Like us, our dogs need to have good breath too. However, it’s not just a matter of preventing that stinky breath, it’s also about taking good care of their oral health. That said, it’s only important that you buy the best dog toothpaste and toothbrush for your furry friend.
In this article, we’re going to review some of the best dog toothbrushes on the market. But before that, let us first figure out the factors that you have to consider before you buy one.
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Last update on 2023-10-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Dog Toothbrush
Pretty much like other grooming essentials for your dogs such as dog nail clippers and dog shampoos, there are a number of important things you should consider when looking for the best dog toothbrush on the market. They are as follows:
Type of toothbrush
Compared to a regular toothbrush that we humans use, a dog toothbrush actually comes in three different types which are the following:
- Regular – a regular toothbrush made for dogs actually resembles that of our own toothbrush. However, a regular dog toothbrush comes with even softer bristles to prevent injuring your pet’s fragile gums. Also, its head is angled a bit more acutely so you can efficiently clean your dog’s teeth. You should keep in mind that a regular toothbrush we humans use shouldn’t be used for your dog considering that a dog toothbrush is designed in a way that it can accommodate the many shapes of the canine teeth.
- Dual head – this refers to a toothbrush which comes with 2 brush heads located on both ends of the handle. One head is wider, making it the ideal choice for cleaning a larger dentition. Meanwhile, the other head is smaller and has fewer bristles which are perfect for dogs with smaller teeth.
- Finger – a finger toothbrush is designed in a way that you can wear it over your finger to allow easy brushing of your dog’s teeth. This type of dog toothbrush is mainly designed for larger dogs as it can be fitted easily inside of their mouth. Also, a finger toothbrush is perfect for removing food particles and other dirt which might be stuck in your dog’s teeth.
Dog-only formulation
Another factor you should consider when shopping for a dog toothbrush is its formulation. As mentioned earlier, a dog’s toothbrush is not the same as a regular toothbrush we use. Therefore, you should make sure that the one you plan to buy is designed exclusively for dogs.
Proper size and length
The size of the toothbrush you want to buy should be proportionate to your dog’s size. If you have a large dog, you want to buy him a large toothbrush which can accommodate his brushing needs. Meanwhile, if you have a small dog, going for a small toothbrush is just ideal.
Aside from the size, you should also consider the right length of the dog toothbrush you want to buy. This way, you can easily reach hard to reach areas for a more effective cleaning. Moreover, if you don’t want to get your hand into your dog’s mouth, then going for a dog toothbrush with a long handle is a good idea as well.
The bristles’ softness
Another important factor to consider when you buy a dog toothbrush is its bristles. As mentioned earlier, a dog toothbrush’s bristles are a lot softer to prevent damaging their gums. The question is, how soft?
Ideally, they must be softer than even those of a baby’s toothbrush. After all, using a toothbrush that has hard or sharp bristles can only result in a lot of bleeding when you brush your dog’s teeth.
10 Best Dog Toothbrushes to Buy in 2020
Pet Republique Cat & Dog Finger Toothbrush
Ideal for Both Cats and Dogs
This finger toothbrush from Pet Republique provides you with better and more precise control of the toothbrush head when brushing your pet’s teeth. This allows you to remove those stubborn food particles and plaque which got stuck inside of your pet’s mouth.
Since it is a finger variant, you can fit it easily over your finger to provide you with absolute control when brushing. Aside from that, the toothbrush is made of safe materials, so you don’t have to worry about the harmful effects it might give your pet.
Why We Like It:
- Made of high-quality materials which are proven to be pet-safe and approved by the FDA
- Includes moderately soft bristles
- Provides you with more accuracy when brushing your pet’s teeth
What We Don’t Like:
- Too big, making it not ideal for smaller dogs or dogs with a smaller mouth
Boshel Dog Toothbrush Pack
3 Piece Doggy Dental Care Kit To Keep Your Pets Gnashers In Great Shape
Modern domestic dogs are prone to oral health issues, which is why we have to give them a helping hand with products like the Boshel dog toothbrush pack. Using a set like this can help improve your dog’s breath and help prevent issues like gingivitis and tooth decay.
The set comes with two dual ended, angled, soft bristle toothbrushes both with a large toothbrush end, and a small toothbrush end. This gives you the option to use a larger brush for the larger teeth of bigger dogs or the smaller end for dogs with smaller teeth. You may also find it easier on some dogs to use the bigger brush at the front, then the smaller brush on the teeth towards the back which can be harder to get to.
Customers will also love the finger brush that comes with the product. This can provide lots more control over the strength of the brushing action, including a better ability to remove specific debris and plaque build-up around the teeth and gum line.
Why We Like It:
- Three brush options to suit your dogs mouth size
- Extra-soft bristles
- Angled ergonomic design
- Two dual-ended brushes help the pack last longer, or suit households with two dogs
What We Don’t Like:
- Bristles may not be durable for regular use
- Bristles may be too soft for dogs who need a harder brush
ProSense Dental Solutions for Dogs
A High-Quality Dual-Head & Finger Toothbrush
If you are in need of a toothbrush that reduces plaque and tartar buildup, then the ProSense Dental Solutions is perfect for you. The ProSense brand offers you a handful of variations of proactive and sensible dental solutions for your dog’s overall healthcare and wellness needs.
This one, in particular, comes with a newly improved ingredient that offers far-reaching benefits for your dogs. The ProSense Dental Solution has a 3-piece kit that eliminates plaque and regulates tartar buildup. It is a dual-head finger toothbrush suitable for all dog breeds and sizes.
The ProSense has a 3-piece kit that helps you make brushing your dog’s teeth a part of his wellness routine. One pack of ProSense solutions contains a ProSense Toothpaste, a ProSense Dual-Head Toothbrush, and a Dingo Dental Chew. Reaching and cleaning those hard-to-reach areas are quickly done using ProSense toothbrush. Moreover, the toothpaste and dental chew are made with an enzymatic formula that helps provide your dog with supplemental vitamins.
Why We Like It:
- Applicable for all dog breeds and sizes
- Proven to remove plaque and tartar build-up
- Comes in a 3-piece kit consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a dental chew
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dogs don’t like the ProSense toothpaste’s flavor
CET Pet Toothbrush
The Perfect Toothbrush for Cats and Small Dogs
The CET Pet toothbrush is specifically designed for smaller dogs and cats. The toothbrush comes with a single head and soft bristles that are gentle to your dog. However, its 6-inch handle might be too short for those with bulkier hands. Although the CET toothbrush has a very simple design, you can really rely on its effectiveness when it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Why We Like It:
- Very simple yet functional design
- Comes with very soft bristles
- Very affordable
What We Don’t Like:
- The bristles are not very durable and long-lasting
Duke’s Pet Products Dog Toothbrush
A Long Handled Toothbrush for Deep Cleaning
Though a bit smaller compared to other dog toothbrushes on the market, the Duke’s dog toothbrush surely is a very efficient one when it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth. Its 8.5-inch handle allows you to reach the deeper areas of your dog’s mouth with ease. Aside from that, it has extra-soft bristles to prevent injuring your dog’s gums.
Although the brush’s small size makes it ideal for use on small dogs and puppies, it can also work perfectly on larger dogs.
Why We Like It:
- Really affordable pricing
- Comes with a dual-head design
What We Don’t Like:
- The bristles might be too soft
H&H Pets Professional Dog Toothbrush
A More Affordable Finger Toothbrush Option
Having a resemblance to that of the finger toothbrush from Pet Republique, the only difference with H&H’s product is that it is actually a bit more affordable. It is made with the use of materials that are approved by the FDA, not to mention its bristles are moderately soft to make sure it can efficiently remove any food particles and plaque in your dog’s teeth.
Why We Like It:
- Comes in an easy-to-use design
- Can effectively remove food particles, plaque, and tartar in your dog’s teeth
What We Don’t Like:
- The bristles are a bit harder than that of Pet Republique’s
Mind Up Toothbrush for Dogs
Unique Japan-Made Dog Toothbrush Solution
If you want something different or unique for your dog, then this toothbrush by Mind Up is for you. Compared to your typical dog toothbrush, this one comes with a circular head. Aside from that, it only features 4 clusters of ultra-thin bristles. Lastly, its handle is angled at two points, making it easier to clean those hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s mouth.
Why We Like It:
- Features micro-thin bristles
- Comes with a unique circular head
What We Don’t Like:
- Might be too small for your dog
EZDOG Triple Pet Toothbrush
A Triple-Toothbrush Design for a More Effective Clean
The EZDOG Triple Pet toothbrush has a unique design which ensures that every inch and corner of your dog’s teeth, gums, and tongue are properly cleaned. Its design looks as if you’re running your dog’s teeth through the cleaning drums which you can find in a car wash.
Aside from that, it also features a built-in tongue cleaner which is located at the base of its handle. When you look at it, the overall design of the EZDOG toothbrush looks way fatter than the rest of the dog toothbrushes we have in this list. Although this can allow you to hold it comfortably, it does have the problem of being too short to reach the entire area of your dog’s teeth.
Why We Like It:
- Includes a tongue cleaner and scraper
- The handle has an ergonomic design and is comfortable to hold
- Features a unique but fully functional triple toothbrush design
What We Don’t Like:
- The handle is too short, making it hard, even impossible, to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s teeth
RosyLife Pet Dog Soft Toothbrush
The Ideal 8-Piece Dog Toothbrush Pack
This toothbrush pack from RosyLife features two sets of dual-end and finger toothbrushes. If you have a lot of pets in your household, then this could be a really excellent option.
The four dual-head toothbrushes in the package come with slim 8.5-inch long handles which are all textured on one side to help you grip it comfortably when brushing your dog’s teeth. Meanwhile, the finger brushes are all made of silicone and come in four colors.
Why We Like It:
- Comes with a set of 4 dual-head toothbrushes and 4 soft finger toothbrushes
- The handles of the dual-head toothbrushes are textured on one side for a better grip
What We Don’t Like:
- The heads might be too big for some dogs
Arm & Hammer Dog Dental Care Tartar Control Kit for Dogs
Complete Toothbrush & Tasty Beef Toothpaste Kit For Effective Pet Oral Health Care
Arm & Hammer dog dental care tartar control kit for dogs has everything you need to help your dog maintain good oral health. This kind of preventative action carried out a few times a week can go a long way to freshening your pet’s breath, and helping them avoid painful gingivitis and bad tartar build ups.
The pack contains a dual handle ergonomically designed brush with a large head, and a smaller head. You can use a chosen end depending on your dog’s mouth size, or try using different ends depending on which part of the dog’s mouth you are accessing. For those hard-to-reach areas, or areas that may require more pressure, the pack also contains a handy finger brush. This can be easier to control when you are brushing your pet’s teeth, and may be a good option when you start training your dog to have their teeth brushed.
To boost the appeal and benefits of the brushing process, a beef toothpaste is included. With its tantalizing beefy flavor, pets will find their oral care routine a little more enticing, which is really helpful when they aren’t used to the process. Even better, the toothpaste contains naturally derived ingredients that help fight plaque, and keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
Why We Like It:
- Dual ended brush for larger, and smaller teeth
- Finger brush for hard-to-reach areas and more control
- Beef flavored toothpaste enticing for dogs
- Smell isn’t offensive for owners
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dogs may not like the flavor
- Finger brush may not be firm enough to work with some pets
FAQs
Q: How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
A: Just like us, your dog can also benefit greatly from regular brushing which should be done as often as possible, ideally on a daily basis. By brushing your dog’s teeth daily, you will be able to get rid of all those bacteria in his mouth which are stuck on food particles from the food he’s eaten during the day.
Q: Can I use a human toothbrush?
A: As mentioned a few times earlier in this article, you should NEVER use a toothbrush made for humans on dogs. Toothbrushes which are designed for humans have hard and stiff bristles which can injure and damage your dog’s gums. You have to keep in mind that toothbrushes designed for dogs have very soft bristles that will prevent such injury from happening.
Also, toothbrushes designed for dogs are made with the canine teeth in mind.
Q: How often should I replace a dog toothbrush?
A: It will depend on the quality of the toothbrush. If it’s a poor quality product, you can’t expect it to last for a long time. Normally, it would only last a month or even just a few weeks. Also, the frequency of brushing can affect the lifespan of your dog’s toothbrush.
If you brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis, you can expect the toothbrush to last only for around 2 months. Meanwhile, if you brush his teeth on a weekly basis, it could last for around 4 to 6 months. However, it is recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth daily, so it would also mean that you’ll have to replace his toothbrush once every 2 months.
Q: How to clean my dog’s toothbrush?
A: Cleaning your dog’s toothbrush is actually simple. Simply rinse it under warm water after each use. While doing so, make sure you remove any particles that are stuck on the toothbrush using your fingers. For even smaller particles, simply use a toothpick.
Q: How to make my dog sit calm while brushing his teeth?
A: Ideally, you want to train your dog to make him get used to brushing his teeth while he’s still a puppy. However, if you weren’t able to do so, you can instead tire him out by having him undergo any vigorous physical activity for around 30 minutes or more. This way, he will have released most of his energy, leaving him with very little to even resist teeth brushing.
However, if it’s the first time your dog has experienced brushing, you can make him get used to the feeling by rubbing your thumb and index finger into his gums. Once he’s accustomed to it, you may then start brushing. Always make sure that you make your brushing session pleasant for your dog so he won’t associate it with a bad experience.
Conclusion
When it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth, you have to make sure that you only choose the best dog toothbrush on the market, similar on how you would choose dog nail clippers for his nails.
With the ones we have provided on the list, looking for the perfect brush that can help you maintain your dog’s oral health can be pretty quick and easy.