You probably have your own preferences about what kind of toothpaste you keep in your bathroom cabinet, but when it comes to your furry friend, how can you choose? What is the best dog toothpaste? What health benefits do certain brands offer that others don’t? And really, do you need to be brushing your dog’s teeth with toothpaste at all?

In this article, we’re taking a look at the best dog toothpaste for your pupper’s pearly whites!

First of all, what makes a good dog toothpaste?

You’re standing in the dog toothpaste aisle of your local pet store and you’re ready to upgrade your pup’s dental hygiene routine. But, what exactly are you looking for? Here are a few indications to look for when considering a good dog toothpaste: 

It’s made for dogs. 

Okay, yes, this one is obvious, but it’s important that you’re looking at toothpastes specifically made for dogs. Human toothpastes are not safe for dogs as they are not intended to be swallowed. And, they typically contain foaming agents that are refreshing for us but unpleasant for our furry friends. Finally, some of them contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol that are potentially toxic for dogs.

Stick with dog toothpaste and you’re off to a great start!

It’s not too flavourful

You may want your dog to smell minty fresh, but the truth is, you might be making your tooth brushing sessions more difficult by using dog-unfriendly flavours. If you are put off by some of the more dog-centric varieties like chicken or peanut butter, stick with dog toothpaste that has a subtle flavour or no flavour at all. 

It contains plaque-fighting enzymes

Quality dog toothpastes typically have enzymes that help to break down plaque and fight bacteria. A good enzymatic dog toothpaste will prevent the formation of tartar—the hardened form of plaque—with a regular brushing practice. Not only will your dog’s chompers be healthier, but you’ll enjoy better breath too!

It’s recommended by a vet (preferably yours!)

When in doubt, stick with a professional recommendation! You can either ask your vet what’s on their list of the best dog toothpaste brands, or look for labels with vet approval.

Added bonus: It uses all-natural ingredients

You may already give your dog the best with all-natural dog food and all-natural shampoo. Why not keep the trend going with all-natural dog toothpaste, too. By sticking with brands committed to high quality natural ingredients, your doggo can avoid ingesting chemicals while still getting an incredible teeth cleaning.

What are the best dog toothpaste options in Australia?

Now that you know which dog toothpaste boxes to check off, what are some of the best brands here in Australia? Let’s take a look at the top 4:

• Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste. As you can see, many of the elements you’re looking for are right in the name. This toothpaste is veterinarian formulated, made with all-natural ingredients like aloe and neem oil, and contains enzymes to fight bacteria

• Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Toothpaste. The secret ingredient in Nylabone toothpastes is Denta-C, a blend of bacteria-fighting ingredients including Vitamin C. And, it’s got a peanut butter flavour that your pupper will love. Nylabone also offers dog toothpaste specifically designed for seniors with added calcium for strong teeth

• Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs. If you’re looking for a strong enzymatic toothpaste at a value price, Petrodex is a brilliant option. The tubes are slightly larger than other dog toothpastes so that you can get more for your money and not have to worry about running out

• Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste. Imported from the US and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, Petsmile toothpaste definitely belongs on the list of best dog toothpaste brands. It’s BPA-, silica-, and paraben-free while offering a clinically-proven plaque-fighting formula called Calprox. Even though it’s a vegan product, Petsmile comes in beef and chicken flavours

What can you do if your doggo hates the taste of even the best dog toothpaste?

You’ve invested in the best dog toothpaste on the market, but your pupper still refuses to sit still for their regular brushing session. As it turns out, no matter how high quality the toothpaste, your pup may still need some convincing. Here are a few ideas:

• Schedule toothbrushing after an exercise session. Your doggo may be more open to having their teeth brushed when they’re tired and satisfied from a fun exercise session. Get your pup moving with a rousing game of tug or call in a friendly Dog Walker to help expend some extra energy before you break out the oral health supplies

• Entice your dog with treats. Because dog toothpaste is safe for your pup to swallow, you can safely incorporate positive reinforcement training in your tooth brushing sessions. Over time, your doggo will associate tooth brushing with treats and verbal praise!

• Try a finger toothbrush or toothbrush dog toy. For some dogs, it’s not so much the toothpaste that is the problem, but rather the toothbrush. Your pup may be more open to you using your finger or a finger toothbrush instead of a traditional brush. Specially designed toothbrush chew toys can also be a helpful alternative!

• Start with short brushing sessions. One of the best ways to desensitise your dog to tooth brushing is to introduce it in very short sessions. This might mean that you sit down with your dog for no more than a few minutes throughout the day instead of trying to do a full brushing session all at once

• Try out a few different flavours until you find the one your dog likes best. It can take a bit of trial and error until you find the best dog toothpaste for your dog’s preferences. Once you do, your tooth brushing sessions will be much smoother!

Are you ready to find the best dog toothpaste for your pup?

Whether you opt for a brand of toothpaste we covered in this article or an option that your vet specifically recommended, one thing is for sure: your doggo is on a path towards cleaner chompers! With the best dog toothpaste for your furry friend, you’ll be able to put a dental health routine in place that will keep those teeth sparkling!