Brushing a dog’s teeth, no matter the size of the hound, is no easy task. If anything, the tinier the dog, the more vicious they tend to be about personal space. Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier owners across the globe are well acquainted with this fact.
Nevertheless, keeping your canine’s pearly whites healthy is incredibly important – for both you and your pet. Taking preventative measures when it comes to dental care for dogs not only saves your pet from suffering with painful ailments, but it also saves you from a costly visit to the vet.
Smaller breeds which often suffer from breathing difficulties such as pugs and bulldogs are also particularly susceptible to dental issues, as their smaller skulls can lead to teeth overcrowding and jaw problems. This makes ensuring you’re taking proper care of your pup’s teeth all the more important.
Why should I brush my dog’s teeth?
We understand the confusion across the pet-owning community when it comes to brushing animal’s teeth. After all, our dogs and cats were once free to roam the wild. Nevertheless, our pets are domesticated creatures that often suffer from ailments which require treatment. In fact, one of the most common issues for dogs is indeed related to dental care, second only to ear infections – according to the RSPCA.
As such, it’s important to help our furry friends out when it comes to protecting against very avoidable ailments. After all, they don’t have the opposable thumbs to do it themselves. Dental issues can be extremely painful for our pups, in the same way they would be for us – so let’s not let them suffer.
What’s the difference between dog toothpaste and human toothpaste?
Human toothpaste contains chemicals such as fluoride which, though harmless to humans, is toxic to dogs. Instead, many toothpastes created for dogs work by employing bacteria-reducing enzymes as their active ingredient.
Plus, in the same way that humans need to find the taste of toothpaste palatable (which has resulted in some bizarrely flavoured concoctions as of late) – so too do dogs. As such, you’ll find toothpaste for dogs is often imbued with a meat, fish, or poultry flavour.
How often should I clean my dog’s teeth?
Most veterinarians recommend brushing your pet’s teeth at home a least two to three times a week. However, a top tip is to start brushing your dog’s teeth daily when they’re still a puppy to get them used to the sensation. This will make frequent brushing when they’re fully-grown a breeze.
What are the signs of dental problems in dogs?
The most common signs of dental problems in dogs are not too dissimilar to those spotted in humans. These include bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, tartar and missing adult teeth. If your dog is suffering from dental issues, they might also have a reduced appetite.
Are there other ways to keep my dog’s teeth healthy?
If you struggle with getting your pup to co-operate when it comes to teeth-brushing time, there are a variety of ways to supplement your dog’s dental care. For instance, there are specially formulated foods and treats which help to maintain dental and gum health. There are also a variety of special chew toys designed to help clean teeth.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best dog toothpastes to keep your canines happy and healthy.
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Beaphar | Advanced Dual-Enzyme Toothpaste
One of the most popular choices amongst dog owners of all types, this active dual-enzyme toothpaste from Beaphar works to remove plaque, control the build-up of tartar, eliminate bad breath, and even comes with a dedicated double-sided toothbrush for all those hard-to-reach areas. This toothpaste is also liver flavoured which, according to over 11,000 reviews, is an extremely popular flavour amongst the doggos – making brushing easier than ever.
Buy now £5.66, Amazon
Vet's Best Dental Gel Toothpaste and Toothbrush Kit for Dogs
Another handy toothbrush and toothpaste set, Vet’s Best toothpaste has a gel-like consistency which, when paired with the triple-headed toothbrush provided, makes spreading and lathering the toothpaste a breeze. It also contains a mixture of soothing and protective ingredients to calm your pup while ensuring their canines are healthy. These ingredients include vitamin C, clove leaf oil, grapefruit seed extract and peppermint – all with no added sugar.
Buy now £9.00, Pets at Home
Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste | VOHC Approved
Though definitely a pricey option for dog toothpaste, this product comes approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, so you know it’s not all bark and no bite. Clinically proven to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar while also working to inhibit painful gingivitis, Petsmile has a unique no-brush formula which makes maintaining your pup’s oral health easier than ever. Simply apply to your dog’s teeth and let their tongue to the rest of the work.
What’s more, Petsmile toothpaste also whitens teeth by gently dissolving the protein pellicle – the thin layer of bio-film which forms on the surface of your pet’s teeth and plaque, bacteria and stains stick to.
Buy now £29.95, Amazon
Logic Oral Hygiene Gel for Cats and Dogs
Another option which can be used without brushing, this toothpaste nevertheless comes with a handy finger toothbrush to help keep those pearly whites extra strong and healthy. This product, much like how humans use toothpaste, is designed to be used after your pet’s last meal of the day. It’s suitable for both kittens and puppies from as young as three months old, so you can get the littlest of furballs used to the sensation of teeth brushing.
Buy now £9.97, Amazon
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
Available in malt, seafood, beef and poultry flavours, Virbac is likely to have a toothpaste option which caters to your picky pup. It contains zero foaming agents making this product extra safe for your dog to swallow, but will require a toothbrush in order for the dual-enzyme formular to get going.
Buy now £10.59, Amazon
ICF | Stomodine F | Cat & Dog Toothpaste | Meat Flavour
The active ingredients in Stomodine F are chlorhexidine and Tris-EDTA. These are antibacterial components which work to reduce plaque and tartar build-up at the source. By reducing the amount of harmful, plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth in the first place, this innovative formula supports dental health in a holistic manner. Suitable for dogs and cats with food sensitivities, apply the gentle bad-breath fighting formula to your pet’s gums between or after meals.
Buy now £7.75, Amazon
Petrodex Sentry Pet Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Sentry’s toothpaste formula produces hydrogen peroxide when used, which helps to remove plaque and tartar which has built up over time. Though this might sound like a bubbly, baking soda-esque reaction, there’s absolutely no foaming involved in the use of this toothpaste – making brushing your dog’s teeth an easy rinse-free process. Plus, the brand’s signature poultry flavour is irresistible to dogs, according to over 20,000 Amazon buyers.
Buy now £15.53, Amazon
Toothpaste alternatives
MediPaws Plaque Remover
If, no matter how hard you’ve tried, your pup simply doesn’t respond well to toothpaste – this powdered alternative might just be your saviour. The 100 per cent pure seaweed powder helps to fight the bacteria which causes plaque and tartar, while also combatting bad breath. All you need to do is sprinkle the powder over your pup’s dinner et voilà, healthy canines without the need for any toothpaste.
Buy now £14.39, Amazon
Ark Naturals Breathless Brushless Toothpaste
Though dental sticks are usually used as a supplemental means to maintain oral health in dogs alongside regular brushing, these chewy treats work as a brushless toothpaste alternative via the mechanics of your pups own chewing. The unique texture and tough ridges help to remove plaque and tartar, while the chewy toothpaste centre ensures your pup will get that essential polishing that only brushing can usually achieve.
Buy now £37.39, Amazon
