Dog Toothpaste - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Pet owners spend a lot of time trying to find the best food for their dogs and making sure they get enough exercise, but it's easy to overlook your pet's oral health. If you don't take care of your dog's teeth, your dog can develop a number of dental problems that can also affect his general health.
Just like with people, it's important to keep your dog's teeth free of plaque and tartar. The ingredients in human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs, so you can't share your tube of Crest with your best friend.
But if you want to make sure you're taking the best possible care of your dog's teeth, you need to choose the right dog toothpaste. That means knowing what ingredients to look for, deciding if you need an enzyme formula, what flavor your dog might prefer, and what other features will make brushing your dog's teeth as easy as possible.
If you're not sure where to start, our shopping guide has all the information you need to help you find the perfect toothpaste for your four-legged friend. Do you still feel confused? Our matrix has specific toothpaste recommendations to make shopping even easier.
Key Considerations
- Ingredients
When choosing a dog toothpaste, check the list of ingredients. Unlike human toothpaste, dog toothpaste should not contain fluoride. That's because dogs swallow toothpaste, so fluoride can build up to dangerous levels in a dog's system. You should also avoid any toothpaste that contains the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is sometimes used in the flavoring of human toothpastes but is toxic to dogs.
- Silica, which can help remove plaque and tartar.
- Tetrapotassium phosphate and other emulsifiers, which help break down and remove tartar.
- Sorbitol, which is a sweetener for dogs that can make the toothpaste taste more appealing to your dog.
- enzyme formula
Some dog toothpastes contain enzymes such as glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase, which help speed up chemical reactions to give the toothpaste antibacterial properties. Enzymatic toothpaste for dogs can effectively prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque, and the enzymes are perfectly safe for your dog to ingest.
However, enzyme toothpastes work best as a preventative measure, so if your dog already has a large buildup of plaque and tartar, the toothpaste won't be able to remove it. Your dog probably needs a professional cleaning to remove the buildup. You will then be able to control tartar and plaque with an enzyme toothpaste for dogs.
Characteristic
- Taste
Dog toothpastes are available in a variety of flavors that are designed to make them more appealing to dogs so brushing your pet's teeth is easier. However, dogs can be quite picky, so you may have to go through some trial and error to find a flavor your dog likes.
Some of the most common dog toothpaste flavors that appeal to a wide range of dogs include: chicken, beef, bacon, malt, and peanut butter. Although these flavors may appeal to your dog, they don't necessarily give him the freshest breath. If you're concerned about your dog's breath, some toothpastes are available in mint flavors, although dogs don't always enjoy overly minty formulas. A vanilla-flavored toothpaste may be a better choice.
You can also find unflavored dog toothpastes if you don't think your dog will like any of the available flavors.
- Packaging
The container of dog toothpaste may not be as important as its ingredients or its taste, but it can play a big role in how easy it is to use. Most formulas are in plastic tubes like human toothpaste, making it easy to squeeze out the exact amount you need to brush your dog's teeth.
However, some dog toothpastes come in pen-style tubes with brush-tipped applicators. By twisting the bottom of the pen, the paste is dispensed through the tip of the brush so you can brush the paste or gel directly onto your dog's teeth. This eliminates the need for a toothbrush or other applicator and reduces mess.
- Accessories
Some dog toothpastes are available as part of a kit that includes accessories to help brush your dog's teeth. These include brushes specifically designed to fit the dog's mouth or rubber applicators that fit on the end of your finger to rub the paste onto the dog's teeth. Other kits may include dental scaling tools that allow you to remove tartar and buildup from your dog's teeth.
Tips
It's best to start using a dog toothpaste as soon as possible. Toothpaste is even safe for puppies, so don't wait for your dog to develop a dental problem before brushing his teeth.
Help your dog get used to the taste of dog toothpaste by letting him taste it before you start brushing his teeth.
Try to brush your dog's teeth when he is relaxed and calm. He is more likely to resist if he is already agitated.
If you are unsure of the best way to brush your dog's teeth, consult your veterinarian. Your vet can instruct you on the ideal technique to make you more comfortable brushing your dog's teeth at home.
Moisten the bristles of the toothbrush you use for your dog before applying the toothpaste. This helps the paste spread more easily along the teeth and gums.
Use gentle, circular motions to brush the toothpaste over your dog's teeth. You don't want to irritate your gums by brushing too hard.
If you don't have a brush or applicator for your dog's toothpaste, you can rub it over your dog's teeth and gums with your finger for a quick clean.
Other Products We Consider
There are many effective dog toothpastes on the market, so you shouldn't have a problem finding an option that your dog likes. Trixie Dog Toothpaste for dogs is an ideal choice if you're looking for an enzyme formula because it contains three different enzymes. The tasty bird flavor also appeals to most dogs.
Read More :