Best Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrushes: What to Look For
Dental care products come in an overwhelming range of flavors and gadgets. The essentials are simple: a paste your dog can safely swallow and a brush that fits comfortably in your hand and your dog's mouth.
Toothpaste: what to look for
- Made for dogs. Dogs do not spit, so paste must be safe to swallow.
- Enzymatic formulas. Contain enzymes that help break down plaque and may help when brushing is limited.
- Free from xylitol. This sweetener is toxic to dogs. See xylitol and dogs.
- Pleasant flavor. Poultry, beef, peanut butter and mint-free options are popular.
- Appropriate for age. Check for puppy-friendly options.
What to avoid
- Human toothpaste, which often contains fluoride, xylitol or foaming agents
- Baking soda pastes, which are salty and alkaline and can upset the stomach
- Mouthwashes not made for dogs
- Strong essential oils
Types of toothbrush
- Standard dog toothbrush. Long handle, angled head, soft bristles.
- Double-headed brush. Different sizes at each end, for large and small teeth.
- Finger brush. A rubber cap with bristles that slips over your finger. Useful for beginners and small dogs.
- Soft child's toothbrush. A good, inexpensive option for small dogs.
- Wrap or pad. A textured cloth for rubbing teeth.
Choose soft bristles. Hard bristles can hurt gums.
What the VOHC seal means
The Veterinary Oral Health Council evaluates products for plaque and tartar control. A VOHC seal shows evidence of effectiveness, based on trials submitted by manufacturers. It does not guarantee a product suits every dog, but it is a helpful quality marker. See do dental chews really work.
Sizing and fit
A brush that is too big makes it hard to reach the back teeth, and one that is too small slows you down. Small dogs do well with finger brushes or small heads. Large dogs often prefer a long-handled brush.
How to introduce the product
Let your dog taste the paste first. If your dog dislikes a flavor, switch. Introduce the brush slowly. See how to brush a dog's teeth.
Cost and replacement
Replace brushes every three months, or sooner if bristles splay. Paste is inexpensive and lasts a long time. Spend on consistency rather than premium gadgets.
Other helpers
Water additives, sprays and gels may support oral hygiene but are not substitutes for brushing. Talk to your vet. See how to remove tartar from dog teeth.
Toothpaste flavors and textures
Dogs have strong preferences. Poultry and beef flavors are the most common, while some dogs prefer peanut butter or seafood. Gel pastes are easier to spread, while thicker pastes stay on the brush better. Buy small tubes first and see which flavors your dog likes before buying in bulk. If your dog has food allergies, check that the flavoring does not contain the ingredient they react to. See feeding a dog with food allergies.
Products that are optional
Dental wipes, sprays, gels, water additives and powders can help for dogs that refuse brushing, but evidence varies, and none replace brushing. If you try one, give it a few weeks and ask your vet at the next visit whether you see a difference in plaque and gum redness. Keep records, including the product name and the date you started, so you can compare.
Travel and storage
Keep a spare brush and a small tube in your travel bag, so the routine does not lapse on holiday. Store paste at room temperature away from direct sun, and keep it away from children, who may be tempted by the meaty flavor.
The takeaway
Choose a safe, dog-specific paste and a soft brush your dog accepts. The best product is the one you will use regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Why not human toothpaste?
It can contain xylitol, fluoride and foaming agents that are unsafe if swallowed.
Are enzymatic pastes better?
They help break down plaque, which may help when brushing is limited.
Which brush is best?
A soft brush sized for your dog's mouth, or a finger brush for beginners.
What is the VOHC seal?
A mark showing evidence that a product helps reduce plaque or tartar.