The Best Dog Toothpaste
While your dog's oral hygiene may often feel like an afterthought, it should be a regular part of their grooming routine. Plaque and bacteria can build up on your dog's teeth and gums, which can escalate to gingivitis, and even periodontal disease, if not caught early enough. Toothpaste designed specifically for dogs has safe ingredients and often uses enzymes to do the hard job of breaking down plaque. Brushing your pup's teeth regularly is beneficial to everyone. It keeps them healthy and improves bad breath for more enjoyable snuggle sessions.
What To Look For
In our research, we found that the best dog toothpaste is available in various flavors, uses enzymes to deep clean, and contains natural ingredients. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the toothpaste from Vet’s Best. This toothpaste is full of natural ingredients like neem oil and aloe vera that are safe for dogs to ingest. It also includes enzymes that control plaque and tartar, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. We also love the enzymatic dog toothpaste from Virbac CET because it comes in dog-friendly flavors like beef and poultry. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog toothpaste.
Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush and Enzymatic Toothpaste Set
Ready to clean
Get your pup used to regular teeth cleanings from a young age with this dog toothbrush and toothpaste set. The toothpaste was formulated by veterinarians and contains enzymes that work to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth. Your dog will love the banana-flavored toothpaste that will soothe their gums and freshen their breath. Plus, you can use the triple-headed toothbrush to get more coverage while brushing and speed up the process.
Pros:
- The enzymes in the toothpaste will break down plaque and bacteria in your dog’s mouth even if you don’t use a toothbrush. You can squirt a little bit into their mouth in-between cleanings to freshen their breath.
- This is an affordable set that will save you from taking your dog to the vet for regular teeth cleanings.
Cons:
- The toothbrush is small and doesn’t work well for large dogs.
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
Delicious dental care
Dogs love food, but they can be very picky when it comes to toothpaste that doesn’t have a familiar taste and smell. This dog toothpaste from Virbac CET can be purchased in beef and poultry flavors to entice your pooch. The clear gel is easy to apply with a toothbrush or your finger to get it onto your dog’s teeth and gums. Since it uses a dual-enzyme system, this toothpaste will reduce plaque and clean your pup’s mouth with every use.
Pros:
- This toothpaste doesn’t contain any foaming agents, which makes it safe for your dog to swallow.
- If used consistently, this toothpaste will whiten your dog’s teeth and remove all yellowing, plaque, and tartar buildup.
Cons:
- The wide opening on the tube makes it difficult to squeeze out a small amount of toothpaste.
Petrodex Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Toothpaste
Scrub and polish
If you’ve never or rarely cleaned your dog’s teeth, it can be a long process to remove years of buildup. This enzyme-based dog toothpaste from Petrodex simplifies the process by doing the hard work for you. It reduces plaque and tartar as well as helps to refresh your dog’s breath. Use it up to three times each week to notice a difference and give your dog a treat with the delicious poultry-flavored toothpaste.
Pros:
- This toothpaste comes in a large 6.2-ounces tube, and you only need a small amount each time you brush your dog’s teeth.
- It works quickly and efficiently to remove years’ worth of plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Cons:
- While dogs love the poultry-flavored toothpaste, it can have a strong scent for pet parents.
Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste
Healthy hounds
Designed for all breeds, this toothpaste from Petsmile will motivate you to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene. Recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for at-home use, this dog toothpaste uses high-quality ingredients to transform your pet’s teeth and gums. It works to remove the top layer of plaque, bacteria, and stains to reveal whiter, healthier teeth. Your dog won’t be able to wait for this part of their daily routine.
Pros:
- This dog toothpaste is free from gluten, animal by-products, sulfates, and parabens.
- You can use a toothbrush, finger brush, or your finger to apply this dog toothpaste.
Cons:
- It is more expensive than other kinds of toothpaste formulated for dogs.
TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Gel
No toothbrush necessary
Getting your energetic puppy or adult dog to sit still for five minutes while you brush their teeth can be a challenge. That’s why we love this dog toothpaste from TropiClean. Squeeze a couple of drops into your dog’s mouth on each side and let them go to work licking it all up to distribute the gel on their teeth. You won’t have to use a toothbrush or rinse their mouths to see results. After one month, you should notice fewer stains and less buildup on your dog’s teeth. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- This toothpaste is made with green tea, and the full ingredient list is 99.2 percent naturally derived.
- This is a lifesaver for those with dogs who don’t like having their teeth brushed.
Cons:
- Some dogs may not like the spearmint flavor of this toothpaste.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
While it varies with each brand of toothpaste, the general guideline is that you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. But we all have busy lives, so as long as you’re brushing at least three times a week, that should be sufficient. Make sure you are keeping an eye on their tooth and gum health so you can bring up any questions or concerns with the vet at your dog’s next appointment.
How do I brush my dog’s teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth is very similar to brushing your own teeth. Put a small amount of dog toothpaste on their toothbrush and raise one lip to allow you to reach the back teeth. Starting in the back and moving forward, brush your dog’s teeth with a back and forth motion. Work your way around their mouth, making sure you focus on their gums as well as their teeth. It may take time for your dog to be comfortable with this practice, but be patient, and it will be worth it in the end.
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