🍎 Health & Wellness

3 Things to Look for in Dog Toothpaste

July 3, 2023
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A dog having its teeth brushed by a person, promoting dental hygiene and oral health for dogs.

Key Takeaways

Brushing our pups is a part of the love and care that we need to provide for them. If not, canines may experience "doggy breath," which is smelly and can be a sign of oral health concern.

Dog toothpaste can prevent it from happening, but what are the things to look for in a dog toothpaste?

Flavor and ingredients are the first two factors to consider. Also, note that choosing the best toothpaste for dogs is not the same as picking the toothpaste we often use. Toothpaste will help you keep your dog safe by removing dangerous mouth bacteria and preventing plaque.

Dogs possess similar bacteria to humans, which may lead to gum disease in the future. So in this article, let us talk about the three things to look for in dog toothpaste. We will also give you the three best toothpaste for small dogs. 

3 Things to Look for in Dog Toothpaste

Brushing your dog's teeth with dog toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to improve dental health. Before you reach for the nearest toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, double-check that you understand what you're doing. Here are several things to look for in dog toothpaste. 

Flavor

It's essential to consider the flavor. Most animals dislike an overpowering minty scent. Selecting flavors like "bacon" or "beef" will make their breath smell bad because fake meat isn't pleasant. It's best to use dog toothpaste that almost has no flavor. But if you need dog toothpaste that will lure your pup to brush - there's one flavor we would recommend.

Chicken-flavored toothpaste can make humans gag, but pets adore it. Look for flavorings that are suitable for dogs. You might need to let your pet try a few different flavors before you find one that they like. Also, for optimum performance, read the instructions. Most dog toothpaste doesn't require you to rinse their mouths after brushing, but some may advise you to wash it water after brushing.

Certain dog breeds are particular about the taste or quality of their toothpaste. So you might need to try a few different brands before finding the right one. It is better if you can train your pup using non-flavored toothpaste. Then, give dental dog treats when it did an excellent job while toothbrushing.

Ingredients

Look for toothpaste formulated with non-toxic ingredients. Avoid abrasive products and dental paste containing alcohol and artificial sweeteners. The majority of dog toothpaste includes scrubbing agents that aid in the removal of stains and plaque. Enzymatic toothpaste, a form of dog toothpaste, contains enzymes that help reduce bacteria. It is also effective in reducing tartar accumulation and improving bad breath.

Many companies advertise "enzymatic" formulas. It means that the ingredients' enzymes collaborate to break down tartar and plaque. The best toothpaste for your dog is one that you use regularly, so look for a brand that your dog likes.

Start with a small tube while looking for the perfect toothpaste for your dog. It will save you from overspending if your dog doesn't like it. Allowing your dog to smell the toothpaste will allow you to determine if the fido likes it or not. When your dog licks the product, give it a dog treat. This way, you can convince the dog that it did something right.

Don't Use Human Toothpaste

When brushing your dog's teeth, only use dog toothpaste and never use human toothpaste. Most human toothpaste has fluoride that can cause stomach problems in your pet. Furthermore, the foam used in regular toothpaste will make your dog uncomfortable.

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is poisonous to dogs, is expected in most human toothpaste. But this ingredient can cause blood sugar drops and liver damage for your furry pal. Try to consider any of the following toothpaste choices to keep your dog clean and improve his or her oral health.

3 Best Toothpaste For Small Dogs

We cleanse our teeth thoroughly every day as humans, but many of us do not do so with our pets. According to the A.K.C. Canine Health Foundation, periodontal disease is the most common clinical disorder in adult dogs. It's essential to brush your dog's teeth to keep them safe and avoid disease. Finding the right dog toothpaste, introducing it slowly, and brushing will prevent this problem, even though many dogs don't like it first.

Best Toothpaste For Picky Dogs - Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste

Virbac Toothpaste for dogs and cats - a trusted brand for pet oral care, promoting dental hygiene and fresh breath for your furry companions.


Use this brand if your dog is picky about flavors and tastes. This Virbac toothpaste comes in five different flavors and is perfect for brushing your dog's teeth safely and efficiently. 

If you use it on your furry pal regularly, it helps remove mouth odors. The Virbac toothpaste is 100% safe to use because it has no foaming chemicals, making it easy to swallow for pets. This toothpaste contains the C.E.T. dual enzyme mechanism to provide natural antibacterial action, eliminate plaque, and prevent tartar formation. 

Verified reviews of this toothpaste state that it makes their dogs' teeth noticeably whiter and cleaner. Furthermore, reviewers say that dogs who previously disliked getting their teeth brushed because of the taste did not mind using this toothpaste. However, some consumers claim that this toothpaste "goes bad" quickly, so it's essential to use it after buying it regularly.

Best Organic Dog Toothpaste - Pura Naturals Organic Dental Solutions Kit

ORGANIC CANINE ORAL CARE KIT


This Dental Solutions Kit includes dog toothpaste and a toothbrush. It is ideal if you're looking for an all-in-one solution. The toothpaste is organic and manufactured in the United States, according to the USDA. You'll feel confident to use it on your furry pal because it has no chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and synthetic additives.

Freshen your dog's breath, remove tartar, and defeat plaque with this dog toothpaste. It includes an easy-to-hold toothbrush with bristles, allowing you to gently clean your dog's teeth and massage its gums.

Amazon's top pick for organic toothpaste for dogs is Pura Naturals Organic Dental Solutions Kit. Customer reviews claim that this dog toothpaste is reliable, simple to use, and smells great. Some users' only concern appears to be that the toothpaste tube is too short.

Best Dog Toothpaste with the Best Value - Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs

Enzymatic toothpaste for dogs by Sentry Petrodex


It's challenging to find a better value than Petrodex's dog toothpaste, which comes in a wide 6.2-ounce container. This Petrodex Enzymatic toothpaste is non-foaming with proprietary enzymes and does not require rinsing. You can use it on your pup two to three times a week with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The toothpaste combats terrible breath while also reducing plaque and tartar. 

Many dog owners reviewed how good this toothpaste is at removing plaque and preventing tartar accumulation. Many reviews even mention how much their dogs enjoy the flavor. However, the most common concern that owners have about this toothpaste is that it stinks. Well, it is common since it has a poultry flavor. So, you may have to weigh the smell against the value and efficacy of this dog toothpaste.

Final thoughts

It's safer to use dog toothpaste with a pet-specific toothbrush. Although you should brush your dog's teeth thoroughly every other day, a small amount of paste on his tongue will help freshen his breath before midday. Make toothbrushing with your furry pal a regular habit. More importantly, choose the right dog toothpaste to get the best results.


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