Good dental health is vital for your dog’s overall wellbeing because gum disease can damage teeth and harm your dog’s kidneys, heart and liver.
See our “Top 3 Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean and Healthy” here.
Brushing your dog’s teeth removes plaque, prevents tartar and freshens their breath. Bad breath in dogs can be caused by digestive issues, mouth bacteria from food or dental problems. It is important to identify the cause so you can manage it properly. If your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, regular brushing can help maintain them. Choose a dog toothpaste that is free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives and artificial additives, and instead contains natural enzymes for antibacterial action.
Can you use human toothpaste?
The answer is NO. Many human toothpastes contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. They often also contain fluoride, which can be fatal if ingested in large amounts. Other harmful ingredients in human toothpaste include detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate, humectants like propylene glycol, and artificial colours and flavours, all of which you don’t want your dog to ingest.
What are the ingredients to watch out and avoid in dog toothpaste?
- Artificial colour, flavours and chemicals
If you can’t recognise the name of a so-called natural flavour, it’s likely made of chemicals. While these chemicals may be approved for use in dog products, that doesn’t mean they’re good for your dog. - Artificial sweeteners like dextrose, sodium saccharin and sorbitol
- Alcohol and preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate
- Triclosan (banned by the FDA and linked to hormone disruption)
- Phosphoric acid, potassium thiocyanate and potassium nitrate – all toxic to dogs
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
It is a common ingredient in health and beauty products, including dog toothpaste. While it is generally considered safe in small amounts, it is known to cause irritation to the mouth, skin, eyes and lungs, and can contribute to gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant amounts.
What are the good ingredients to include in dog toothpaste?
- Baking soda
It is a natural cleaner used to whiten, clean and deodorise your dog’s mouth, teeth and gums. It effectively kills bacteria along the gum line and between the teeth. - Aloe vera
It is a cooling and very soothing ingredient for your dog’s mouth. - Olive leaf extract
It has natural antibiotic properties. - Sea salt, eggshell powder, kelp powder
They are often used as gentle abrasives. - Enzymes (found in Enzymatic toothpaste)
They reduce bacteria in the mouth promoting a healthier microbiome for your dog. - Essential oils like thyme, clove, eucalyptus and peppermint
They help reduce plaque and gum inflammation and fight oral bacteria. - Lecithin (as an emulsifier), glycerin (as an emollient) and neem oil (as a fungicide)
Try These Homemade Natural Dog Toothpaste Recipes
Additionally, if your dog has plaque, tartar or associated bacteria, you can add 1 tbsp of a high-quality soil-based probiotic or food-grade bentonite clay to the recipes, along with extra liquid as needed. Bentonite clay binds to pathogenic bacteria and will be excreted from your dog’s system in their stool.
Easy 2-Ingredient Dog Toothpaste
You will need
- 2 part healthy oil like MCT oil, olive oil, coconut oil
- 1 part baking soda
- Additional: fresh parsley or mint leaves (finely chopped)
Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth, paste-like consistency. Store mixture in an airtight container (in the fridge if you add the fresh herbs).
Cool & Calming Dog Toothpaste
You will need
- 3/4 cup aloe vera gel (organic without aloin)
- 3 tbsp baking soda
- 3 tbsp healthy oil (e.g. MCT oil, olive oil, coconut oil) or ghee
- 1 tbsp soil-based probiotic or bentonite clay
- 2 tsp eggshell powder
- 15 fresh mint leaves (finely chopped) or 2–3 drops peppermint essential oil
Mix all the ingredients in a blender until you have the consistency of sour cream. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze in an ice cube tray.
Kelp Dog Toothpaste
You will need
- 1 cup healthy oil (e.g. MCT oil, olive oil, coconut oil) or ghee
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kelp powder
- ¼ tsp dried parsley or mint leaves
- ½ tsp ground turmeric or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth, paste-like consistency. Refrigerate or freeze in an ice cube tray.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Getting your dog used to having a toothbrush or your finger in their mouth can be challenging, especially if you didn’t start when they were a puppy. Make the experience enjoyable. Begin by letting your dog get used to you touching their mouth. With your dog’s head on your lap, let them lick your finger dipped in the flavour your dog likes, such as bone broth, almond butter or kefir/yoghurt. Do this every night for a week, gradually introducing the toothpaste.
Next, use mildly abrasive gauze wrapped around your finger or a dental cleaning finger cloth, dipped in toothpaste. Gently massage the gauze or finger cloth over your dog’s teeth and gums, lifting their lips to reach the back molars. Aim to brush daily for 10–20 seconds to remove food particles and plaque, helping prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Once your dog is comfortable, you can switch to a finger toothbrush or a baby toothbrush or a normal toothbrush with soft bristles, brushing in up-and-down and side-to-side motions. Over time, brushing will become a bonding activity for both you and your dog.
