The importance of taking our dog’s oral hygiene seriously cannot be overstated, so in my series about dog dental care the next topic we’ll be addressing is toothpaste for dogs.
While looking for toothpaste for my dogs, I was surprised by the number of ingredients in some of the formulations I researched, and concerned about how many I had never heard of. You have to wonder why these kinds of ingredients are necessary, she says naively. I guess the same can be said about so many products we use.
One ingredient I did see in many toothpastes was something called Poultry Digest or Animal Digest. Sounds a bit disturbing doesn’t it? Well, there’s a good reason for that.
This is what I found, and I’m quoting: “A material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. The animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice and shall be suitable for animal feed. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind or flavor(s), it must correspond thereto.”
Enough said.
Xylitol is another ingredient that is known to be toxic to dogs and can cause seizures, liver failure and even death.
Choosing the best toothpaste for dogs
Toothpastes come in different flavours and textures, so you’re bound to find one your dog likes. You might get lucky with the first one you buy, or he’ll be a bit pickier and you will have tried several before hitting the jackpot.
There is one thing I would like to recommend – when you find a toothpaste you’d like to try, contact your vet with the list of ingredients. Your senior dog may have health issues that would make certain ingredients risky, so better to be safe.
Also, the word “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean what you think, so don’t rely on that label to guarantee you are purchasing an all natural product. It is often just a marketing tool, and because there is little or no regulation, the criteria for something to be able to call itself natural is vague.
Will your dog let you brush his teeth?
The best toothpaste in the world will be of no benefit, if you can’t get near your dog’s mouth. Some dogs will be more than accommodating the first time you come at him with a toothbrush, others will have to be bribed out of their hiding spot. For I have included a video that should help.
Here are a few doggie toothpastes I found that may interest you
Petrodex Natural Toothpaste
Made in the U.S.A., this peanut flavoured toothpaste is made with all natural abrasives to help control plaque and fight bad breath
Only Natural Pet All Smiles Oral Care Spray
While not technically a toothpaste, this herbal dental spray removes tartar and prevents the buildup of plaque. Made of a blend of Peppermint Leaf, Wild Indigo Root, Echinacea Angustifolia Root and Spilanthes Plant, it is easy to use and a great alternative for dogs who don’t like having their teeth brushed.
ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Powder
Again not technically a toothpaste, this product is just sprinkled onto your pet’s food and works systemically. Perfect for pets who won’t let your near their mouth, or if you’re having a hard time brushing your dog’s teeth. Proven to reduce plaque and tartar, you should start to see results between 2-8 weeks, and of course greater benefits with continued use.
PetzLife Oral Care Gel Original Peppermint
Made in the U.S.A., this peppermint flavoured gel is made with all-natural holistic ingredients, removes plaque and tartar and kills the bacteria that causes bad breath. A toothbrush can be used but isn’t necessary, perfect for dogs that are a bit “uncooperative” when it comes to having their teeth brushed.
Vet’s Best Dental Gel
Consisting of natural ingredients like neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, aloe, and enzymes, this gel has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities to fight bacteria that cause bad breath.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath Plaque Remover Pet Clean Teeth Gel
Made of quality ingredients sourced in the U.S., this tooth gel helps fight periodontal disease by reducing plaque and tarter. It’s as easy as applying a couple of drops to your dog’s teeth every day, no toothbrush required but you can use one if you prefer.
Toothpaste for dogs – conclusion
There are so many toothpastes available, you’re bound to find one your dog is happy with. I’m so glad you’re doing what you can to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. I’ve been through dental surgery with more than one dog, so if you can avoid it all the better. I hope you found this post on toothpaste for dogs helpful, and if you’d like to tell us which toothpaste yours prefers I’d love to hear from you.
Which Dog Toothbrush Should I Buy?
HI Hindy. I’m not concerned so much about the toothpaste as I am how to brush my dogs teeth. I don’t mean the act of brushing. I mean, how do you get a dog to be still enough to brush their teeth? I’ve told you about Duke and Baby. Duke is the calmer of the two but even he won’t be still and Baby is just down right stubborn.
At the vet they put her to sleep to brush them because she’s not cooperative. Do you have any tricks or suggestions on how to do this without so much stress for her and me?
Well my friend, that is the age old question. My vet can’t even get near Red’s mouth. Of course it’s ideal to start when they’re younger, but if you don’t have them then… You can try the whole “desensitisation” thing – hold the toothbrush, if she’s fine give her a treat, move it closer and closer until it’s near her mouth – at each stage giving her a treat, and of course doing this over several days, or however long it takes. Putting some toothpaste that they love may motivate them. Having said all that, you could try a finger toothbrush. I am meeting with limited success, but success nonetheless, with wrapping gauze around my finger. It’s a lot easier to put my finger in Red’s mouth then a toothbrush. As far as my other dog is concerned, I’m starting the desensitising thing with him.
Hey Hindy,
I’m laughing at the desensitization because when I pick up a napkin or tissue to clean baby’s eyes she runs. She knows what’s coming so she tries to hide before I can catch her. I’m laughing because I can only imagine what trying to desensitize her will look like but I’ll try it. It is researched to work so I’ll give it a go. Thank you.
That sounds about right! My other dog Jack runs when he just catches a glimpse of a brush. Good luck!
Hindy, I have a minature yorkie poo and her breath is always bad! Which product do you find works best to help cure this issue? Maybe I don’t brush her teeth enough? It can be embarrassing when visitors smell her breath. Thanks for all the super useful information 🙂
Hi Brad, I wouldn’t worry about the treats right now, but I do recommend you take your dog to the vet to have her teeth checked as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, bad breath in dogs is not a given, but it does signal some kind of dental issue. Dental disease can cause serious health problems, so the sooner you tackle this, the better for your dog. If dental surgery is needed for a good cleaning, then you can keep up with her oral hygiene with regular brushing and dental chews. You can get veterinary chews, or antlers (just make sure there are no sharp pieces), or any kind of good quality chew with as few ingredients as possible. Raw bones are apparently good too, but I would speak to your vet about that first. I have an article publishing soon about dental chews, so keep an eye out! Hope this helps, and let me know what happens.
Great site Hindy – one that I’m sure a lot of pet owners with senior dogs will love. I am not a dog owner myself but I’m going to share this website with a few people I know so they can benefit.
Keep up the good work!
Hi Shaz, thank you, I certainly hope people with senior dogs will find the information here helpful. I would appreciate the share, thank you!
Hi – very helpful info. I’m wondering about Sorbitol being the #1 ingredient in Sentry HC Petrodex, beef flavor. Isn’t Sorbitol the same as Xylitol and just as much of a risk to your dog, young or old?
Thanks in advance for any clarification you can make on this.
Hi Cathy, thanks very much for your comment and question. Sorbitol isn’t the same as Xylitol. They sound similar, and are both sweet tasting, but my research suggests that Sorbitol is safe for dogs. You may see mild vomiting or diarrhea in some dogs if they’ve eaten quite a bit of it. Personally I like to find products that contain as few, high quality natural ingredients as possible.