Is It Mandatory to Use Dog Toothpaste?
Chewing a bone or a nutritious snack may not be enough to block periodontal diseases. However, a routine tooth brushing using a well-formulated toothpaste helps prevent any unpleasant breath, gum infection, roots, periodontal ligaments and tooth decay. Similar effects caused by lack of proper oral care in humans also happens to animals. Imagine failing to brush teeth for a whole month.
The stinking breath, including the accumulation of plaque, will be unbearable. Therefore, avoid waiting until you smell a bad odor from your dog’s mouth to give it a dental cleaning. Make it a routine habit, and you will end up saving money brought by expensive procedures caused by poor dental hygiene.
While some dogs hate the tooth brushing process, using toothpaste with favorite taste motivates them to relish the process and associate it with a fun thing. Besides, some dogs, such as brachycephalic breeds, flat-faced dogs, or those with smushed-face and overlapping teeth, have a higher chance of tar buildup. Hence these dogs require regular at-home dental care.
Crucial Things to Look for in a Dog Toothpaste
There are essential features that every dog owner must look for in the toothpaste they buy. Some kinds of toothpaste claim to have natural ingredients yet contain harmful elements that will eventually be toxic to your dog. So what should you look for in toothpaste for a dog?
Efficient Cleaning Capability
Go for a properly formulated toothpaste, preferably with natural components and multiple functions as well as those having quality ingredients which are effectively formulated. The appropriate toothpaste should be safe for dogs, fight bad breath, and prevent the buildup of plaque.
Instead of purchasing one toothpaste for fresh breath and another one for controlling plaque, choose one that is affordable yet enhances dental hygiene. The best dog toothpaste needs to fight unpleasant breath and clean the canine’s teeth. However, focus specifically on getting a toothpaste that has a refreshing ability, especially if the dog frequently suffers from bad breath. However, if the breath stinks so much that those around the pet can’t stand it, then schedule a visit to a vet.
Enzymatic Properties
A toothpaste formulated with unique enzymes reduces mouth bacteria while lessening tartar buildup. These types of toothpaste contain glucose oxidase, which is an enzyme that destroys bacteria and harmful microorganisms, hindering sticky plaque from turning into hard tartar. Some even combine glucose oxidase with lactoperoxidase to further inhibit microorganism growth in the mouth.
Non-Foaming Elements
Most dogs tend to swallow toothpaste, and the rinsing process often takes time, especially if the pet is uncooperative. Therefore, choosing a toothpaste with a non-foaming formula ensures that it’s safe for swallowing even when consumed in large doses. Besides, to create a frothy lather, some require chemicals such as sulfates. However, if you prefer foaming agents, then go for those made of natural elements.
Mouthwatering Flavor
In most cases, dogs tend to swallow toothpaste. Hence, the ingredients have to be natural and safe for consumption. It should also be formulated specifically for dogs. Avoid products with artificial color, preservatives, fluoride and antibacterial. Those with alcohol are not ideal because while they may help kill harmful bacteria, they also reduce the number of good microorganisms required for proper digestion.
If your dog likes a particular toothpaste, then chances of them enjoying the teeth cleaning process are high. They also reap the benefits, which include improving gum health and changing the pH of the dog’s mouth, thus making the environment hostile for harmful bacteria to thrive. The trick is to avoid those with artificial flavor and instead stick to those, which are meat-based.
Besides, most dogs hate teeth brushing. So if you intend to make the process enjoyable, then choose a flavor that they like or use those with no taste at all. Nowadays, there are so many brands of toothpaste, so you are more likely to find a brand that the dog will like.
Easy to Use
A toothpaste container with a captivating design might capture attention, but functionality and ease of use are essential characteristics worth considering. The recommended toothpaste amount for brushing a dog’s teeth is pea-size. Therefore, it is ideal to buy a small yet effective toothpaste than a large container with low cleaning power.
Besides, the tube should also be durable and keep the brushing process as quick as possible. Dog owners that have a tight schedule will benefit from giving their pets easy to digest dental chew that cleans the mouth and stops any unfavorable breath.
Dogs that won’t allow a toothbrush to come near their mouth will also get proper dental hygiene by using edible chews. Dogs often see these edibles as a tasty treat, which also satisfies their urge to chew. Some of the best dog toys can help with cleaning teeth as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you searching for answers to specific questions related to the best dog toothpaste? Use the provided FAQ section to learn more about the right toothpaste for your dog. While mouth cleaning solutions keep bad bacteria away, if a dog has bleeding gums, excessive drooling, misaligned teeth, or unpleasant breathe – then take it to a vet immediately.
However, taking pets for regular checkups often works to spot the problem areas before they become worse.
After starting a teeth cleaning routine, the next step is to maintain oral hygiene. A healthy diet helps to reduce tartar formation, which is brought by the accumulation of food particles and bacteria. If the tartar (commonly seen as brown stain) remains even for 24 hours, it accelerates tooth decay, gum diseases and health issues.
Can a Toothpaste Made for Humans Be Used for Dogs?
Most human brand toothpaste contains elements like xylitol, fluoride and salt, which are harmful to dogs. Xylitol, often used as an artificial sweetener in toothpaste, when ingested by a dog – it causes a drop in blood sugar, digestive problems and liver damage.
Fluoride, as well as high levels of sodium, is also fatal for dogs. Therefore, do not use any toothpaste made for humans to brush a dog’s teeth. A toothbrush designed for dogs is the only recommended one. Finally, check the ingredients to ensure the product has no toxic chemicals.
What Is in Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs?
Best dog toothpaste for bad breath tends to include enzyme properties as they prevent the formation of tartar. These types of toothpaste have an enzyme incorporated in the form of glucose oxidase which, when it comes in contact with sugar and oxygen, releases antibacterial properties that protect against dental diseases. The enzyme solution is non-toxic hence won’t cause any effects when swallowed.
When to Introduce Teeth Cleaning to a Dog
The best time to introduce the dental cleaning process is when the dog is still a puppy at around three months. This strategy works because if left without proper oral health, the pet is likely to suffer from periodontal and gum diseases. Besides, several kinds of toothpaste ideal for dogs who are only a few months old do exist. However, before you rush to the cleaning process, ensure your dog is comfortable by touching their canines and gums.
Next, spread the chosen toothpaste on a soft or bristle brush and gently clean the whole mouth. Even if you fail to reach every mouth section, the enzymatic properties in toothpaste will provide a barrier against the harmful microorganism. Remember, a dog may have dental disease by the time they are two years old, so the earlier you introduce your pet to a proper dental hygiene, the better for them.
Early age is also perfect because you get to try out different kinds of toothpaste until you find the type or flavor that your dog likes. Some dog owners prefer to wait until the pet loses their puppy teeth. However, brushing the puppy’s teeth is a way to ensure they get used to the routine. While a dog toothbrush is recommended, you may also use a moistened gauge or a toothbrush with soft bristles.
How Often Should You Clean a Dog’s Mouth?
It’s essential to maintain a regular habit. That is why once the dog has developed adult teeth, keep the mouth cleaning process up to three times a week. The pet might also require a thorough dental cleaning at least once a year. However, every dog has unique needs, so what works for one pet may not work for the other.
In case of any doubts, it is best to speak to a local vet. Moreover, just like people, a dog with good oral health means the owners are taking care of their overall health. Even if the pet is not used to the home dental cleaning, make use of a gauze or cotton swabs to brush their whole dental section. Afterward, give them a treat. Refrain from scrubbing dog’s teeth using best dog toothpaste for long as they might end up hating the routine.
Around two minutes of cleaning using a quality toothbrush and toothpaste will help in order to inhibit plaque. If it’s been a year and your dog still doesn’t enjoy teeth brushing, then find more creative ways to get them involved in the process. For instance, taking breaks as you brush or distracting the pet with a treat might make the dog feel more comfortable.
Another effective method is to pick the appropriate moment, especially when the dog is calmly sitting, then apply toothpaste as if you are massaging the pet. You may also use a dental rinse applied using a syringe. It’s recommended to avoid starting the routine with a brush.
Instead, for a few days, let the pet get accustomed to your finger in their mouth and shower them with praise. Only when the dog feels relaxed and is willing to accept the finger in their mouth, you should start using gauze and a toothbrush. The goal is to eliminate any uncomfortableness they might associate with at-home dental care.
Final Thoughts
Dogs enhance our lives in so many different ways! Ensuring that they are in tip-top health is a good way to keep them happy and show our love to them. Buying a well-researched, best dog toothpaste is the first step to a healthy dental canal.
Remember, every dog is unique. So before selecting a toothpaste, try several brands until you find the right fit that helps nurture good oral hygiene while making the home dental cleaning process enjoyable.