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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But as well as being a planet saver, it’s also a plaque fighter, and also boasts properties which will prove highly effective against bad bacteria in your pup’s mouth. Meanwhile, the included toothpaste has a poultry flavor to appeal to your pet (if your pet doesn’t like it, the brand does offer other flavors sold separately). The toothpaste formula is made with a strong enzyme system and is more abrasive than other options, so it effectively cleans your dog or cat’s teeth and freshens their breath. While it is a bit pricier than other options on this list, we love that it comes with everything you need to keep your dog’s mouth clean and healthy. This can be done once a month or more if you’re a real clean freak! How much should a dog toothbrush cost?

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. To make sure you succeed at brushing your dog’s teeth, follow these suggestions and recommendations: Dr. Simon also recommends brushing your dog’s teeth daily. “In the ideal world, we should brush their teeth daily, though brushing every two days will still have some positive effect,” he told The Spruce Pets. 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 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. 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.

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. Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best thing you can do to prevent dental disease as they get older,” says Dr. Lindon Simon, veterinary surgeon. “It is more important than diet and has much more of an effect than any powder or liquid you can add to their food or water. Brushing their teeth will almost certainly prevent them from needing expensive dental treatments down the line.”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.

They’re made by Bodhi, a small, family-owned business that sources its ingredients from the U.S. and local companies when possible. To use, first add a little bit of water to the inside of the brush to create a more secure fit on your finger. The water will help the silicone stretch or shrink depending on the size of the finger you are using. Then apply toothpaste to one side and gently insert into your dog's mouth. With bristles on all sides, the 360 Pet Finger Toothbrush makes it easier and faster to reach more sections of your dog's mouth and their tongue, removing buildup and freshening their breath. Avoid using human toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for toothpaste formulated for 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.

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If the war on plastic is as important to you as the war on plaque, you’ll be thrilled by this eco-friendly toothbrush option from PetDentist. 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. 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.” Plaque buildup can also impact your dog’s health. “Bacteria in this area can travel via the blood vessels to other organs, such as the kidneys and the heart and create damage to these organs as well,” adds Dr. Klein.