Like we brush our teeth regularly and maintain oral hygiene, the same is required for pets. Pets, like dogs and cats, require brushing their teeth daily. But using human-friendly toothpaste is not a good idea. To maintain your furry baby’s dental hygiene, you must choose the best dog toothpaste.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common disorders in pets, which results in the inflammation and infection of the gums and the bones surrounding teeth. Poor dental hygiene, maligned bite, genetics, or the mouth’s shape can be significant reasons for periodontal disease in dogs.
The early stage of periodontal disease causes plaque and swelling of the gums. Such painful and swelling gums prevent your pet from chewing its favorite toys and eating food. The severe condition results in even teeth loss.
In addition, dental diseases in pets are directly linked to kidney, liver, and cardiac issues. Generally, small dog breeds are more susceptible to periodontal disease, and the prevalence increases as they age.
The only way to avoid the disease is to regularly brush your furry friend’s teeth and maintain dental hygiene. Using the best dog toothbrush and toothpaste is often recommended by veterinarians.
As mentioned above, human toothpaste is not a good fit for your pet due to the presence of Xylitol, an artificial sweetener. It results in blood sugar drops and potential liver damage.
This article lists the best toothpaste for dogs to maintain their oral health.
What to Look for in a Dog Toothpaste?
Choose toothpaste containing scrubbing ingredients that help remove cosmetic stains, plaque, and tartar. Also, look for one with an enzymatic subgenre, helping reduce bacteria and bad breath. It should contain healthy ingredients with high-grade cleaning properties.
Initially, your pet may not allow you to brush its teeth. You must introduce the pet to brushing gradually. Allow your fur baby to lick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Slowly, your pet starts becoming used to the smell of toothpaste and will allow you to brush its teeth.
Benefits of Using Dog Toothpaste
- Fresh Breath: Using toothpaste for your pet helps reduce halitosis or bad breath.
- Low Dental Risk: Pet toothpaste helps remove plaque and tartar build-up. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing gingivitis, periodontal diseases, and tooth loss.
- Overall Health Support: Dental diseases can affect other body organs of pets. So, keeping dental diseases at bay from your pet helps maintain overall health.
Best Dog Toothpaste To Maintain your Pet’s Dental Health
1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Product Ratings: 4.6/5
- Price: $10.67 (2.5 oz)
If your pet is so choosy regarding flavors, this flavored toothpaste from Virbac is perfect. Virbac is a vet-recommended and suggested brand among veterinary professionals.
Being vet-approved, it is safe for dogs and cats of all stages. It comes in different flavors – Vanilla Mint, Beef, and Poultry.
The product is formulated using the enzyme system to eliminate plaque from your pet’s teeth, helps freshen their breath, and maintains a clean mouth with the flavor you choose.
As the product does not include any foaming agent, you don’t have to worry about your pet swallowing the toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your pup’s teeth daily as your vet recommends.
Some reviewers on Amazon say that this toothpaste has proven beneficial for their pets, as it succeeded in cleaning and whitening teeth. Many reviewers say that the flavor in the paste fascinates their pets.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
2. Pura Naturals Organic Dental Solutions Kit
- Product Ratings: 3.8/5
- Price: $11.08
If you want an organic option, the dental solutions kit containing toothpaste and a toothbrush from Pura Naturals is the go-to choice for adult pooches. This USDA-certified dental solutions kit is organic and eco-friendly. It is free from preservatives, chemicals, and artificial dyes.
More importantly, it is free from Xylitol, which is harmful to your pet. Removing tartar and reducing plaque build-up, this toothpaste freshens your pet’s breath and keeps foul smells at bay. The only complaint from users is the tube is tiny.
The toothbrush in the kit has soft bristles, helping you massage your pet’s gums and clean teeth without hurting them. It is straightforward to hold, and you can move it all around inside the pet’s mouth.
You can buy this product from Amazon and Walmart.
3. Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste
- Product Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price: $25.00 (25 oz)
A VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) recommended toothpaste, Petsmile, consists of high-quality ingredients promoting your pet’s healthy gums and white teeth. It is ideal only for adult dogs.
Petsmile’s proprietary formula Calprox has proven to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and gingivitis. It helps dissolve the protein pellicle, a thin bio-film forming on the teeth’ surface. This makes your pet’s teeth remain white and clean.
The best part is you do not require a toothbrush. Apply Petsmile on your pet’s teeth, and it takes care of the rest. However, vets recommend using a toothbrush for better results. Use it twice or thrice weekly to maintain your fur baby’s oral health.
Petsmile is hyperallergic, as it is free from paraben, gluten, BPA, silica, and sulfate. It only uses human-grade ingredients, such as glycerin, citric acid, cellulose gum, Calprox, and deionized water.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
4. Kissable All-Natural Toothpaste for Dogs
- Product Ratings: 3.9/5
Suitable for all ages, it is a natural dog toothpaste with natural ingredients. The ingredients include tea tree oil with antiseptic and antifungal properties and Stevia to improve your pet’s taste without increasing glycemic index.
Besides removing plaque and tartar buildup, it promotes healthy gums. As it is all-natural, don’t worry, even if your pet swallows it. It is the best toothpaste for puppies and adults.
The product comes in vanilla flavor, making it smell great and convincing your pet to brush their teeth. Use a small dab from the tube, apply it on the toothbrush, and clean every tooth with short, horizontal strokes.
You can buy this product from Amazon.
5. Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dog
- Product Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price: $12.99 (6.2 oz)
Made with patented enzymes, Petrodex is a non-foaming, enzymatic toothpaste for dogs of all ages. Even if your pet swallows it, you don’t have to panic, as it does not require rinsing and is entirely safe.
The product reduces plaque and tartar buildup while maintaining your pet’s fresh breath and healthy gums. You can buy it in two flavors – Poultry and Peanut. Use it with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice or thrice a week for better results.
Take a small amount from the tube on your finger and allow your puppy pal to taste it. At first, brush only a few teeth with small strokes and gradually start brushing all teeth.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
6. Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Product Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price: $14.95 (6.2 oz)
This is the best toothpaste for dogs of all ages and is gentle and safe. The presence of baking soda cleanses and deodorizes your pet’s teeth and gums. In addition, enzymes help fight against tartar and plaque buildup, eliminating bad breath.
The chicken flavor of the toothpaste fascinates your pet. The goodness of natural ingredients and herbs soothes inflamed and irritated gums. Some natural herbs, such as goldenseal, myrrh, calendula, aloe vera, and flaxseed oil, help fight against bacteria and prevent gums from swelling and being infectious.
Take a small paste on your finger and allow your pet to taste it. Gradually rub your finger on teeth and gum line and then use it on a toothbrush once your fur baby gets comfortable with it.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
7. Vet’s Best Gel Toothpaste
- Product Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price: $7.18 (3.5 oz)
Formulated by veterinarians with natural ingredients, it is the vet-recommended toothpaste for dogs. A blend of natural ingredients – neem oil, grapeseed extract, and aloe, helps your pet’s teeth remain clean and smell fresh.
In addition, it contains baking soda to deodorize teeth and enzymes to fight against tartar and plaque buildup. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of neem help your pet’s gums stay healthy. These properties calm irritable, inflammable, and swollen gums.
You can either rub the get with your finger or use a toothbrush to clean your pup’s teeth twice or thrice a week. Vets recommend not to feed water and food for ½ hour post brushing for better results. Your pet will love its taste and smell as it contains all-natural ingredients.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
8. Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
- Product Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price: $11.25 (2.5 oz)
The dental kit includes toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush best suited for adult canines. The peanut flavor of the toothpaste will delight your pet while leaving their teeth white, fresh, and healthy gums.
Formulated with Denta-C, it ensures plaque and tartar removal that promotes the growth of bacteria. Further, it comes in two other flavors – Original and Bacon.
Another product from the kit is the toothbrush. It has an angled neck and nylon bristles, ensuring all sides of your pet’s mouth are cleaned evenly.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
9. Tropiclean Fresh Breath Teeth Gel
- Product Ratings: 4.4/5
- Price: $19.99 (4 oz)
This oral care gel for your pet is the best way to keep their mouth smelling good and fresh and remove plaque and tartar buildup. It also helps soothe irritated and swollen gums. The product is safe with a blend of natural ingredients, like green tea leaf extract, spearmint, and natural cleanser.
Two flavors are available – Original and Peanut Butter. In addition, you can find two variations – one for puppies and another for adult dogs.
The application is exceptionally straightforward. Simply apply two drops of gel on both sides of the mouth. It does not require any brushing. Ensure not to feed your pet for 30 minutes after application.
You can buy this product from Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
10. Zymox Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel
- Product Ratings: 4.6/5
- Price: $11.79 (1 oz)
If your dog has symptoms – of periodontal disease, stomatitis, gingivitis, red, inflamed gums, and ulcerations, this gel can do wonders. It is the best-tasting toothpaste gel with a pleasant flavor that keeps your pet’s teeth clean and white. It helps keep gums healthy and the mouth smelling fresh.
The gel contains two natural enzymes – one to dissolve plaque biofilm and the other to fight against bacteria causing bad breath. It soothes tissues and reduces dryness, irritation, inflammation, and redness of gums.
Furthermore, the gel is free from xylitol, harmful chemicals, detergents, and alcohol. So, it is 100% safe, non-toxic, and does not cause any side effects. Simply apply the get on your pet’s teeth with your finger or toothbrush without rinsing or brushing.
You can buy the product on Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart.
Choose Paw-fect Toothpaste for Your Pooch’s Dental Health!
This was our list of the best dog toothpaste to help you maintain your fur baby’s oral health. They all ensure white and clean teeth, a mouth free from bad smells, and healthy gums. If your pooch demands flavors, we recommend you choose a flavored product from the above list.
Regular brushing is essential to prevent periodontal disease in your pet. With this fact, adopt a healthy brushing routine and introduce your pet to any of the above-mentioned oral healthcare products.
Happy Paw-renting!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do vets recommend for brushing your pet’s teeth?
Vets recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste free from Xylitol and other artificial ingredients – sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives.
2. Can I use human toothpaste for dogs?
No, human toothpaste is a big no for dogs. It contains Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, causing sugar level drops and potential liver damage.
3. Does dog toothpaste expire?
Yes, dog toothpaste has an expiry date like all other human products. Using an expired one can damage your pet’s teeth and gums while its ingredients become non-active.
4. Can dogs have toothpaste?
Yes, dogs can have toothpaste, as it is formulated to be safe even if your pet swallows it.
5. Is dog toothpaste safe?
Yes, dog toothpaste is 100% safe as they are specifically formulated. Ensure to use only a pea-sized dab.
