How We Found The Best and Reviewed Them
Have you ever wondered how we do the review?
Let us take a look at what we really do.
To begin with, it was easy to find the list of top rated products on the market as per most pet parents. What was disappointing is how the brand names kept getting repetitive every couple of times during our research.
That's right.
We realized that pet owners are not really looking into the label of ingredients anymore. It is quite simple to find out the poorer quality options by checking the ingredients.
But you know what else?
Most of the dog toothpastes meant for canines are full of harsh chemicals that would easily remove plaque and tartar but eventually do more harm than good. Pet parents might be using them without being aware of the consequences. This is when we started researching better brands with better quality.
So let's take a closer look.
We selected the products that are not only safe and healthy for dogs but would also remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
As we reviewed them, we realized that most veterinarians and experienced pet owners highly recommend these products because of they promote the overall health of pooches and also eliminate bad breath issues effectively.
We collated our information by referring to manufacturing websites, blogs from pet health experts and also through customer reviews on Amazon. We also spoke to around 550 dog owners who use dog toothpaste and added their reviews to our article.
Here's hoping that you benefit from what we have to recommend!
Buyers Guide – Toothpaste for Dogs
Here's a health fact:
There is no doubt about the fact that your dog's oral hygiene is directly linked to his overall oral health and happiness. A dog owner needs to put constant efforts to maintain the oral hygiene of your furry best friend.
Your dog would probably not like it. But, it's necessary. It is quintessential that you brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
Wait.
Before you venture into the world of oral hygiene, it is important to understand the need for certain things and what to look for before buying them.
When you get a brand new toothbrush for your dog, you will obviously look for brand new dog toothpaste. So what do you need to look for in the right dog toothpastes for your beloved canine friend?
Taste, Taste, & Taste
Ask yourself this question.
What kind of food do my pup like? Is it beef, chicken, peanut or others?
Answering this question is important to avoid wasting money on buying a dog toothpaste that your dog cannot simply stand to put in its mouth. Always try to buy a dog toothpaste that has a flavor which your dog is comfortable with.
Whether it is the first time or the hundredth time that you choose to brush your dog’s teeth, you can never be sure of how he could possibly react to it. This is exactly why you need to choose dog toothpaste that tastes good.
A number of flavor options are available, for example, poultry, beef, vanilla, mint, peanut etc.
Understanding The Ingredients Inside A Dog Toothpaste
Some of the common ingredients that should be present in dog toothpaste are as follow:
- Enzymes- they work to reduce the bacteria in your dog's mouth.
- Silica- gently removes plaque and tartar.
- Emulsifiers- help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Sorbitol- sweetener to make it pleasant to taste.
Before you buy any product for your canine companion's oral use, always ensure that you are aware of the ingredients that are present.
Never buy anything that you are not sure about or have questions about.
Ingredients like tea tree oil, propylene gel etc need careful supervision so always ask your vet if they are safe to use on your pet.
It is better to stay away from dog toothpaste that are abrasive or have artificial sweeteners in them. When you buy a new brand of dog toothpaste, make sure you are buying the smallest tube unless it has been recommended by your vet.
This will help you save money and trips to the vet if your dog doesn't like it or is allergic to it.
Can You Use Human Toothpaste For Your Dogs?
Short answer, NO.
Dogs have a tendency to swallow the dog toothpaste. These could contain ingredients that are toxic when ingested.
Fluoride is one example.
It is highly toxic for both adult dogs and puppies. It could potentially harm your dog's system.
Always use dog toothpastes that are specially designed for dogs.
Plaque And Tartar Control? What's That?
Have you ever noticed a thin film like substance on your dog’s teeth?
What begins like that is popularly known as plaque but goes on to become tartar that could easily ruin your dog’s teeth. While plaque can be brushed off your dog’s teeth within 36 hours, tartar is the kind of deposit that fails to be washed off since it hardens over time.
If you allow the plaque and tartar to stay back for a while, it can build around your dog’s teeth for longer periods of time and you could easily invite infection. This can further lead to the surrounding tissues and bony sockets to destruction.
This is exactly why tartar control is so important. Whenever you shop for dog toothpastes, always look for ingredients that can naturally prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Dogs Can Develop Gum Disease Too
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum diseases in your dog. If your dog suffers from gum disease, you can expect inflamed and swollen gums that could go on to be very painful. You might notice that these dogs find everyday activities quite uncomfortable like chewing on toys, eating, playing fetch etc.
While there is still a lot of research going on to treat canine gum diseases, the only thing that veterinarians recommend is brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with dog toothpastes that has ingredients to prevent gum irritation etc. Ingredients like aloe vera, baking soda etc are the ones that you should look out for.
Importance Of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
There is no doubt about the fact that the best dog toothpastes will improve your dog's oral as well as general health. However, the best way to ensure that is to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. If you cannot do it every day, try to do it three or four times a week at least.
What you should know here is that poor oral health can be detrimental to your dog's health in a number of ways.
The bacteria present in your pooch's mouth can travel into its bloodstream and cause harm to its organs.
It could also cause unpleasant breath that again tends to isolate your dog from others.
All these could have an adverse reaction on your pup's oral health and personality which is why investing in the best dog toothpastes and brushing regularly with it is highly recommended.
Do Certain Foods Cause Dental Decay?
Yes, absolutely!
Certain foods lead to a faster plaque and tartar buildup and bacteria. The most notorious example is dry food (kibble). Avoid feeding your pet readymade food and offer more variety in the form of raw food such as carrots.
If possible, supplement your dog's diet with raw meaty bones. These bones have a mildly abrasive surface which helps to remove the dental plaque and tartar buildiup around their teeth.
