It is known that excellent oral health in dogs can help ensure optimum overall wellness and vice versa. And while dog kibbles and dental dog chews can remove food particles that may have gotten stuck between your dog’s teeth and plaque buildup, sometimes you do need a toothbrush specially designed for our dogs. Dog toothbrushes are essential for removing more stubborn plaque and tartar, ensuring healthier canine teeth and gums. Our team has put together a list of the canine world’s 11 best toothbrushes for dogs to help you ensure better oral health for your pet.
The 11 Top-Rated Dog Toothbrushes
1 Pet Republique Dog & Cat Dual-Head Toothbrush
- Dual brush heads with moderately soft bristles
- 8.5-inch long non-slip handle
- Made of premium-quality, pet-safe materials
- Comes with 60-day full replacement or refund guarantee
Pet Republique’s Cat & Dog Toothbrush has the same dual brush head design as Duke’s. The only difference is that, without discounts, the Pet Republique long-handled dual toothbrush comes out as more expensive than Duke’s. The wonderful thing, however is that Pet Republique provides a 60-day satisfaction guarantee for its products. At any rate you can always try the toothbrush on your pooch before deciding whether it’s good for cleaning your dog’s teeth or not.
You may also find Pet Republique’s use of FDA-approved, food-grade, and pet-safe materials in the construction of its bristles. Compared to Duke’s, the bristles are a little tougher which gives it better performance when it comes to removing debris that may have stuck in between teeth. Pet Republique actually provides a set that includes dual-head and finger toothbrushes.
2 H&H Pets Standard Dog & Cat Finger Toothbrush
- Reusable and moderately soft-bristled finger toothbrush design
- Slightly curved brush head
- Made of pet-safe, FDA-grade materials
- Comes with 60-day money-back guarantee
The main difference between H&H Pets’ Professional Dog Toothbrush and that of Pet Republique’s is that H&H Pets is priced lower and comes with a slightly curved design for its brush head. Both are manufactured using safe FDA-approved food-grade materials and feature bristles that are moderately soft to allow for more efficient removal of plaque and tartar. Both also come with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee so you can actually choose either brand of finger toothbrush for dogs.
3 PoshWag Doggy Tooth Brush
- Complete dental care kit for dogs
- 10 brushes included (4 double-ended long brushes and 4 finger brushes)
- Made using premium quality bristles
- Professional grade – ideal for vets and groomers
For an all-round dental care option that won’t break the bank, look no further than this handy toothbrush kit by PoshWag. The comprehensive set contains everything you need to look after your pet’s oral health, including: four long double-ended toothbrushes, two plastic finger brushes, two silicone singer brushes, a bendable finger brush, and a finger brush made to PoshPaw’s unique design specifications.
Each brush is made using premium quality bristles, designed to resist shedding, and remove plaque with ease. In fact, the whole kit is made to meet professional standards, so it’s a great option for grooming parlors. With so many brushing options to choose from, the set can accommodate dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. The brushes are easy to use, too, thanks to their conveniently ergonomic design.
4 BOSHEL Dog Toothbrush Pack
- Canine dental kit
- Includes 2 double ended brushes, and 1 finger brush
- Different brush sizes accommodate any dog
- Extra-soft bristles remove plaque and trapped food effectively
Boshel are a well-known name in the world of petcare, and they’ve set their sights on the humble toothbrush with great success. This dental care kit includes two long brushes, and one finger brush, making for excellent versatility and value for money. Each long brush boasts a two-sided design, featuring a small and large side that can accommodate big and little mouths alike. One brush measures one inch in length, while the other measures half an inch. Each brush is equipped with premium, extra-soft bristles, allowing owners to clear away plaque and debris from their dog’s gum line, without accidentally hurting sensitive mouths.
The finger brush is made to an equally high standard of quality, allowing owners to easily remove trapped food and plaque close to the gum line. All brushes are perfectly angled to provide the best possible access to your pet’s teeth. Thanks to an ergonomic design, these tools are just as comfortable for owners as they are for pets.
5 Duke’s Pet Products Dog Toothbrush
- Dual-head canine toothbrush design
- Extra-soft bristles
- 8.5-inch long handle
- Priced lower than competition
While finger toothbrushes are great for most dogs, there will be instances when you simply cannot reach certain teeth without causing discomfort for your dog. In such cases you might want to use a dog toothbrush that has a longer handle. This is what Duke’s Dog Toothbrush provides. On opposite ends of the 8.5-inch handle are two brush heads, one small and one large to help you clean your canine friend’s teeth.
The small brush head is perfect for removing debris in tighter spaces as well as for detailing. The bristles are designed to be extra-soft so that they will not irritate or even injure your dog’s gums. Of course, since the handle is quite long controlling the movements of the toothbrush can be challenging and may require a sense of getting used to. Nevertheless, Duke’s provides exceptional value for cleaning your dog’s teeth.
6 Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothbrush Kit
- 2-in-1 toothbrush and toothpaste kit
- Triple enzymatic formula effectively breaks down plaque and food debris
- Non-foaming blend for a comfortable experience
- Double-ended brush features large and small sides
- Soft and gentle bristles
A toothbrush alone just isn’t enough to look after your dog’s oral hygiene. Luckily, Vetoquinol have put together this handy two-in-one kit, which contains not only a brush, but also a specially formulated canine tooth paste. This poultry-flavored paste contains a unique triple-enzyme formula. Enzymes are naturally occurring molecules that ‘eat’ away dirt and bacteria, leaving your dog’s mouth clean, healthy, and surprisingly fresh smelling.
Thanks to a non-foaming blend, the paste is comfortable in the mouth, encouraging your dog to take tooth brushing in their stride. Meanwhile, Vetoquinol’s double-ended brush makes for quick and easy cleaning. With one small side, and one large side, it’s the perfect option for dogs of any breed. You can also switch sides now and again to ensure every tooth is covered. With its soft bristles, the brush is gentle enough to use without running the risk of causing damage to your dog’s mouth.
7 VTurboWay 360-Degree Pet Toothbrush
- Round-headed toothbrush for dogs
- Ideal for smaller breeds and puppies
- Ergonomic handle for easy use
- Effectively removed plaque and food debris
- Gentle bristles
For smaller pooches and puppies, this round brush by VTurboWay could be the perfect solution. Their brush is ideal for breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, pugs, and more. Its nifty design features 360 degrees of bristles, so you can effectively brush your dog’s teeth with simple rotational action. For ease of use, the brush features an ergonomic handle, making it easy to grip as you work.
The brush is made using a combination of durable plastic and super soft bristles, so it won’t scratch your dog’s delicate gums. Used correctly, the handy device can whisk away plaque, food particles, and more, without causing your precious pet too much discomfort. For your peace of mind, each VTurboWay product includes a 100% money back guarantee.
8 Mind Up Toothbrush For Dogs
- Dual 15-degree angled, circular toothbrush head
- Micro-thin toothbrush bristles
- Intended for dogs less than 6 pounds in weight
If you’re the kind of pet parent who wants something quite different for his or her pet canine, then maybe this Japanese Kenko Care Toothbrush for Dogs by Mind Up will be of interest to you. First, the brush head is circular, not the usual rectangular or diamond-shaped heads that are typical of toothbrush heads. Second, whereas conventional toothbrushes will have several rows and columns of bristles, the Mind Up only comes with 4 clusters of micro-thin bristles. It does remind you of the Shamisen.
Third, Mind Up only comes with a traditional single brush head design yet its handle is angled at two different points. This is actually welcome news as the angling of the handle allows for easier cleaning of hard-to-reach areas of the teeth. The overall design of the Mind Up is more like a chopstick, slim on the end where it is attached to the brush head and wider at the base of the handle. There are no fancy designs, too, except for the logo of the brand and a hole for hanging the brush.
9 Sentry Petrodex Dental Care Kit For Adult Dogs
- Combination of dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste
- Dual-head canine toothbrush with ergonomic dual textured handle
- 360-degree toothbrush with pet-safe soft bristles
- Small conventional dog toothbrush head with plaque scraper made of rubber
- With finger toothbrush and massager
In case you don’t have a dog toothpaste yet while looking for a toothbrush for your pet, you may need the Petrodex Dental Care Kit from Sentry. This already combines a doggie toothpaste plus a uniquely designed doggie toothbrush. The brush is similar to a dual-head brush except that its handle is shorter and stubbier than the dual-head toothbrushes we’ve seen so far. But what is really peculiar is the way one brush head is designed. It’s like a baby milk bottle brush that comes with a brush head with soft bristles protruding outwards from the center forming a 360-degree cleaning surface. Some may actually find it unique, allowing them to brush their pet’s teeth without really changing the way they hold the stubby handle.
At the opposite end of the brush is a small brush head complete with soft bristles for smaller debris. On the underside of the small brush head is a tongue scraper which should come in handy in ensuring that your hound also has fresh breath afterwards. The package also comes with a finger toothbrush and massager. It simply is the complete dental kit for dogs. You’d wish the toothpaste was enzymatic, though.
10 Virbac C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush
- 6-inch extra-long, ergonomic handle
- Extra-soft bristles
- Small toothbrush head
If you have a really small pet we’d recommend getting the CET Pet Toothbrush. It has a single toothbrush head lined with soft bristles that will never hurt the gums of your pet. The handle itself is roughly 6 inches long so it might be too short for pet parents with bulkier hands. Nevertheless, the CET is well regarded for its very simple design. The toothbrush head is somewhat similar to the Kenko Care, although CET is actually oval in shape. There are no designs, too, making it even more unpretentious than the Kenko Care.
11 Petosan Microfiber Fingerbrush Oral Dog Cleaner
- Microfiber tooth cleaner
- Cleans teeth without the need for toothpaste
- Antimicrobial
- Incredibly gentle on the gums
- Easy to use
Microfiber is something of a miracle fabric – thanks to its enormous surface area, the material can gather up tiny particles, and even microbes, without the assistance of cleaning products. Although fabric might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about toothbrushes, microfiber can actually be a great way to clean off your pooch’s teeth.
Petosan have capitalised on microfiber’s impressive properties with these tooth cleaners. Simply place one on your finger, and rub your pet’s teeth to remove plaque and debris. The fabric is antimicrobial, chemical-free, and practically self-cleaning: all it needs is a quick rinse between cleaning sessions in hot water. Developed by a team of veterinary dental professionals, the product offers a surprisingly deep clean to canine mouths of all shapes and sizes. If your pet just can’t abide a conventional toothbrush, this option could be the perfect alternative.
Best Dog Toothbrush: Buying Guide & FAQs
It is usually not easy picking the right dog toothbrush since there are certain factors that have to be considered before settling on a particular brand or style of dog toothbrush. That’s why we’ve come up with a buyer’s guide to help you successfully navigate the process of choosing the right toothbrush for your dog.
Types of Dog Toothbrushes
One of the things you have to think about whenever caring for your pet dog’s oral health is the type of dog toothbrush that you should use. There are three fundamental types of dog toothbrushes available in the market today.
Regular Dog Toothbrushes
These are essentially the same as the toothbrush you use to clean your teeth. The only difference is that these have much softer bristles to allow for safer brushing of your dog’s teeth without injuring its gums. The brush head is also angled more acutely than human toothbrushes to allow for more efficient cleaning in between teeth as well as accommodating the different shapes of the canine teeth. The neck of the doggie toothbrush also comes at an angle to facilitate cleaning of the back of the teeth.
Dual-head Dog Toothbrushes
These are just like regular doggie toothbrushes except that they have two kinds of brush heads on opposite ends of the toothbrush handle. One brush head is typically wider and longer which is perfect for cleaning larger dentition. The other smaller brush head comes with fewer bristles primarily intended for smaller teeth.
Finger Toothbrushes
These doggie toothbrushes are designed like thimbles that can be worn over your finger, hence the name. These are perfect for larger breeds of dogs since you can easily fit your hand into their wide-open mouths without necessarily causing them discomfort. Finger toothbrushes are excellent for removing plaque and food particles and debris that may stick in the spaces between teeth. Since this type of doggie toothbrush is more like a glove for your finger, you have greater control of its movements so you can really reach into even the deepest recesses of your pet’s oral cavity. These toothbrushes are mostly made up of rubber complete with soft, small nubs that serve as the bristles. The other side of the toothbrush can also be used to massage your dog’s gums and help improve circulation.
What to Look for in a Dog Toothbrush
Just as we take the time to really look for the right toothbrush to clean our teeth with, we should also employ the same decision-making process when picking the right toothbrush for our dogs. Here are some of the fundamental things you have to look for in a doggie toothbrush.
- Size of Brush Head
This is related to the size of your dog’s mouth as well as teeth. Smaller dog breeds will require smaller brush heads. Likewise, larger dog breeds will require larger brush heads. Dual-head doggie toothbrushes are ideal for all dog breeds since these come with both large and small brush heads.
- Brush Head Angle
If you look closely at the toothbrush head in relation to the handle you will notice that it follows a certain inward angle. This is to allow for more efficient cleaning of the back surfaces of teeth. Since canine teeth are naturally longer than human teeth, the angle at the neck of the toothbrush must be more acute than that of human toothbrushes.
- Handle Length
If you don’t like the idea of putting your hand inside your pet’s mouth, then you should consider getting a doggie toothbrush that has a longer handle. If you don’t mind sticking your hand in its oral cavity, then a finger toothbrush is always a great choice especially if you have a large or giant breed of dog.
- The softness of the bristles
This is one of the most critical aspects when buying a doggie toothbrush. It is also what differentiates doggie dental brushes from humans’. You can take note of the softness of baby toothbrush bristles so you’ll have an idea of the softness of the bristles of the toothbrush for dogs you’re going to get. Ideally, it should be softer than baby toothbrushes. You don’t want tough bristles as these can injure your pet’s gums.
Tips When Brushing Dog’s Teeth
Having the right toothbrush for your pooch doesn’t automatically guarantee optimum oral health for your pet. You also have to know how to properly brush its teeth. Here are some tips you can adhere to when brushing your dog’s dentition.
- Always use the right toothbrush for your dog using the different parameters you have to look at a dental brush. This is one of the most critical steps to ensuring fuss-free dog teeth brushing.
- Always use toothpaste that is formulated specifically for dogs. Don’t ever make the mistake of using your toothpaste on your pooch as our pets don’t have the necessary skills to spit out the foamy residue. They will automatically swallow this foam and can lead to stomach upsets.
- Train your dog on the feeling of having a brush inside its mouth. We’re not actually saying that your dog will learn to love it, but at least you can make it more accustomed to having you tinker with the inside of its mouth.
- Choose a doggie toothpaste that comes in flavors your dog will love such as bacon, beef, or chicken. This works well in training your dog on being behaved during brushing. Introduce these flavored toothpastes slowly so that your pet will associate the activity to something pleasant.
- Start with very gentle motions whenever brushing your dog’s teeth. Even if you are using the softest toothbrush around, it is still very uncomfortable for your pet to have bristles on its teeth.
- Make sure to also brush the molars and the canines as tartar tends to build up rapidly in these areas.
- Always reward your canine friend after brushing to help it associate the activity with something very pleasant.
Does a Dog Toothbrush Guarantee Problem-Free Dog Teeth?
If you think that using a dog toothbrush will already guarantee problem-free dog teeth you’re clearly mistaken. Just like human dental health, it takes more than just a good toothbrush to help ensure problem-free dentition. Your dog will also require the best dog toothpaste that is specially formulated for pooches. It will also require regular visits to a veterinary dentist so that oral and dental health problems can be identified and treated early on. Besides, tartar that has already adhered to your dog’s teeth like cement cannot be removed by ordinary toothbrushing alone. Your vet dentist can help with that. Your dog’s diet also plays a role in ensuring problem-free teeth.
Taking care of your dog’s dentition starts with a clear understanding of the need to use the right type of toothbrush for its teeth. With these 5 toothbrushes for dogs that we’ve shared in this article, we’re confident you’ll be on the right track to ensuring your pet’s optimum dental and oral health.
Take a look at our guide on Dog Dental Spray.
Our Top Pick
In determining the best dog toothbrush in our list, we had to make a very methodical evaluation of the pros and cons of each product. We looked into the practical utility of each product including the angle of the brush head, the length of the handle in cases of handled brushes, the softness of the toothbrush bristles, and the size of the brush head in relation to the recommended dog sizes for the brand. We also decided to come up with three winners, one each for a standard, dual-head, and finger toothbrush.
For the standard dog toothbrush, we picked the CET Pet Toothbrush basically for its unassuming yet fully functional design. The Kenko Care would have been our choice, except that we find the 4-cluster micro bristle design to be wanting. The CET, on the other hand, is everything that pet parents may want in a standard dog toothbrush.
Our choice for the dual-head dog toothbrush is Pet Republique’s Dog Toothbrush Series. Its bristles are not too soft that it cannot remove debris from your pet’s teeth. It’s not too stiff either that it hurts your pet’s gums. It’s also made of food-grade, pet-safe, FDA-approved materials.
When it comes to the finger brush, it was hands-down Pet Republique’s again. It is made of the same pet-safe materials as the Pet Republique long-handled dual-head dog toothbrush. Compared to others in this list, the Pet Republique finger toothbrush fits snuggly over one’s fingers for better control of brushing.
Check out our article on the Best Dental Chews for Dogs.
Sources:
- Dr. Bert Dodd, Dental Hygiene for Dogs, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
- Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, How to Clean a Dog’s Teeth: Tools and Tips, PetMD
Frequently Asked Questions
There are no hard and fast rules as to the frequency of replacing a dog toothbrush. Some will say every 2 months while others will say every 4 or 6 months. It actually depends on several factors. First, the quality of the toothbrush you bought. If it is poorly-made then you really cannot expect it to last that long, unless you’re going to brush your pet’s teeth only once a year. Second, the frequency of brushing will also determine the lifespan of your dog toothbrush. If you brush your dog’s teeth every day it may not really last 2 months. If you brush your pet’s teeth once a week, then perhaps you can extend the lifespan of your doggie toothbrush to 4 or 6 months.
Third, the behavior of your dog while brushing also affects toothbrush longevity. If it is known to chew on everything put into its mouth, including its toothbrush, then there’s no way the brush will last a long time. There is an easy way to tell if it’s time to replace a toothbrush, however. Look at the head of the toothbrush with the bristles pointing away from you. If you can see any bristle “peeking” on the sides of the brush head, then it’s time for a new brush.
Cleaning your dog’s toothbrush after each use is a responsibility of every pet parent. This is actually not different from the way you clean your toothbrush. Make sure to rinse in warm water first and remove any visible material or debris from the bristles. Now store this in its proper receptacle.
To sanitize your dog’s toothbrush, combine equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water. Immerse your dog toothbrush in the solution for 30 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with warm water. You can perform this disinfection every 4 to 6 weeks; more often if needed.
Under no circumstance should you use a toothbrush intended for humans on your dog. These have larger brush heads and stiffer bristles that can injure your dog’s sensitive gums. The angle of the toothbrush heads is also greater than that of dog toothbrushes, preventing human toothbrushes from really reaching deep into the back teeth of dogs.
However, veterinarians do advise using a soft-bristled toothbrush for babies with a shorter brush head. Unfortunately, this may only work with small dogs as the relatively shorter handle of the baby toothbrush prevents effective cleaning of the inner teeth of the dog.
If you haven’t trained your dog to like having its teeth brushed when it was still a puppy, there’s a great chance that every teeth-brushing session is like a wrestling match. Nothing can be more frustrating than having to wrestle with your dog just to brush its teeth.
One of the simplest ways you can calm your pet down during teeth-brushing is by getting it to go on a very vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes. This will naturally release all the energy in your pet so that it will not have any left by the time you brush its teeth. Since the dog will be too tired from the exercise, it won’t resist your attempts to brush its teeth.
If this is your dog’s first time to brush its teeth, then you can still use your thumb and index finger method but without the gauze pad. Just let your dog be accustomed to the feel of something rubbing against its teeth and gums. Don’t forget the treats. If ever your dog is already accustomed to feeling your fingers in its mouth, it’s time to up the ante by wrapping your digits with a gauze pad.
Other ways you can calm your dog while brushing is to bring its favorite dog toy. You have to remember to make the brushing a pleasant experience for your pet. Keep the sessions short, especially during the first few sessions.
