When it comes to dog teeth brushing, one of the big questions pet parents want to know is: “Can I brush dog teeth with human toothpaste?” It’s not far-fetched to think that you could. After all, if a toothpaste is good for your own smile, it’s good enough for your dog’s smile too, right?
Well, not so fast. Before you undertake the steps of dog teeth brushing, keep reading to see what’s fact and what’s fiction …
Fact or Fiction: You Can Brush Dog Teeth With Human Toothpaste.
This is FICTION. Dogs should never have human toothpaste. Here’s why it isn’t a good idea: while your dog may know lots of tricks like “sit” and “roll over,” grasping the trick of “spit” is flat-out impossible. That means whatever is in your toothpaste, your dog will end up consuming. There are many ingredients in human toothpaste that could make your dog sick, with these three being the most common:
- Xylitol – this natural sweetener is safe for humans, but is toxic for dogs even in small quantities, as it can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) very quickly.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – this popular foaming agent in toothpaste can cause stomach upset and mouth irritation when used to brush dog teeth.
- Fluoride – can cause nausea, weakness, incontinence, and even seizures in dogs if ingested in a large quantity.
Fact or Fiction: Dog Teeth Brushing Can Help Your Dog Live Longer
This is FACT. And what a fantastic fact it is! We all want our dogs to live longer, and we want those years to be happy and free of pain. Adopting a dog teeth brushing routine could add 2–5 years to your pet’s life. That’s because it’s the best way to help prevent periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) on a daily basis.
Fact or Fiction: Oxyfresh Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste is “Top Dog”
This is FACT. Oxyfresh Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste is a 2019 Family Choice Award Winner, a prestigious award that recognizes the most trusted brands for pets and families. USA-made, Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste is veterinarian-recommended and stands out from the pack because it’s artificial flavor- and scent-free. (That means your dog will actually sit still for tooth brushing rather than trying to eat the brush!)
No harsh chemicals, alcohol, mint or clove oils, which can harm pets and make them have a bad association with brushing. Instead, we use our gentle, non-toxic ingredient Oxygene®, proven to eliminate plaque-causing bacteria and bad breath in just 60 seconds. Our toothpaste for dog teeth brushing will make a real difference in the health of your pet’s smile, their breath and their overall well-being. And if dog teeth brushing could add 2–5 years to your pet’s life, now is the time to get started!
P.S. From their heads to their tails, Oxyfresh has a complete line of dental and pet grooming products to keep your furry friends healthy. Check them out at oxyfresh.com.
