8 Best Dog Toothpastes, According to Pet Owners and Vets

✔️ Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance: Look for products that have earned the VOHC Seal for reducing plaque (the soft, bacteria-filled layer that forms on teeth) or for reducing tartar (calcium salts in salvia that are deposited on teeth; they harden and become resistant to brushing). Some products are proven to reduce both plaque and tartar.

While the VOHC isn’t a regulatory agency and doesn’t test the products itself, it does review data from trials conducted by the companies in accordance with VOHC standards. A product that passes the VOHC's evaluation for safety and effectiveness based on these trials can display the VOHC Seal on packaging.

✔️ Enzymes: Toothpastes and dog oral hygiene products that contain enzymes help dissolve plaque so it can’t adhere to teeth. Another benefit is that enzymes also remain on teeth surfaces to continue reducing bacteria your dog’s mouth even after you’re done brushing.

✔️ Flavor: Just like people, pets have preferences. If your pet doesn’t seem to enjoy the minty-fresh flavor you purchased, try a different formulation (or product). Many products have beef, chicken, or cheese flavors that dogs like. But be aware: Most toothpastes are rather smelly to us humans, though that’s likely what’s attractive from your dog’s point of view.

• Is it difficult to brush a dog’s teeth? Generally no, but it does take patience and practice! “It’s best to start your dog when a puppy so he or she will get used to it, but you can train dogs at any age,” says Dr. Phillip. The key is to start slowly and reward your dog after so that it becomes something he or she looks forward to, rather than dreads.

• How do I brush my dog’s teeth? Take several weeks to introduce your dog to this new experience. Start by offering your dog to lick a dab of dog toothpaste off your finger once or twice a day for a week or more; the toothpaste should seem like a treat. Next, place a small amount on your finger and place it in your dog’s mouth, rubbing with your fingers gently on teeth. Eventually, you’ll put it on the brush and let your dog lick it off. Don’t forget to offer lots of praise at every step!
  
  After several weeks, slide the toothbrush with toothpaste up under your dog’s upper lip; you can use either a finger brush, dog toothbrush, or baby toothbrush. “The biggest mistake is trying to wrench your dog’s mouth open," says Dr. Phillip. "They don’t like that." (Think about it: What if your dentist did that to you?).
  
  Once you’re in there, brush all the way back for a few strokes. Do the other side and the front teeth, and you’re done. You actually only need a few seconds per section. You also only need to brush the outside of teeth because plaque rarely accumulates on the tongue-side of your dog’s teeth, says Dr. Phillip. Finally, wipe any excess toothpaste off your dog's lips or chin.

• How often should I brush my dog’s teeth? Unfortunately, Dr. Phillip says it’s the rare pet parent who brushes their dog’s teeth every day — but that should be your goal. “Think about how filmy your mouth would feel if you didn’t brush for several days,” suggests Dr. Phillip. “Now imagine your dog going for weeks, days or years without brushing.” While he admits that something is better than nothing, the most effective method is to brush daily, or at the very least, several times a week. Less often that that isn’t helpful.

• Can I use human toothpaste on my dog? No. According to the ASPCA, many human toothpastes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol. In addition, most dog toothpastes are specially formulated with enzymes that will keep working even after you’re done brushing. Finally, unique dog-friendly flavors, such as beef and cheese, make dog toothpaste more palatable to most pups.

• Why do little dogs have such bad teeth? It’s not in your imagination: Small dogs are notorious for having bad teeth, says Dr. Phillip. It’s mostly due to structural problems, because little dogs have the same amount of teeth as big dogs, but they’re jammed into a smaller space. That’s why it’s doubly important for little dogs to have their teeth brushed.

• Is there anything else I can do to keep my dog’s teeth healthy? Dr. Phillip says many pet parents ask if they can use chews or other methods to clean their dog’s teeth instead of brushing, but the answer is no. “Brushing every day is the optimal method, and everything else is a distant second,” says Dr. Phillips. Other things — such as chews or additives — can help, but they shouldn't replace the mechanical action of brushing.
  
  One more important doggie dental point: If you give your dogs chews, make sure you can dent them with your thumbnail. That’s because products that are too hard, such as some rawhides and other chew toys, can break dog teeth.

For this roundup, writer Arricca Elin SanSone interviewed the chief of dentistry at a large animal hospital and researched the current recommendations for dog dental health and testing requirements to earn the VOHC Seal, in addition to studying product reviews. She also leaned on her personal experience from years of brushing her dogs’ teeth. Interestingly, her two papillons love to have their teeth brushed every day with a very smelly poultry-flavored toothpaste.