Parenting

9 Best Dog Toothpastes For Fresher Puppy Kisses (And Healthier Teeth & Gums)

best dog toothpaste
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Dog toothpaste is an important purchase when you’re a dog parent, because turns out, brushing your pup’s teeth is as important as brushing yours. Not only does it helps eliminate your dog’s stinky breath (or at least some of it), but brushing your dog’s teeth can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. In fact, veterinary dental specialists say that if you brush your pooch’s teeth regularly, they can even live longer. (Yes, they’re a lot of work, so if your kid’s begging for a pet but you can’t commit, a realistic dog toy may suffice.)

Some dogs will let you jump right in and start brushing their teeth daily, but others will need you to work your way up to brushing regularly without the toothbrush getting chomped. If that sounds like an unrealistic goal (we get it, we’re lucky if we can get our kids to brush their teeth), even brushing three times a week will significantly help remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent periodontal disease, the most common clinical condition in adult dogs according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

What happens if you don’t brush your dog’s teeth?

Periodontal disease affects your dog’s mouth, but it can also carry bacteria directly into the bloodstream and affect your dog’s organs. Furthermore, oral conditions can cause severe pain for your poor pet. So yeah, it’s time to start brushing your dog’s teeth.

What human toothpaste is safe for dogs?

PSA: Even though it might be tempting, it’s extremely important not to use human toothpaste on dogs. The artificial sweetener Xylitol is not meant to be swallowed and is toxic for animals. There may be some all-natural products out there that are safer, but it’s best to ask your vet before using any on your pooch.

Does dog toothpaste really work?

Most toothpastes for dogs contain ingredients that are good for scrubbing away plaque with a toothbrush, while some work by simply spraying into your dog’s mouth — best for dogs who won’t tolerate a toothbrush. Enzymatic toothpaste is specially formulated with enzymes to reduce bacteria, which can lessen tartar buildup and help with bad breath.

When it comes to choosing the right toothpaste for your dog, it makes the most sense to stick with a flavor you know they like. Sure, mint flavor is probably the most appealing to you, but if your dog has an aversion to toothpaste, you might want to stick with a meat or peanut butter flavor.

To get your dog’s oral hygiene on track, take a look at our top dog toothpaste options below.

Best Dog Toothpaste

Best Natural Dog Toothpaste

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