Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums clean and healthy is not just a cosmetic exercise so that their teeth sparkle in the sunlight and glow in the dark. There are some serious health implications for your dog when teeth go bad. Unfortunately, many small breeds of dogs such as toy poodles and dachshunds are more prone to dental issues than larger breeds so it’s vital to establish a healthy tooth brushing routine with your furry friend.
In the past, many people would have laughed at the idea of brushing your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush and dog toothpaste. They would think you’ve gone a bit over the top, to say the least. Nowadays most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis.
However, before starting this new daily routine it is important to have your dog’s teeth checked out by your local vet. The vet can remove any excess build-up of plaque and examine the teeth for any underlying issues.
In this article, we will be looking at a selection of suitable dog toothpaste. We have selected our 3 top enzymatic toothpaste. Most veterinarians recommend these types of toothpaste as they are the best to combat tartar and gum disease from forming. In addition, we have also chosen 2 organic options for those looking for natural alternatives.
Dog Toothpaste | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste |   | Our Rating 4.5 | |
| Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste |   | Our Rating 4.3 | |
| Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs |   | Our Rating 4.5 | |
| Radius USDA Organic Canine Pet Toothpaste |   | Our Rating 4.4 | |
| St. Jon Pet Care (Virbac) Petrodex Natural Toothpaste |   | Our Rating 4.5 |
Dog Toothpaste Top Picks |
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste (3.5 oz) is a specially formulated American-made toothpaste. It is suitable for both cats and dogs. This toothpaste is enzymatic meaning that it contains an antibacterial enzyme that helps fight against the buildup of plaque and tartar. It is also the top-recommended dental brand by veterinarians in the USA and one of the top-rated toothpaste available.
Key Features
Enzymatic
The toothpaste contains enzymes that help fight against the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Non Foaming
The toothpaste does not foam and will not leave a mess. When you first use the toothpaste it may seem a bit strange that there is no foam but for dog toothpaste, this is what you would want as the foaming agent is toxic to dogs!
Choice of Flavors
You have the choice of beef, poultry, or vanilla mint.
USA Made
Made and distributed out of Texas, USA
Ingredients
Sorbitol, dicalcium phosphate anhydrous, purified water, hydrated silica, glycerin, dextrose, xanthan gum, vanillin, titanium dioxide, sodium benzoate, methyl salicylate, potassium thiocyanate, glucose oxidase (aspergillus niger) and lactoperoxidase.
The Pros
Top recommended brand by USA veterinary professionals
Enzymatic fights against plaque & tartar & suitable for cats and dogs.
Safe & Non-foaming so not messy
Choice of flavors: beef, poultry or vanilla mint
USA Company
The Cons
Some users had issues with toothpaste on arrival being brown & moldy. Make sure the seal is intact and unopened upon receipt.
No. 2 Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
The Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste (3.5 oz) is a veterinarian-formulated toothpaste containing enzymes and natural ingredients that gently clean away plaque and tartar. It also freshens your dog’s breath which is always a bonus and it works on cats too! It is a clear gel-like toothpaste and is produced by an American company with over 30 years of experience.
Key Features
Enzymatic
The toothpaste contains enzymes that help fight against the buildup of plaque and tartar. Works on dogs and cats.
Safe & Non Foaming
The toothpaste does not foam so there are no messy cleanups required and safe if consumed.
Flavor
The toothpaste is a banana flavor.
USA Made
Made in the USA
Ingredients
This toothpaste does not contain any animal by-products. The ingredients are Glycerin, aloe, pectin, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), papain & natural flavors.
The Pros
Enzymatic fights against plaque & tartar & suitable for cats and dogs.
Safe & non-foaming and does not contain any animal by-products
Made in the USA
The Cons
Available in one flavor – banana
No. 3 – Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
The Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs (6.2 oz) is an advanced patented enzymatic non-foaming toothpaste that helps reduce plaque and fights bad breath. It comes in a tasty poultry flavor.
Key Features
Enzymatic
The toothpaste contains enzymes that help fight against the buildup of plaque and tartar. Works on dogs and cats.
Safe & Non Foaming
The toothpaste does not foam so there are no messy cleanups required. It also if consumed.
Flavor
The toothpaste is a tasty poultry flavor.
USA Made
Made in the USA
Ingredients
Sorbitol, Dicalcium phosphate, water, hydrated silica, glycerin, poultry digest, dextrose, xanthan gum, acidified calcium sulfate, disodium phosphate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, sodium benzoate, aspergillus niger fermentation extract.
The Pros
Patented enzymatic formula to fight plaque and tartar formation
Safe & Non Foaming
Made in USA
The Cons
Some users did not like the odor emitting from the toothpaste
No. 4 – Radius USDA Organic Canine Toothpaste
The Radius USDA Organic Canine Pet Toothpaste is our choice for naturally organic dog toothpaste. This American product is USDA-certified organic and free of chemicals, dye, and preservatives and works tackling plaque and tartar buildup.
Key Features
USDA Certified Organic
This natural dog toothpaste is 100% USDA organic, non-toxic, and made with food-grade ingredients. No xylitol, chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, glutens, fluoride, synthetics, or any other nasty ingredients of any kind. It also contains organic coconut oil that naturally whitens teeth and also helps reduce bacteria buildup.
Flavor
The flavor is Cinnamon and the toothpaste gel is brown in color.
American Made
This organic toothpaste is made and manufactured in the USA and follows eco-friendly practices in its production. All their products are cruelty-free and comply with strict quality standards.
Ingredients
The toothpaste contains all-natural ingredients such as organic sweet potato which is a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A for healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles, Organic Olive Leaf Extract helps boost immune systems and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflamed gums. Also contains Organic Fennel Extract which is used in a variety of dog dental chews to freshen breath, this herb can also help prevent gingivitis.
Full Listed ingredients include the following:
Water, Glycerin*, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato) Powder*, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Guar Gum*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Flour*, Helianthus Annuus (Sun Flower) Seed Oil*, Lecithin Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil) *, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract*, , Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract*, Laminaria Digitata Extract*, Cinnamomum Burmanii (Cinnamon) Powder*, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Indian) Leaf Oil*, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove Bud) Flower Oil*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Oil*, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract Powder* & Citric Acid.
*USDA Certified Organic
The Pros
USDA Certified Organic with all-natural food-grade ingredients that are free of chemicals and preservatives with no xylitol
American made and manufactured
The Cons
Not suitable for cats
No. 5 – St. Jon Pet Care (Virbac) Petrodex Natural Toothpaste
St. Jon Pet Care (Virbac) Petrodex Natural Toothpaste (2.5 oz tube) is formulated specifically for pets that is free of preservatives. This original formula helps clean teeth by reducing plaque buildup and tartar with the use of abrasives. It also fights bad breath with chlorophyll and comes in a tasty peanut flavor.
Key Features
Free of Preservatives
The toothpaste is free from preservatives and uses abrasives to clean teeth and help stop a buildup of plaque and tartar and chlorophyll to help freshen breath
Flavor
Peanut
USA Made
Manufactured by Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Omaha, NE 68138
Ingredients
Sorbitol, hydrated silica, glycerin, water, natural peanut flavor, xanthan gum, acidified calcium sulfate, mushroom extract, benzoic acid, chlorophyll, eucalyptus, oil, parsley seed oil.
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Gum Disease & Heart Problems
Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. It is a serious bacterial infection of the mouth that damages the soft tissue. If you do not treat this infection it will damage the bone that supports the teeth and lead to teeth loosening and loss.
If caught early periodontitis can be treated and even cured but preventing it from developing in the first case is the best option. This is achieved by regular brushing, chew toys, and annual vet checkups. If periodontitis is left untreated it will lead to serious medical problems. The bacteria from the mouth continuously enters the bloodstream and will eventually cause heart problems.
Source: Banfield Pet Hospital
There are medical and dental studies now available that show a direct correlation between bad teeth and heart disease. Dr. Larry Glickman at Purdue carried out a study of over 120,000 dogs over a period of several years. He concluded that there is a direct correlation between gum disease and heart problems.
“Canine gum disease linked to heart problems.”
– Source: DVM360.com
What Happens When Dog’s Teeth Are Not Cleaned?
When a dog does not have his teeth cleaned there can be a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a colorless or pale yellow film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is a combination of saliva, food, fluid, and bacteria and usually forms 4 to 12 hours after the last teeth brushing. This dental plaque then leads to a build-up of tartar and this can harden on the teeth with 2 to 72 hours.
This tartar is also called dental calculus and it forms a crusty deposit on the tooth causing stains and discoloration. However, stains and discoloration are the least of your concerns. It can also lead to gum disease resulting in tooth loss and the nasty bacteria can travel to other parts of the body and organs resulting in heart, kidney, and liver problems.
Source: dentalcare.com
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Can You Use Human Toothpaste On Your Dog?
Never use human toothpaste while brushing your dog’s teeth. Please don’t even consider using human toothpaste, not even a tiny bit, as it could ultimately prove lethal to your dog.
There are three ingredients in human toothpaste that will harm your dog.
1. Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural alcohol that occurs in many fruits and vegetables. It is often used as a sugar substitute in a big range of products from chewing gums, mints, candies, sauces, syrups, mouthwash, chewable vitamins to toothpaste. The big problem with xylitol is that it is dangerous to your dog if consumed.
Source: fda.gov
According to the FDA, it has received many reports of dogs being poisoned due to eating chewing gum containing xylitol. The reason that xylitol is so dangerous for dogs and not for humans is that in dogs the xylitol is absorbed more quickly into their bloodstream. This triggers a lethal release of insulin which can result in a dramatic drop in blood sugar. You should seek Veterinarian assistance immediately with this life-threatening condition. It can often occur within 10 mins to an hour of consumption of xylitol, however, sometimes it can take as long as 12 to 24 hours to manifest.
Symptoms For Xylitol Poisoning include:
Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, in-coordination & seizures.
2. Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods and water. It is often added to human toothpaste as it helps fight tooth decay. It resists attacks from sugars, acids, and bacteria. However, if your dog is exposed o high levels of fluoride it can lead to vomiting and even kidney failure.
There are generally two main ways your dog could be exposed to fluoride toxicity. Either your dog consumes a tube of human toothpaste in one sitting or over time your dog is exposed to fluoride on a daily basis. The toxins can build up over time. Both scenarios are not good so you must be careful that your dog firstly does not find your human toothpaste and never use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
Unfortunately, some sellers now have pet toothpaste containing fluoride so it’s always best to check the ingredients first before using it on your furry buddy.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
This is a chemical that is often added to toothpaste, shampoo, and shower gels. You know when you brush your teeth and it produces that foaming effect, well that SLS in action.
If you have previously used a good brand of pet toothpaste you may have been waiting for the toothpaste to foam and then nothing happens. I know I experienced this a while back when I first used dog toothpaste. However, if your dog consumes SLS in large quantities it can cause gastro issues problems so it is left out of the higher quality pet toothpaste.
5 Tips To Promote Healthy Dog Teeth
1. Rawhide Bones
Most dogs love to chew and some more than others especially puppies. Rawhide bones give your dog the opportunity to use their jaws and it promotes healthy teeth and gums. They can also act as a stress and anxiety release for your dog and can help with boredom too. However, its important always to monitor your dog while chewing the rawhide. You want to make sure there is no choking hazard and no allergic reaction
2. Carrot & Celery Sticks
If you have a dog that loves to chew then try carrot or celery sticks. They will give your fur baby a really good chew and crunch. One of my dogs used to love carrots and would get so excited when he heard them being peeled.
3. Dry Dog Food – Kibble
Giving your dog kibble will also help promote healthy teeth and gums. Kibble is hard to crunch so your dog gets a chance to use those lovely teeth. The chewing action helps clean the teeth.
4. Chew Toys
There is an assortment of chew toys that have been developed to help teeth and gums. Some dogs will just not allow a toothbrush inside their mouth so this can be a good alternative.
5. Regular Teeth Brushing
Most veterinarians recommend cleaning your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. It helps prevent plaque and tartar from forming which can lead to all sorts of medical issues.
If you have a puppy then it’s important to train them from an earlier age and teach them that tooth brushing is a part of the daily routine. Puppies shed their baby teeth usually by the age of 4 months so as soon as this is done make sure you train your puppy that’s it is okay to handle his mouth and clean his teeth. Plenty of patience may be needed.
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Tips For Beginners With Dog Teeth Brushing
If you have an older dog that has never had a tooth brushing then the following steps below be helpful, however, before starting this it would be a good idea to have your veterinarian check your dog’s teeth first to make sure there are no underlying conditions.
The first step is to let your dog get used to you feeling their mouth, lips, and gums. Don’t attempt to bring in a toothbrush or finger cleaner at this early stage. You need to build up to this. When your dog is relaxed and free of any distractions gently massage around the mouth and gums. It might only be a few seconds but you can work on extending this exercise for longer periods. Try and do this as often as you can and whenever possible.
The next step is to introduce flavored toothpaste. Put a small amount on your finger or chewy toy and let your dog taste it. All going well your dog will like the taste and look for more. If this particular flavor didn’t work it may be a case of finding a flavor he likes and start again with the process.
The next step is to place a small amount of this tasty toothpaste on your finger and just try and rub a little on your dog’s teeth. Be patient and don’t try to rush this stage. Make this a daily morning and evening routine. If your dog is not yet ready for this and resists then it may be a case of going back to the first stage of gentle massage around the mouth and build slowly again.
When your dog is happy with you placing a small amount of toothpaste on his teeth it will be time to introduce a fingertip toothbrush or dog toothbrush. Show your dog the toothbrush with the toothpaste and let him taste it. Then gently try and rub some onto the teeth. Again slow and easy does it. You may be only allowed to rub the teeth for a second or two and that’s fine. It will be a case of slowly building up the time and eventually it will get easier.
Conclusion
Our overall top pick for best dog toothpaste is the Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste (3.5 oz). This American-made enzymatic toothpaste is one of the top-rated toothpaste in the USA and recommended by veterinarians. It is also suitable for both cats and dogs.
