The Best Dog Tooth Brushing Kits
Dog owners love their dogs to the end of the Earth and back. However, the number one stinky pet peeve that all send dog owners running for the hills is bad doggie breath. Dogs, much like people, develop plaque on their teeth over time. If left uncleaned, this plaque can turn into tartar, which is a much harder, smellier substance that becomes the ultimate source of your dog's case of halitosis. All it takes to prevent tartar buildup is regular brushing, but most owners neglect this aspect of canine hygiene. If you're tired of your adorable little buddy smelling like an afternoon fish market, read on to discover the best doggie toothbrush kits on the market.
Arm and Hammer Dog Dental Care Kit
Clean and serene
The idea of cleaning your dog’s teeth can seem like a fairly daunting task. Despite how much your dog loves you, there are very few animals who respond well to having foreign objects jammed into their mouths. Luckily, Arm and Hammer’s dental care kit is here to make the process as simple, efficient, and brief as possible. Firstly, the company offers two different kinds of toothbrushes in this kit — the long brush and the finger brush. Long brushes allow you to keep a distance between your hand and your dog’s teeth as you brush, while finger brushes put you right into the middle of the action. Most dogs will have a preference for one, making Arm and Hammer’s inclusion of both very helpful. Not to mention, the toothpaste included in this kit features a tartar control agent, which is the number one cause of canine halitosis.
Pros:
- Offers two kinds of toothbrushes
- The finger brush offers your whole fingertip protection against biting
- Anti-tartar toothpaste
Cons:
- You might not find the scent of beef-flavored toothpaste too pleasant while you brush your pooch’s teeth
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Kit
Outstanding oral care
Nylabone is well known in the dog toy industry for creating hygiene-forward toys that last practically forever, and this advanced oral care kit stays in line with the company’s sterling reputation. Nylabone’s toothpaste contains its very own “Denta-C” bacteria-fighting blend that works to kill plaque buildup before it can harden into tartar. Not only is Nylabone’s toothpaste on point, but its toothbrushes are excellent as well. The long toothbrush in the kit features an angled neck that makes it much easier to reach those tough-to-reach back molar areas. The finger brush features softer bristles and a hard protective cap that protects your fingertip if your dog happens to bite during brushing.
Pros:
- Excellent toothpaste containing plaque-killing “Denta-C” solution
- The long brush has an angled head that helps reach back molars
- Protective finger brush
Cons:
- The peanut butter toothpaste may be a turnoff to some dogs
Paws and Pals Dog Dental Care Kit
Pearly whites
Paws and Pals is an up-and-comer in the doggie dental care game, and this toothpaste and toothbrush combo is turning even more heads in the dog owner community. Many oral care products formulated for dogs contain imitations of beef flavors; in the process, they end up being something that neither dog nor owner wants to touch with a ten-foot pole. However, Paws and Pals’ beef-flavored toothpaste has achieved the perfect balance between cleansing and appealing to your dog’s carnivore sensibilities. This toothpaste provides excellent tartar control, which is the number one culprit in making your lovely pup’s breath stinky. Not to mention, this kit also offers a double-sided long toothbrush alongside a handy little finger brush.
Pros:
- Great tasting toothpaste that cleanses
- Good tartar control
- Features two types of toothbrushes
Cons:
- Some dogs have issues with the long toothbrush in the kit
Pet Republique Dog Toothbrush Series
Better brushing
Not only does brushing your dog’s teeth seem difficult, but it can also be scary. The bottom line is, no matter how much your little guy loves you, you’re still jamming some uncomfortable brush and unfamiliar soapy stuff into his mouth and wiggling it all around. That can turn even the most docile of dogs into a fiend. Luckily, Pet Republique’s six-pack of long dog toothbrushes offers a foolproof way to put some distance between you and your dog’s bared chompers. Each toothbrush has two sides — one side with fewer bristles and one side with more. Pet Republique doesn’t include dog toothpaste with its six-pack, but there are endless options that will play well in tandem with these highly effective toothbrushes.
Pros:
- Six-pack of highly effective long toothbrushes
- Double-sided
- Affordable
Cons:
- No toothpaste included
Toofers 360º Dog Finger Brush
Deep cleaning
Brushing a dog’s teeth is no easy task, and while just about every dog on the planet will hate the process, there are certain techniques that certain dogs will hate less than others. One of these techniques is the finger brush. Finger brushes are caps that you slip onto your finger and manually clean plaque and tartar off of your dog’s teeth. Many dogs prefer this more personal method over the clunkiness of long toothbrushes. Unlike many other finger brushes, the bristles on Toofers’ brush cover 360 degrees of its surface, making it much easier to clean hard-to-reach places like behind the back molars. What’s more, Toofers offers a convenient and easy-to-clean carrying case for this nifty little finger brush.
Pros:
- Offers a more personal brushing method that some dogs prefer
- 360-degree bristle coverage
- Carrying case included
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer the same kind of hard bristles as long brushes do
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is the soft, filmy buildup that appears on your dog’s teeth after a few days or weeks without cleaning. Tartar is the hardened form of plaque that appears when plaque hasn’t been sufficiently cleaned from your dog’s teeth. You cannot remove tartar without a professional cleaning. You can, however, remove plaque and keep the tartar buildup from growing larger in your dog’s mouth.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Ideally, every day would be the best way to go. But because of how much of a hassle the process is for everyone involved, leading vets recommend at-home brushings two to three times a week.
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