Best Small Dog Toothbrush: Arm & Hammer for Pets Spectrum 360 Degree Dog Toothbr ush for Small Dogs and Puppies

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. 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. To make sure you succeed at brushing your dog’s teeth, follow these suggestions and recommendations:While regular brushing is the best way to combat plaque and tartar buildup, other pet dental products like dental chews, oral rinses, and special diets can help keep a dog’s mouth, teeth, and gums healthy between professional cleanings. Professional Cleanings Are Important

You can start by gently touching puppy teeth as early as 8 or 9 weeks, says Dr. Klein. “But it should be done as a fun session.A puppy’s mouth can be sore during the teething process(4 to 5 months of age) so it is safest to wait until a puppy is about 6 months of age gently using finger brushes or small toothbrushes made for puppies.” Dog Tooth Brushing: Tips for Success Finger brushes are not quite as effective in removing plaque from under the gumline as regular toothbrushes are. 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?They’re made by Bodhi, a small, family-owned business that sources its ingredients from the U.S. and local companies when possible. 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.

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. The soft bristles are specially created to be gentle on your puppy's gums while helping to remove debris and plaque and prevent bad breath, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. We also love that it is vet-recommended like many other options on this list. Just like with your own toothbrush, you’ll want to replace your dog’s toothbrush every three to four months. Fortunately, this option is very affordable and should be easy to find in local pet shops or online retailers. 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. For a convenient all-in-one option, Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes for Cats & Dogs fit over a finger and are pre-soaked in pet-safe toothpaste solution. The lightly textured wipes provide gentle scrubbing power to freshen breath and help clear plague. No additional water is needed for use—making the Dental Care Finger Wipes an excellent option for travel—and the toothpaste contains a combination of grapefruit seed extract, green tea extract, spearmint oil, and thyme oil.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.