Best Dog Toothpaste
People brush their teeth every day, usually multiple times. Although we know the importance of brushing our teeth, we do not often think about the benefits regular brushing offers our dogs. According to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, periodontal disease is the most common disease found in adult dogs and it can cause a whole host of problems, from loose teeth to heart disease.
In order to prevent your pet from developing illness, brush your dog's teeth regularly. Working with your dog slowly will allow most dogs to accept having their teeth brushed. After all, toothpastes come in different flavors they may like.
What is the Deal with Dog Toothpaste?
First off, brushing your dog's teeth is the number one best thing you can do to help prevent periodontal disease. There are different toothpastes that have different features, but a common element is enzymatic toothpaste. This type of toothpaste has an enzymatic function, which means that brushing your dog's teeth with this helps reduce bacteria and improves bad breath. Many toothpastes have scrubbing ingredients that help scrub away plaque and even stains.
Luckily, there are several different toothbrushes available for use on your dog's teeth, including regular toothbrushes and even finger brushes that slide over the end of your finger.
Also, one of the most important things to keep in mind when making plans to brush your dog's teeth is that you need to use pet-specific toothpastes. Using human toothpaste can be dangerous and should not be used. The fluoride levels are typically higher, and human toothpastes may have artificial sugars like xylitol, which can be deadly for your dog to ingest.
The Benefits of Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
If you brush your dog's teeth regularly, it helps slow the progression of periodontal disease. This oral disease predominantly takes over the teeth and gums and is caused by bacteria found within the plaque film. As food particles sit along your dog's gum line, bacteria accumulate and leads to tartar formation and gingivitis. As periodontal disease develops, it can weaken teeth, such as wearing down the periodontal ligament. This disease of the mouth can also lead to systemic infections, such as kidney disease and cardiac endocarditis.
Brushing your dog's teeth regularly helps prevent periodontal disease from developing. A combination of regular brushing and formulated dental chews are the most helpful things to stave off periodontal disease. As you brush your dog's teeth with formulated enzymatic toothpaste, the enzymes help reduce bacterial levels in the mouth, also helping to freshen your pup's breath.
Your Options for Dog Toothpaste
When you are looking at toothpaste for your pup, there are lots of options on the market. One way to go about picking the toothpaste you are going to use is to select one of the options that has the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of acceptance on it. These toothpastes have been tested by veterinary dental professionals and meet label claims. There are plenty of great options that have not been tested by the VOHC, so be sure to read this list thoroughly.
C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
If you have a dog or a cat, the C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is an excellent option. It is an enzymatic toothpaste, so the application to your dog's teeth will help fight plaque and tartar. The standout from this product is that it comes in a variety of flavors, including poultry, beef, seafood and vanilla-mint, giving you plenty of options to try. A tube of this toothpaste typically retails for around $10, making it an affordable option for pet owners.
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Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste
To begin, one option for your dog's smile is the Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste. This product has the Veterinary Oral Health Council's seal of approval, so you know it is a great product. The product does not need to be brushed on your dog's teeth. Just use the applicator to rub the paste onto your dog's teeth and let the toothpaste do its job. The Petsmile Toothpaste comes in "London broil" flavor, which many dogs enjoy the taste of. Unfortunately, this is a pricey toothpaste. A tube will set you back roughly $25, making it one of the more expensive options on the market.
Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste
Another option if you have both dogs and cats is the Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste. This product features a triple enzyme formulation and is safe for dogs and for cats to use. It helps fight plaque and improve bad breath, and it is also safe for your dog and cat to swallow. This product is poultry flavored. It can be used with either a toothbrush or a finger brush. You will also find that this toothpaste is reasonably priced at approximately $11 per tube. Many pets seem to like the poultry flavor, making it easy to brush their teeth with the product.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath Teeth Gel
Despite the other kinds listed, if your dog is one of the many pups that don't cooperate very well for brushing their teeth, the Tropiclean Fresh Breath Teeth Gel may be the option for you. This product can be used in dogs or in cats. When using this product, all you need to do is put two drops of the Tropiclean gel formulation on each side of your dog's mouth every day. It helps fight plaque and tartar. The product even claims to soothe irritated gums. Like many pet toothpastes, this product is available for around $10 per tube.
In Review
Although brushing your dog's teeth can be difficult, it is an important part of keeping them healthy. Do not delay. Start brushing their teeth today!