WHIMZEES By Wellness Toothbrush, Natural and Grain-Free Dog Chews, Dog Dental Sticks for Extra Small Breeds, 48 Pieces, Size XS

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We’ve outlined some of the most important features to look for when choosing a toothbrush for dog teeth cleaning. Also ask your veterinarian for recommendations suited to your dog. Overall Best Dog Toothbrush Much like when we have to decide whether to switch up our own toothbrush, the optimum time to upgrade a dog’s dental tool is very subjective. When you’re shopping for a dog’s toothbrush, you don’t necessarily need anything too fancy—though you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a brush that’s the right size for your dog. “Due to the size of their jaw, most pets need a smaller brush,” says Dr. Simon. “Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus may benefit from small ‘finger’ brushes which are rubber tubes with bristles placed on the outside of your finger.” You won’t want to try a finger brush with a dog you don’t trust to not bite you, though.

Bristles are another detail to look out for when shopping for a dog toothbrush. They should be soft and flexible—especially if your dog is new to toothbrushing—so that you don’t hurt your dog’s gums or make them bleed while you clean their teeth. Traditional dog toothbrushes have nylon bristles and can get under the gumline. Meanwhile, finger brushes are usually made from silicone and are great for massages.A dog’s toothbrush usually has softer bristles to clean all teeth and under the gumline without irritating the gums. The brush head is smaller than those on human toothbrushes, and they have longer handles to make it easier to reach inside all areas of the mouth. They’re made by Bodhi, a small, family-owned business that sources its ingredients from the U.S. and local companies when possible. Aim for the outside of each tooth, as well as the gumline where dental disease begins, recommends Barnes.“It is best to start slow. First put some toothpaste on your finger and rub it against a few teeth,” she says.”Once the pet is ok with this, increase the number of teeth you rub.Once the dog is letting you rub all the teeth with your finger, restart with the toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush a couple of teeth the first time and work your way up.” Is toothpaste bad for dogs? Of course, you should also always take into account how damaged the brush has become by chewing or biting from a boisterous pup. Ideally, you should replace a brush every time it becomes damaged to avoid risks of pieces breaking off into your pup’s mouth or scratching them.

Appearing like a sort of bristled thimble, a finger brush allows you to easily clean a dog’s teeth by simply placing your hand inside their mouths. This is often less awkward than using a brush and is particularly useful when it comes to control, as it acts as a kind of glove over your finger, meaning you can get to hard to reach places more efficiently. They are usually made from soft rubber or silicone materials meaning it gives a smooth and soft brushing action. Double-ended Be patient. It can take time for your dog to become accustomed to brushing, and for you to learn proper brushing technique. If the experience is too stressful for your dog, ask your veterinarian if alternatives like dental chews or diets, rinses or water additives, or if dog finger toothbrushes are appropriate. Many small breed dogs, including Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas, are prone to periodontal disease and tooth loss, which makes their dental care even more important. However, you won’t be able to brush their teeth with a giant brush, so look for one specifically made for smaller breeds like this one from Arm & Hammer. As you would expect, the single-head brush is shorter to give you a better grip, and the head is smaller, too, so you can better reach all the nooks and crannies of their mouth where tartar likes to hide. Unlike other options it only comes in one color, so you may need to label it if you have more than one pet.

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Avoid using human toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for toothpaste formulated for pets. Take your dog in for annual professional cleanings. A veterinary professional can perform a dental examination, treat any issues, and clean areas that are not as easily accessible with a toothbrush. Brushing a dog’s teeth helps prevent periodontal disease, but it can’t treat it if it’s already formed. Cleaning your pup’s toothbrush isn’t really much different than cleaning your own. Simply rinse it in warm water before and after use, making sure to remove any visible dirt or debris.

Made from naturally sustainable and biodegradable bamboo, this brush is splinter and waterproof, helping to reduce the billions of plastic toothbrushes which end up in oceans and landfills. We love this kit from Nylabone because it is vet-recommended and includes everything you need to start an oral care routine for your puppy. Each kit is domestically made and offers a small traditional toothbrush, finger brush, and toothpaste. The traditional toothbrush has a rubberized grip and an angled handle, making it easy to hold and maneuver in those hard-to-reach places of your puppy’s small mouth. Dog owners will also appreciate that the bristles are very soft and won’t cause any damage or irritation. Meanwhile, the finger brush is made of smooth silicone and is comfortable to wear and massage your pup’s gums. However, its small size may be too small for some adult fingers. That’s why it’s important to look for toothbrushes that are easy and comfortable for you to hold and sized appropriately for your dog’s mouth. You’ll also want to look for softer bristles so you don’t aggravate their gums, and veterinarian-approved options are always a plus. To help you find the best dog toothbrush for your dog’s needs, we researched various options on the market with these considerations in mind.

It’s made by Vetoquinol, a family-ownedcompanyfounded in 1933. They partner with veterinarians and animal health professionals to create a line of pet health care products. The bristles are infused with baking soda to lightly freshen their breath, and they’re extra soft, too. It also comes with a convenient cover that is easy to snap on between brushings or when you plan to travel with your dog. Unfortunately, this product is not advertised as vet-recommended, but like other products from this trusted household brand, it’s very affordable, making it easy to replace when you need to get a new one. Use a toothbrush appropriate for your dog. Finding a toothbrush your dog likes can make or break the cleaning experience. Choose one with soft, flexible bristles to prevent gum irritation, and a longer handle to allow each access to all teeth. The brush head should be appropriate to your dog’s size. If you’re looking for a dual-ended toothbrush for your pup, look no further than this option from Vetoquinol. Equipped with a large brush head on one end and a smaller head on the other, both are on an angle, making brushing easier. However, they are larger than other options, so even the smaller size can be too big for dogs or cats with particularly small mouths. Ergonomically designed, it also has an extra-long handle that makes it easy to reach even the hardest corners of your dog’s mouth. Available only in a bright green color, you will have to label these if you plan on buying for multiple pets. Though brushing dog teeth is important for dental hygiene and overall health, “A non-veterinary professional is not a substitutefor professional dental care performed by a veterinary-trained professional that has been educated on how to recognize dental and oral disease and what the appropriate treatment options are,” says Denise Rollings, a veterinary technician specialist (dentistry), and founder of Pet Dental Education, LLC.

It’s rare that you’d ever have to spend more than this. How often should you change a dog toothbrush? These dog dental chews contain delmopinol, a plaque fighting ingredient that helps stop bacteria from attaching to dog teeth. It also helps eliminate plaque when the dog chomps into it. They’re available in four sizes, from extra small dogs to those weighing more than 50 pounds.Annual dog teeth cleanings are essential. “Professional teeth cleanings are able to clean under the gumline and all surfaces of the teeth – the areas that are difficult to do with just a toothbrush,” says Dr. Ashley Barnes, medical director at Louisville Family Animal Hospital in Louisville, Colorado.”This deep cleaning keeps the gums healthy and helps to prevent periodontal disease.” How We Chose Our Top Dog Toothbrushes Regular brushing is key to maintaining good oral hygiene, says Dr. Klein. “Brushing once a day is ideal, as plaque develops within hours of a meal.Once it becomes part of a dog’s daily routine, many dogs learn to expect it and enjoy it.If daily brushing is not an option, brushing three times a week is the minimum to prevent plaque buildup and tartar accumulation.” Develop a regular brushing routine. The ideal is to brush dog teeth daily. If not possible, aim for a minimum of three times each week.