No. Human toothpastes contain ingredients that should not be swallowed. If it is swallowed, it can cause an upset stomach or digestive disturbances. Some human toothpastes contain high levels of sodium which may even make your pet ill, while others may contain xylitol which is toxic for dogs.
2. Is Human Toothpaste Safe For Dogs? Never use human toothpaste for your dog! Many human toothpastes contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
First, you'll want to get toothpaste made specifically for dogs. This is because toothpaste for humans contains ingredients that are toxic to our pets. Plus, dog toothpaste usually comes in a delicious chicken or peanut butter flavor. Second, you can use either a dog toothbrush or a brush that fits over your fingertip.
Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Ingredients
Xylitol. Green tea extract. Papaya plant extract.
What are some popular xylitol toothpaste brands? Popular toothpaste brands that contain xylitol include Epic Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, Spry All Natural Kids Fluoride-Free Tooth Gel with Xylitol, Now Solutions Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel, and Tom's of Maine Fluoride-free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste.
If you're concerned about sugar alcohols, Earthpaste's spearmint flavor is xylitol free, as are Tooth Soap's products. Essential oils are used in some natural toothpastes in place of artificial or natural flavors, and sometimes for added anti-cavity/pro-mouth benefits.
Products that Reduce or Remove Dog Plaque & Tartar
Oral home care products that may remove plaque include dental treats, dental wipes, pet-specific toothpaste, or gels used in tooth brushing. Tooth brushing is considered the gold standard in oral home care.
The best way to remove plaque is to simply brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Brushing your pooch's teeth every now and then won't get rid of a buildup of plaque, but regular brushing will help keep their teeth and mouths healthy.
No. Similar to human toothpaste, you should never brush your dog's teeth with baking soda. Baking soda is harmful for dogs if swallowed because it is highly alkaline, which makes it upsetting for canine stomachs and digestive tracts.
No. Baking soda is alkaline and if swallowed can upset the acid balance in the stomach and digestive tract. In addition, baking soda does not taste very good, and may cause your dog to be uncooperative when you try to brush its teeth. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush.
It's ideal to begin home care when your pet is young however, it is never too late to start. There are many different methods to prevent dental disease and to assist with dental hygiene at home, some of which include: Regular brushing. Treats and chews.
Did you know that once plaque hardens into tartar, it's impossible to remove it at home? Tartar removal requires a professional cleaning at the vet where your pet is put under anesthesia.
You can clean their teeth using coconut oil in one of two ways: using a canine toothbrush or letting them do the work themselves by chewing an oil-coated bone. To accomplish the latter, dip a dry bone in melted coconut oil and let it dry out.
ACV can also help with your dog's oral health. There is evidence that shows the higher acidity levels in apple cider vinegar break down the plaque and tartar on their teeth, keeping your dog's mouth healthy. This can also help reduce or eliminate bad, stinky breath.
Carrots and Your Dog's Dental Health
Giving carrots and carrot sticks to your dog at any stage as a healthy snack is also great for their dental health in that they act as a dental chew. When they munch on raw carrots, the carrot will brush up against the dog's teeth and aid in scraping tartar and plaque buildup.
Adult Dogs and Cats
From age one to two, your cat or dog may begin to look a little yellow, and tartar may appear. Plaque turns into tartar, a hard brown deposit, when it remains on the teeth too long. Daily tooth brushing reduces plaque and prevents it from becoming tartar.
Radius Organic Canine Dental Gel is our go-to for natural dog toothpaste, and the winner of a Treehugger Best of Green Award. Radius dental gel for dogs is USDA-certified organic with no xylitol, chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, glutens, fluoride, parabens, detergents, carrageenan, or any type of synthetics.
Xylitol Toothpaste Concerns
Mouth sores: painful lesions in or around the mouth including inner cheeks, lips, and surrounding skin. Digestive issues: it is important that xylitol toothpaste is never swallowed to reduce the risk of bloating, gas, loose stools, diarrhea, constipation, and uncomfortable stomach cramps.
Without brushing, plaque can build up, putting your dog at risk for bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It can also cause painful infections. Severe infection can spread, causing life-threatening conditions.
Regular dog dental care is recommended by veterinarians, but few pet owners actually brush their dogs' teeth. According to a study conducted by Ipsos, just 7 percent of dog owners polled reported brushing their dog's teeth daily.