DOG'S TEETH are just as important as our own and the best dog toothpaste is an essential part of looking after your pet pooch.
According to the RSPCA, you should start brushing your dog's teeth from the time they're a puppy, daily, so the best dog toothpaste is an important investment to make for your four-legged friend.
The best way to prevent the common issue of dental disease for pets is by brushing their teeth often, and regularly. One not-so-fun fact? 80 per cent of dogs have dental issues like periodontal disease by the time they're 3.
Dogs can't use the same toothpaste as humans, and you'll want to get them a doggie toothbrush, too - one that has a couple of different brush heads in one, or slips on over your finger, so you can access those hard-to-reach areas.
You'll find a range of dog toothpaste available online to suit your dog's needs, improving their breath and removing plaque in the process.
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Virbac is the vet's toothpaste of choice, an enzymatic toothpaste that's poultry flavoured to appeal to dogs.
In addition to dog toothpaste, dental chews can also help your dog's teeth get cleaned - as well as provide some fun playtime activity for your furry pal.
Best dog toothpaste at a glance:
- Best dog toothbrush and toothpaste kit: Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit
- Best enzyme dog toothpaste: Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Best vet-recommended dog toothpaste: Vet’s Best Dog Toothpaste
- Best dental chew for dogs: Small Woofbrush Dental Chew
- Best for bad breath: Tropiclean Fresh Breath by Oral Care Gel
Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit
- Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit, for £5 from Amazon - buy here
This value-for-money toothpaste kit includes a liver-flavoured, enzymatic dog toothpaste and a double-headed toothbrush in the set.
Great for preventing plaque and tartar from forming in your dog's mouth, the toothbrush has two head sizes to fit a range of dogs' mouths.
Reviewers especially like how it improves their dogs' breath.
Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste
- Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste, £7.50 from Pets At Home - buy here
This poultry-flavoured toothpaste appeals to pets and their owners alike, and this is the brand you're likely to see at your local vet's.
Fans have seen improvements in their dogs' breath, and also comment on how 'it has made a huge difference to the cleanliness of my dog's teeth'.
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PetSol Toothpaste For Dogs & Cats
- PetSol Toothpaste For Dogs & Cats, £7.99 from Amazon - buy here
With its minty fresh flavour, both dogs and cats will benefit from this toothpaste, which helps to fight plaque and tartar, while leaving your dog's breath nice and fresh.
Either apply it to your finger or a special dog toothbrush, or you can even put a squirt on your dog's paw for them to lick off.
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Reviewers note that their pups seem to enjoy getting their teeth brushed with it, and like that it's 'value for money', too.
Vet’s Best Dog Toothpaste
- Vet’s Best Dog Toothpaste, £14.50 from Amazon - buy here
This dog gel toothpaste from Vet's Best is made with clove leaf oil, grapefruit seed extract, peppermint and vitamin C.
It comes with a funky, triple-headed toothbrush, designed to reach your dog's teeth from every angle.
Lily's Kitchen Small Woofbrush Dental Chew
- Small Woofbrush Dental Chew, 5 packs of 7 for £36 from Lily's Kitchen - buy here
If your dog is resistant to teeth-brushing or you want to try an alternative to classic dog toothpaste, these Woofbrush dental chews have legions of fans.
This chew goes right down to the gum line to remove plaque and contains yummy ingredients that dogs like including coconut oil, fennel, green tea, algae and parsley so that cleaning their teeth is, well, a treat.
MediPaws® Plaque Off Remover Dogs
- MediPaws® Plaque Off Remover Dogs 50g For Dog Teeth & Bad Breath, £8.99 for 50g at Amazon - buy here
This 100% natural teeth cleaner is packed with vitamins and minerals to help care for your dog's teeth.
Recommended by vets, it's fast and effective and easy to use - simply pop it into your dog's food and it will help to visibly improve plaque and tartar within 4 weeks.
Suitable for other animals such as cats too, the MediPaws plaque remover also battles your pet's bad breath.
ARM & HAMMER Fresh Spectrum Coconut Mint Puppy Toothpaste
- ARM & HAMMER Fresh Spectrum Coconut Mint Puppy Toothpaste, £7.99 at Amazon - buy here
If you're looking for gentle toothpaste for your puppy, the coconut oil-based formula of this Arm & Hammer dog toothpaste is safe and natural but also effective and longer-lasting than many water-based toothpastes.
The enzyme formula helps to neutralise plaque and clean your pup's teeth.
Plus, the coconut oil and baking soda help to freshen your dog's breath by restoring a good pH balance and neutralising any harmful acids.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath by Oral Care Gel for Dogs
- Tropiclean Fresh Breath by - Oral Care Gel for Dogs, £8.49 at Amazon - buy here
Your pup is sure to love this vanilla mint oral care gel with a natural and gentle formula that helps to destroy bad breath and defend against plaque and tartar.
With no brushing required, you simply apply the gel to each side of your dog's mouth and as your dog licks their lips the gel will gradually coat their teeth and gums.
Expect to see your furry friend's teeth cleaner and brighter within 30 days or less of using the oral care gel daily.
Where can I buy dog toothpaste in the UK?
Head to the following online retailers to purchase dog toothpaste:
- Amazon
- Pets at Home
- Betty and Butch
- iHerb
How much does dog toothpaste in the UK cost?
Dog toothpaste is relatively cheap and for a single toothpaste, you're looking at £7 or £8.
A kit containing a toothbrush too, could set you back around £15.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog's teeth?
We put this question to Nicki Fox, Veterinary Specialist at Admiral Pet Insurance, RVN VNCertECC APVN (Wildlife), and she said: “Always use dog toothpaste rather than a human alternative. Not only is it available in several different dog-friendly flavours such as poultry, seafood, beef and peanut butter, but it’s specially formulated for our furry friends."
“You should never use human toothpaste on your dog as some of the ingredients can be toxic and harmful to dogs."
“Enzymatic dog toothpaste is specially formulated for our furry friends to help break down the build-up of plaque."
How often should you brush your dog's teeth?
Again, we put this to Nicki to answer, she said: "Brushing your dog’s teeth daily would be considered the gold standard, but if that’s just not possible, you should try and aim to brush them at least once a week to reduce the risk of dental disease."
“Simple preventative care such as teeth brushing can help save a pet from pain and discomfort and save the owner a small fortune. All dental treatment requires a full general anaesthetic and the average veterinary dental clean in the UK is approximately £233. Prices can vary considerably, depending on factors like where you live and the age and weight of your dog."
Here, Nicki shares her top three tips for keeping your dog's teeth in healthy condition.
- Speak to your vet before attempting to brush your dog’s teeth
“Teeth brushing should be considered on a dog-by-dog basis so as not to put an owner’s safety at risk."
“Specially designed dog toothbrushes are widely available, in pet supplies shops, at your vet or online."
“Smaller dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and Miniature Poodles are known for having issues with periodontal disease due to the size of their mouths. Rubber thimbles can also be used on smaller teeth but please note, a brush on a longer handle is safer to use."
- Choose a chew if your dog can’t brush, won’t brush
“If brushing your dog’s teeth poses too much of a challenge, there are many types of dental chews available on the market."
“This helps to dissolve plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and gums clean without the need for brushing."
“Remember, teeth brushing will always be the most effective, preventive way of looking after your dog’s teeth but adding in a treat that also helps promote oral health is a bonus! They act by removing plaque and tartar as your pet bites down."
- Keep up regular checkups
“Depending on the age of your pet, it is recommended to take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a full health check. During this check, your vet will assess your dog’s oral hygiene and can help identify dental issues early, such as broken teeth, worn down teeth and gum recession."
“Keep an eye out for any of the following signs of dental problems:
- Bad breath
- Swollen, bleeding or red gums
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing slowly or on one side of their mouth
- Discoloured teeth
- Disinterest or becoming fussier with food
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Pawing/rubbing of the face
- Weight loss
- Preference for softer food
- Wobbly, broken or missing teeth
- Blood-stained saliva
“If you spot any of these, book an appointment with your vet to get it checked out.”