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Finding the best dog toothpaste might not necessarily be a hassle but dogs definitely don’t require the same kind of toothpaste we humans use. Just like humans, our fluffy canine companions also need constant oral hygiene which a lot of pet owners don’t do regularly.
According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, it has been discovered that Periodontal disease is the most prevalent clinical condition affecting most adult dogs worldwide, as many as 85% of our pets! Its symptoms may range from mild plaque in the teeth and gingivitis to painful swelling of the gums and in severe cases, tooth loss. Dental disease has also been linked to a whole lot of problems like kidney, cardiac, and even liver problems in your pet. Some breeds of dogs, like smaller dogs, tend to have weaker or softer teeth than the others putting them at a higher risk of getting dental-related diseases.
Like many health concerns, dental diseases can be curbed if detected early and severe dental cases may require veterinary intervention which are quite painful procedures that often require sedation.
To prevent dental illnesses, it is important to brush and clean your dog’s teeth as often as daily. Although many dogs may find it difficult to adapt to the dental maintenance practice, with the right introduction, use of the right toothpaste for your dog, and consistency in oral hygiene, your dog would slowly get used to the process.
This article is a guide to dog owners on the type of toothpaste that would be ideal for their dogs, each ranging in flavors and consistencies that their dogs may end up liking.
What you need to know about Dog toothpaste
It is essential to have some basic knowledge about periodontal disease and dog toothpaste.
Periodontal disease is a disorder of the teeth and gums caused by gingivitis and the buildup of plaque. Accumulation of food particles in your dog’s teeth and gum line can form plaque which may not only result in periodontal disease but can also carry bacteria into their bloodstream. It can result in difficulty eating and as well affect the organs filtering and pumping blood.
Technically, brushing your dog’s teeth often with a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs and good dog toothpaste is the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
Most types of dog toothpaste contain active scrubbing ingredients that help eradicate plaque as well as wash away stains on the teeth. A special kind of dog toothpaste known as Enzymatic toothpaste uses enzymes that help reduce the emergence of bacteria, which can help reduce bad breath and lessen the buildup of tartar.
The most important thing to remember when brushing your dog’s teeth is to NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE ON YOUR DOG. Why? This is because many human kinds of toothpaste contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol has been discovered to cause a drastic drop in the sugar levels of dogs as well as potential liver damage if consumed in excess. So, in order to preserve your dog’s overall health as well as its oral health, here is a list of the best dog toothpaste to consider.
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Best dog toothpaste
VIRBAC C.E.T ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE (FLAVORFUL DOG TOOTHPASTE)
This toothpaste is a top pick among many veterinary doctors and is perfect for safely and effectively brushing your furry friend’s set of teeth. This toothpaste contains the C.E.T dual enzyme system formulated for dogs (and cats) to provide natural antibacterial action, tartar formation prevention, and eradication of plaque. Advantageously, it also helps to eliminate mouth odor while also containing no foaming agents, this means that it is 100% safe for your dog to swallow without any harmful effects.
The toothpaste tube, which weighs about 3.2 ounces comes in five wholesome flavors if your dog is picky with flavors: Vanilla-mint, poultry, beef, malt, and seafood. It is around $10 in price and has mostly gotten good reviews about how the toothpaste also changes their dog’s attitude towards brushing in addition to making their dog’s teeth notably cleaner and whiter.
PURA NATURALS ORGANIC DENTAL SOLUTIONS KIT (ORGANIC DOG TOOTHPASTE)
Recommended by the USDA, this toothpaste kit comes with its own dog toothbrush and toothpaste. The toothpaste is free of dyes, chemicals, artificial additives, and preservatives which makes it 100% organic to use on your canine companion. This dog toothpaste thoroughly fights against plaque and tartar and effectively freshen your dog’s breath. It is a gel toothpaste and it comes in a 0.8ounce tube. The toothbrush in the kit is easy to hold and with bristles thorough enough to gently clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums.
This dental kit is a top choice for organic toothpaste picks for dogs which review saying how effective the toothpaste is. Users of this product also share that the toothbrush in the kit is easy to use, with the only major complaint being that the toothpaste in the tube is quite small. This dental kit can be gotten for $10.99.
PETSMILE PROFESSIONAL DOG TOOTHPASTE (VETERINARY ORAL HEALTH COUNCIL APPROVED PICK)
Containing an ingredient called Calprox, this dog toothpaste is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and is efficient in safely fighting plaque and bacteria and improvement of bad breath in dogs. This professional-grade toothpaste is meant to be used as often as two to three times weekly and requires no toothbrush for application. It can simply be used by making use of the finger applicator to rub the toothpaste on your dog’s teeth so brushing isn’t going to be as stressful as you think, just let the toothpaste do its job.
It contains safe ingredients and comes in a 4.5ounce tube, flavored in “London Broil” to appeal to the taste of your dog. It has been reviewed to be easy to use and effective and their dogs seem to be less resistant to using this toothpaste. The downside to this toothpaste is that it is quite expensive at $25 and the ingredients in the toothpaste tend to separate when stored for too long, so it is advisable to shake well before use.
KISSABLE ALL-NATURAL DOG TOOTHPASTE (ALL-NATURAL DOG TOOTHPASTE)
This dog toothpaste comes in a 2.5ounce tube and as the name implies, is all-natural. It prevents tartar buildup and promotes healthy gums in your dog, and is also completely safe for your dog to swallow while brushing. This toothpaste, which can also be used on puppies, comes in two distinctive flavors: Vanilla and Tea tree oil and Cucumber mint. Customers who have used this product left reviews saying that the product has a nice smell and an effective result on their dog’s teeth, however, some reviewers noted that their dogs didn’t like the flavors and the preference by your dog is solely dependent on the individual dog. It has a price tag of $8.
PETRODEX ENZYMATIC TOOTHPASTE (BEST VALUED DOG TOOTHPASTE)
Coming in a handy 6.2ounce tube, this toothpaste from Petrodex is unbeatable in value. This toothpaste is infused with patented enzymes and is non-foaming which means that your dog can swallow it without any need to worry about side effects. It also doesn’t require rinsing after use on your dog’s teeth. This $10 toothpaste is designed to eliminate tartar and plaque as well as keeping bad breath at bay. It is a poultry-flavored toothpaste recommended to be used two to three times weekly with a soft bristle toothbrush as the applicator.
Many reviewers liked this product so much that they even posted pictures of their dogs’ teeth to show its effectiveness, however, the downside to this toothpaste as noted by many reviewers is its unpleasant smell.
conclusion
I’m sure that all dog owners can pick a favorite from the above-listed dog kinds of toothpaste, but be sure to also contact your veterinary doctor for advice on the type of toothpaste your dog needs before going ahead to make a purchase. Brushing your dog’s teeth can be done as often as two to three times weekly and can be a fun activity for both you and your dog(s) if the right toothpaste and toothbrush are used. Curb dental diseases in your canine companion today with any of the options above!