Keep those pearly whites shining! Toothpaste is essential for brushing your puppy’s teeth at home. The gold standard is to brush your young dog’s teeth at least once daily, but the minimum to prevent tartar and plaque buildup is to brush them at least 3 times per week. This means your bestie needs their own pet-safe toothpaste!
First off, you shouldn’t use human toothpaste for your young dog for several reasons. Keep in mind that you always spit your toothpaste out. Your dog is going to swallow any tasty treat you put in their mouth, toothpaste included. Swallowing human toothpaste could cause stomach upset. It may also contain high levels of sodium, which could make your pet sick, or the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
When choosing a toothpaste, consider looking for one which has been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). VOHC approval means the toothpaste is proven to reduce plaque and tartar formation on teeth. Pet toothpastes don’t foam and can be swallowed. Aside from the physical aspect of scrubbing plaque off teeth, some toothpastes contain enzymes that also help prevent tartar buildup.
Another important issue to consider is the taste of the toothpaste. You may notice that some dog toothpastes come in flavors that seem odd to us, such as poultry or peanut butter. You know your pet best, so rather than focusing on something that smells good to you, think of what your dog likes to snack on. If you choose an option that tastes good to your pet, you’ll make toothbrushing a more enjoyable experience for your dog.
If your young dog isn’t tolerant of having their teeth brushed, other items that can help maintain oral health include dental chews, dental wipes or gels, dental diets and water additives.
Browse our selection of dental hygiene products that are safe for your dog.
