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The Best Dog Toothpaste to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

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You maintain plenty of routines when it comes to your dog’s health. You go for daily walks, you brush their coats, you feed a high-quality diet, and you provide plenty of water at all times. Now that you know how you even attend to their ears. But what about their teeth? Do you brush your dog’s teeth regularly? Irregularly? At all? If you aren’t attending to your dog’s dental health, it’s time to invest in a quality dog toothpaste and shine up those pearly whites.

Periodontal Disease in Dogs

You brush your teeth every day. Why? You know the importance of tooth and gum health. Dogs need the same care. Periodontal disease is the MOST common finding in adult dogs. Periodontal disease is an affliction of the teeth and gums, resulting from plaque (food particles and bacteria accumulation along the gum line) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

Why is periodontal disease such a big deal? It attacks your dog’s mouth, resulting in painful oral abscesses and tooth decay. Your dog finds it difficult to eat. Even worse, the bacteria enter your dog’s bloodstream, finding their way to your dog’s critical organs. A compromised mouth has the potential to bring down other parts of your dog’s body. (NOT what you want to happen!)

If you have certain breeds, such as a Pug, your dog has an inherent risk for periodontal disease. Brachycephalic breeds, in general, tend toward poor dental health. Other breeds at risk for frequent dental visits include:

All of this gets resolved with a straightforward step: brushing your dog’s teeth.

Regular brushing with dog toothpaste ensures proper dog dental health

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Just as with ear-cleaning, brushing your dog’s teeth takes practice and patience. The earlier you start the process – either with your puppy or new rescue – the better your results. ALWAYS use a dog toothbrush (sized for your dog’s mouth) and dog toothpaste.

  1. Place a tiny amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush for your dog to lick. If your dog gets a chance to taste the toothpaste, brushing gets easier. Go no further for about a week.
  2. Now that your dog’s comfortable with the dog toothpaste, move on to brushing their teeth. Gently raise the lips to expose the teeth and gums. DON’T force their mouth open.
  3. Start brushing, starting with the front teeth. Monitor your dog to make sure they’re comfortable. If they start to panic or get upset, abandon ship for another day.
  4. Move to the back teeth. Your dog should open their mouth on their own – NO FORCING. You want to get the inside and outside of the teeth.
  5. Give them a treat when finished.

Why Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste?

Human toothbrushes get designed with our mouths in mind. They’re larger, the bristles are stiffer (even soft brushes), and the angles suit our jaws. Dog toothbrushes come in two general varieties: a standard-looking brush and a finger brush. They’re a smaller scale, the bristles are gentler, and the angle fits your dog’s mouth. Finger brushes are fine for medium or large dogs, but they’re oversized for small dogs unless you have tiny fingers. Your dog will let you know what suits them.

Dogs don’t rinse and spit. They swallow the toothpaste you use. As such, the ingredients need to be safe on their stomachs. Human toothpaste tends to contain chemicals that irritate a dog’s stomach lining – in a best-case scenario. Worst-case scenario, human toothpaste contains xylitol. This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs. That fluoride we rely on? It’s another toxin for dogs. As such, stick to dog toothpaste.

Choosing a Dog Toothpaste

You know which ingredients to avoid (all human toothpaste is off the list). But which dog toothpastes are the best? There are a lot of them out there. According to Dr. Colleen Fox, DVM, at the Center of Veterinary Expertise (the amazing veterinarian who’s cared for my pets’ teeth), you want to check the label for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. That seal indicates the dog toothpaste (or other product) retards plaque and tartar on teeth.

What else should you look for in a dog toothpaste?

  • Silica: Silica is a gentle abrasive. It removes tartar and plaque from your dog’s teeth.
  • Emulsifiers: Tetrapotassium phosphate is one such salt. Emulsifiers control tartar build-up. Don’t let the long words scare you – you find these emulsifiers in everyday dairy products, such as cheese and ice cream.
  • Sweetener: Sorbitol is a common dog-safe sugar alcohol used in dog toothpastes. Sweeteners make the toothpaste more appealing. While you find many available flavors of toothpaste, you’ll still see sweeteners in the ingredients.

Enzymatic Dog Toothpastes

You may or may not see proteins known as enzymes in the ingredient list. Enzymatic toothpastes have antibacterial formulas that break down plaque and tartar. They reduce the number of bacteria present, which also helps in the halitosis (bad breath) department. If you’re interested in an enzymatic dog toothpaste, look for ingredients such as:

  • Lactoperoxidase
  • Glucose oxidase

Best Dog Toothpastes

Hit the internet or the aisles of your local pet store, and you’ll find a cornucopia of dog toothpaste. Before you load up your cart, visit your veterinarian. A professional cleaning provides you with a blank canvas. Also, you’ll root out any potential problems you might miss. (Dogs are surprisingly stoic when it comes to tooth issues) Once your dog’s teeth are squeaky clean, these are the best dog toothpastes available.

Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpastes

The bacteria that inhabit your dog’s mouth pose a risk to your dog’s entire system. Severe periodontal disease can affect your dog’s liver, kidney, and heart. If your trip to the vet revealed significant tartar build-up and gingivitis, consider an enzymatic dog toothpaste.

Everyone’s familiar with Arm & Hammer’s baking soda power. This dog toothpaste employs baking soda to scrub your dog’s tooth staining. The gentle enzymatic formula banishes harmful bacteria, helping prevent expensive veterinary cleanings. The chicken flavor is appealing to your dog, making teeth brushing easier on you.

Downsides? There is no sweetener in this dog toothpaste, so not all dogs appreciated the taste (chicken flavoring or not). Also, owners didn’t enjoy the smell (but if it keeps your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, you might consider putting up with it).

The Good

The Bad

Are you looking for a budget-friendly enzymatic option? Try Nutri-Vet. Their chicken-flavored toothpaste is a non-foaming enzymatic formula. In fact, their formula is very similar to Sentry’s, minus the hydrogen peroxide, which can upset your dog’s stomach. If you want to protect your dog’s GI system while also preserving their dental health, Nutri-Vet is a great compromise.

The downside? Unhappily, not all dogs approve of the flavor.

The Good

The Bad

Are you looking for a complete dental kit? Paws & Pals has your solution. You not only get two tubes of their beef-flavored enzymatic dog toothpaste but a dual-headed soft-bristle toothbrush and a finger brush. The enzymatic formula protects your dog’s teeth from plaque and tartar build-up while freshening their breath.

So what’s the downside? While most dogs like the beef flavor, it isn’t a hit with everyone.

The Good

The Bad

Sentry provides another option for those looking for an entire dental kit. You get a tube of poultry-mint dog toothpaste, a 360-degree toothbrush of soft bristles, and a finger brush. Their enzymes neutralize odor-producing bacteria while breaking down and preventing plaque and tartar. The formula produces hydrogen peroxide, leaving your dog’s teeth sparkling white (with regular use). While other enzymatic dog toothpastes tend to foam, Sentry is non-foaming.

Downsides? Hydrogen peroxide might be great for stained teeth, but it upsets stomachs and can damage the lining over time. You need to ask yourself whether your dog’s GI health is worth the risk. Some owners found their dogs didn’t like the taste, and others found minimal difference in plaque build-up.

The Good

The Bad

Vet’s Best utilizes neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, aloe, and enzymes to keep your dog’s mouth healthy. Their combination formula is antibacterial AND antifungal, promising your dog’s breath will stay clean and pleasant. For those who aren’t fans of pastes, the gel makes a friendly alternative come brushing day.

The downsides? The gel formula is stickier than most dog toothpastes, so it tends to make a mess. This also made it difficult for people to get the gel out of the tube. Some owners also found their dogs weren’t fans of the taste.

The Good

The Bad

Tired of limited flavors your dog hates? Virbac solves that problem with FIVE different flavors: poultry, malt, beef, seafood, and vanilla-mint. The dual-enzyme system is non-foaming and eliminates mouth odors while providing antibacterial protection, removing plaque, and preventing tartar build-up. Owners note whiter and cleaner teeth with happier dogs (and cats) during brushing time.

So what are the downsides? It’s on the expensive side, especially if you have a larger dog. Dogs don’t usually like the vanilla-mint flavor (cats don’t mind it). Also, the tube tends to break down quickly, so you need to use it consistently.

The Good

The Bad

Best Non-Enzymatic Dog Toothpastes

If you’re not in the market for an enzymatic dog toothpaste, you still have great options available. Maybe your dog received a gold star from the vet. Perhaps you have a new puppy, still cutting their baby teeth. Whatever the reason, non-enzymatic dog toothpastes are every bit as good for your dog’s dental health. The fact you’re brushing your dog’s teeth is what matters.

Are you worried about sorbitol and other sweeteners? EZ Dog has you covered. Their non-foaming dog toothpaste contains Stevia to sweeten their vanilla-flavoring. Manufactured in the United States, the ingredients are all-natural (Stevia comes from herbal preparations). Your dog’s breath stays fresh while their teeth get clean.

Downside? This dog toothpaste isn’t thick, so it runs down the brush instead of staying on the bristles. This caused a mess for a lot of owners.

The Good

The Bad

Nylabone’s dental kit gets you off on the right foot. You get a tube of their dog toothpaste, an angled toothbrush of soft bristles, and a finger brush. Their peanut butter-flavored toothpaste appeals to the majority of dogs, making brushing time easy. Their Denta-C formula reduces plaque and tartar.

The downsides? Not only does this dog toothpaste contain peanut butter, but it’s also made in a plant that processes peanuts. So if you, your dog, or anyone in the household has a peanut allergy, be prepared. Owners also didn’t feel it was as effective at removing plaque and tartar.

The Good

The Bad

Are you looking for that VOHC seal? PetSmile bears the seal proudly. This dog toothpaste contains Calprox, which safely prevents plaque, fights bacteria, and improves nasty breath. The tube comes with a finger brush, and it has a London broil flavor dogs enjoy. This dog toothpaste is meant for usage 2-3 times a week for the best results.

We use this dog toothpaste for our girl, and she receives glowing praise on her teeth every vet visit.

So what are the downsides? It’s expensive. Also, the toothpaste settles in the tube, so you need to shake it before each use (up to you whether you feel this is a deal-breaker). People think the looser gel doesn’t work with a toothbrush, but we’ve had no problems.

The Good

The Bad

If you’re worried about ingredients, RADIUS provides USDA organic certification. Their dog toothpaste is free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and artificial additives. The formula still freshens your dog’s breath while fighting plaque and removing tartar. The kit provides a tube of toothpaste and an easy-to-hold toothbrush with soft bristles.

Downside? People were generally happy with RADIUS, but they felt the 4-ounce tube was too small.

The Good

The Bad

Are you concerned with your ability to brush your dog’s teeth? Tropiclean provides the answer. No need for a toothbrush; apply two drops of the gel to each side of your dog’s mouth. The formula of the toothpaste goes to work with your dog’s saliva. The natural ingredients include green tea, all sourced from the United States. You have the option of picking up a single 4-ounce tube or a two-pack, depending on your needs.

The downsides? Dogs weren’t fans of the taste. Also, owners reported their dogs ended up with upset stomachs.

The Good

The Bad

Show That Smile

You don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth every day; 2-3 times a week is sufficient. However, if you DON’T brush daily, consider supplementing with dental treats and chews on your off days. You’ll keep your dog’s teeth and mouth healthy, protecting their internal organs from harmful bacteria.

Brushing your dog’s teeth takes patience and practice. Once you get the hang of things, you and your dog will come to look forward to the task. Your vet will appreciate your work, and your bank account will benefit from the absence of costly dental cleanings and extractions.

So pick out a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and start practicing. You won’t regret it!

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Andria Kennedy

Andria Kennedy

Andria grew up in a pet-friendly household. On weekends, the family made trips to zoos and aquariums in the area. So it wasn’t a surprise when she gravitated toward a career with animals.

After six years working among the background operations at the Philadelphia Zoo, she gained a unique insight into the veterinary world. The vet staff provided her first lessons in terminology, the identification of medical equipment, and glimpses of radiographs (x-rays). She also enjoyed plenty of opportunities to talk with everyone, including the veterinary technicians. And they offered an alternative for someone NOT interested in surgical pathways: Namely, their course of study.

Andria enrolled at Harcum College. Philadelphia boasts two programs for vet techs, but only Harcum works with the Ryan Veterinary Hospital and New Bolton Center (University of Pennsylvania’s small and large animal facilities, respectively). Harcum’s vet tech students receive six months of hands-on teaching and experience alongside Penn’s vet students.

With the opportunities and connections available with one of the top veterinary schools, the decision was easy for her to make.

New Bolton Center: Large Animal Medicine
Andria ended up trudging through snow up to the knee and shivering in subzero temperatures during her winter semester, but she wasn’t disappointed with her choice. New Bolton provided a thorough grounding in large animal medicine. A horse-lover as a child, the experience renewed those old emotions.

And a few memories stood out and remained to this day:

  • Standing alongside a Clydesdale and feeling TINY
  • Holding the reins of a horse galloping at top speed on a treadmill
  • Nursing tiny foals through the first days of their life

Ryan Veterinary Hospital: Small Animal Medicine
Veterinary students can legally work at a practice while studying. Andria took advantage of the opportunity, gaining “real life” experience while attending class. It provided a slight advantage when she entered her three months at the small animal hospital.

However, as Ryan Veterinary Hospital offers treatments unique to the veterinary community, she continued to gain valuable experience. For instance, she spent a day working alongside their Chemo Team. The positivity of everyone she encountered – staff, clients, and patients alike – left a lasting impression.

Additional standout moments included:

  • An afternoon spent with the head of the feline kidney transplant program
  • A day serving as the anesthesia technician in their new radiation unit
  • Recognizing a radiograph of a giant elephant shrew (applying her previous zoo knowledge)

Emergency/ICU Veterinary Technician
Accompanying her Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, Andria received a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The two led to her certification/license as a veterinary technician – first in Pennsylvania (CVT) and later in Virginia (LVT).

Emergency medicine appealed to her from the beginning. The flux of ailments, injuries, and even species kept her mind sharp at all times. The knowledge required to handle cats, dogs, exotics, and even wildlife is highest in an ICU setting. When a vet tech never knows the patient’s stability coming back to the treatment area, skills and the ability to respond in an instant always stay in peak shape.

With treatments evolving at a constant basis, Andria sought out the best Continuing Education opportunities. She attended the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (IVECCS) Conference whenever possible. This allowed her to discuss the latest wound treatments, medications, and advancements in diet formulations.

Cardiology Veterinary Technician
With the increased knowledge and experience, Andria noticed gaps in her abilities. Her grasp of cardiology remained at the basic level. She wanted to boost her skills and understanding as much as possible, improving her patient care. When an opportunity within the practice arose to move into the cardiology department, she accepted.

She sharpened her ability to read ECGs, recognizing arrhythmias of every type. Speaking with the cardiologist, she learned to read echocardiograms, picking out the most common disease processes. And, courtesy of her position in the department, she took in everything she could regarding the grain-free diet concern.

And throughout her ten-year career, she built her store of client interactions. She learned stories of heartbreak and hope. In the middle of the night, she shared touching and humorous conversations. Every moment taught her to engage with people. And the skill blended into her writing ability, capturing the interest of pet-lovers everywhere.

Check out Andria’s LinkedIn here

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