog.

Why is it important to brush your dog's teeth?

This image is an infographic detailing the areas of a dog’s mouth prone to plaque buildup. On the left, a list of key points reads: “Incisors need extra brushing, as they miss out on bone-cleaning action. Plaque loves to linger along the gumline. Molars and premolars trap food, so plaque builds up. Behind the canines are plaque hotspots.” On the right, a diagram of a dog’s mouth is displayed with labeled parts: Incisors, Canines, Premolars, and Molars, on both the upper and lower jaws. The areas prone to plaque are highlighted. The background is white, with black text and colorful illustrations to distinguish each tooth type. The infographic is informative and visually guides pet owners on where to focus dental care efforts.

When it comes to your pup’s dental care, regular brushing and check-ups with the vet are essential to prevent poor dental health which can lead to bad breath but also more serious issues, like periodontal disease. The Kennel Club in the U.K. has a good list of potential health implications if you don't look after your dog's dental care. While dogs aren’t as prone to cavities as humans are, they can still suffer from tartar, plaque build-up, and gingivitis and more serious illnesses related to periodontal disease. Regular teeth brushing helps remove any food particles that may be stuck in between their teeth and can help prevent these issues from occurring. Even though brushing is an important part of your dog's oral health, not all dogs like having their teeth brushed and it can be a bit a challenging process, especially when trying to do it regularly. If brushing is a real challenge for your pup, you can read more about other ways in which to manage your dog's oral hygiene in our helpful article Alternatives to Tooth Brushing For Dogs.

Tips for brushing dogs teeth

A veterinarian is gently brushing the teeth of an attentive and cooperative wire-haired terrier with a blue and white dog toothbrush. The focus is on the dog's face, which is calm and trusting during the dental care routine, highlighting the importance of regular oral hygiene for pets.

Some dog's really don't like having their teeth brushed and for others, they don't mind it, but it can still be a challenge for the owner to get it done properly. Here are some quick tips on brushing your dog's teeth that might help:

  • 1. Try to implement daily brushing or even twice per day, especially is there is a heavy build of plaque or tartar. This is especially important during the summer months when dogs tend to eat and drink more, which can lead to increased plaque and tartar build up.
  • 2. Use a soft toothbrush. You want to use a toothbrush that doesn't scratch your dog's gums. Look for a softer bristled brush. It is also advisable to avoid human toothpaste and use products that are specifically for dogs.
  • 3. Start early. Most dogs start to develop plaque and tartar build-up around six months old. By starting a young age, you'll be able to catch problems before they become serious.
  • 4. Be gentle. When brushing your dog's teeth, avoid pulling on his lips. Instead, gently stroke your finger along his upper jawline. Your dog shouldn't feel pain.
  • 5. Rinse thoroughly. After brushing your dog's teeth and rinsing off excess saliva, pat dry. Never rub your dog's tongue to remove dried spit. Doing so could cause irritation.

Why is good quality dog toothpaste important?

We know that brushing your dog's teeth is really important, but what about the toothpaste? We feel very strongly that good quality toothpaste is an important part of the entire oral hygiene process. Good pet toothpaste should contain ingredients that are specifically designed to clean and protect your dog’s teeth, to prevent dental disease, while also providing a pleasant taste that encourages them to brush their teeth regularly. Additionally, some toothpastes contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera or tea tree oil which can help soothe inflamed gums and reduce plaque build-up.

When shopping for the best dog toothpaste, it is important to read the label carefully. Look for products that are made with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals or artificial flavours. Also, make sure the product has been approved by a veterinarian or other pet health professional before making your purchase. Finally, consider the size of your pup when selecting a toothpaste; smaller dogs may need a smaller tube than larger breeds. By taking these steps you can ensure that you are providing your pup with the best possible oral care.

What is dog toothpaste?

Four best-seller dog toothpaste products are displayed side by side. From left to right: An 'Organic Dental Solutions' kit with a toothbrush and toothpaste, a 'VET'S BEST' enzymatic toothpaste tube, 'Burt's Bees' dog toothpaste in a green tube with a natural care label, and a 'Virbac CET Enzymatic' toothpaste box with multiple tubes. Each product has a 'Best Seller' tag, emphasizing their popularity.

Dog toothpaste is a special type of toothpaste made specifically for dogs to maintain their dental hygiene. It is designed to be safe and tasty for dogs, and to help remove plaque and tartar build-up that can lead to gum disease and bad breath. It is important to choose a toothpaste that is specifically labelled for dogs and not to use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful to dogs. It is really important to looks closely at the ingredients of any toothpaste product for your dog and check reliable sources to find out information about the best possible toothpaste that's available for your particular dog. The American Kennel Club, for
example, provides information about different toothpaste types and brands.

Can dogs use human toothpaste?

 

We mentioned above that dog's should not use human toothpaste, but let's look at this in a bit more detail. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as fluoride and xylitol. Fluoride can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts. It can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and seizures. Fluoride can also damage the bones and teeth of dogs, causing dental problems and skeletal abnormalities.

Additionally, fluoride can affect the digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems of dogs, leading to serious health issues. In very extreme cases, fluoride toxicity can even be fatal to dogs. For these reasons, it is important to keep dogs away from sources of fluoride and to seek veterinary treatment if they show signs of fluoride toxicity. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is commonly used in sugar-free gum and other sugar-free products. While it is safe for human consumption, it can be toxic for dogs. When dogs consume xylitol, it is rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream and can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

Symptoms of xylitol toxicity in dogs include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in very severe cases, liver failure. Additionally, the flavourings used in human toothpaste are often too strong for dogs and can cause them to gag or even vomit. For these reasons, it is definitely best to avoid using human
toothpaste for your pup's dental care and instead opt for a specially formulated pet toothpaste. We will look at some more of these options in detail below.

A tube and box of Colgate Total fluoride toothpaste prominently crossed out with a bold red 'X', indicating that this human toothpaste should not be used for dogs.

Natural dog toothpastes 

We really believe that the healthy natural, chemical free options are always the best solution for your dog. And when it comes to dental health, this should also be the case. Here are some of the reasons we think that you should use a natural dog toothpaste:

  • 1.Safe ingredients: Natural dog toothpaste is made with safe, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your dog to ingest. This is important because dogs tend to lick their teeth after brushing and ingesting harmful chemicals can lead to digestive issues or toxicity.
  • 2.Gentle on the teeth and gums: Natural ingredients in dog toothpaste are gentle and effective in removing plaque and tartar while also promoting healthy gums. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
  • 3.Better taste: Natural dog toothpaste is often made with more palatable ingredients, such as peanut butter or chicken flavour, which makes brushing more enjoyable for your dog and helps to increase their cooperation.
  • 4.Better for the environment: Natural dog toothpaste is often made with eco-friendly ingredients and packaging, which helps reduce your carbon footprint.
  • 5.Better for overall health: Keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy not only improves their dental health but also helps prevent the spread of bacteria that can lead to other health problems.

There are a lot companies that now offer natural dog toothpaste options, like for example, Burt's Bees or Tropiclean but as always, carefully check the ingredients of these products and if you are unsure what sort of toothpaste might suit your particular dog, do plenty of research. If your dog has any medical issues, it might also be advisable to contact your vet for further advice.

As part of a good overall dental routine, you should consider using other health supplements to help keep your dog's teeth healthy and prevent issues like dental plaque and tartar build-up. Seaweed supplements have become a very effective way of tackling common dental health issues that occur in dogs. One of these products is Canident, available from the Seaweed for Dogs website.

Promotional banner for CANIDENT, a dental health product for dogs. The banner has a light background with blue wave patterns on the top and bottom edges. On the left side, there's a stylized drawing of a white dog silhouette with the brand name 'CANIDENT' in bold black letters. The right side of the banner features a photo of the Canident product, a cylindrical brown container with a label showing a happy dog. Next to the container, there are three blue bullet points highlighting the benefits of the product: 'Reduce tartar,' 'Improve gum health,' and 'Freshen breath.

Conclusion

To conclude, toothpaste for dogs can be a great option for helping to ensure your dog has clean teeth and gums but much more importantly, it can help to prevent against more serious dental health issues. Good quality toothpaste, as part of a good dental hygiene routine and a healthy overall lifestyle, can really help to prevent against oral disease and the many health implications that this can lead to. We would recommend a natural toothpaste, that is formulated specifically for dogs.

There are a number of dental products on the market but it’s important to check the contents to make sure the products only contain natural, safe ingredients for your dogs. Do plenty of research about which toothpaste would work best for your particular dog. Healthy teeth, healthy gums and good overall oral hygiene will not only lead to your dog having lovely fresh breath, but will also help to prevent much more serious dental issues occurring. Using pet-safe toothpaste is important, but we would also recommend using natural toothpaste. Toothpaste that is made with safe, non-toxic ingredients will be gentle on the teeth and gums while also providing better taste and being more environmentally friendly.

A close-up of a joyful golden retriever with its mouth open and tongue out, displaying a healthy set of teeth and gums, with a gleam in its eyes that conveys happiness and vitality.