Can You Brush a Dog’s Teeth with Human Toothpaste?

As you probably know, humans should visit their dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam, but did you know your pet should also visit the veterinarian for teeth cleaning once a year? February is National Pet Dental Health Month and keeping your pet’s teeth clean is an important part of ensuring that your pet stays healthy. Can you brush a dog’s teeth with human toothpaste? We’re answering that and more in this post. 

Gum disease is the most common disease occurring in pets today. Bad breath aside, plaque and tartar buildup can cause bad breath, bleeding, painful and irritated gums that affect eating, and can even cause microscopic damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. 

Watch out for bad breath, bleeding, and broken teeth

There are several symptoms of dental issues in your dog that you should look out for such as: bad breath, discoloration of the gums and teeth, bleeding, broken teeth, and exposed roots. If you see any of these things happening in your pet’s mouth, see your vet for help. 

Some vets offer reduced rates in February

Most veterinary clinics offer dental cleaning services (if they do not, they can refer you to someone who does). A basic cleaning for your pet’s teeth usually begins at about $200 and goes up from there, based on the condition of your pet’s teeth. During the month of February, many veterinary clinics offer discounted rates for dental cleanings, so check and see if that’s an option at your vet clinic. 

The pet dental cleaning process requires anesthesia, so plan on your pet spending most of the day at the vet clinic the day of his cleaning for the procedure, as well as for observation following the cleaning. So, what can you do to ensure the health of your pet’s chompers?

Can you brush a dog’s teeth with human toothpaste?

Vets recommend daily tooth brushing for your dogs, with special toothpaste made for animals. In contrast to human toothpaste flavors, dog toothpaste often has flavors such as poultry and beef (YUM!), in addition to a more palate-pleasing option such as vanilla-mint. If daily tooth-brushing doesn’t quite fit into your busy schedule, luckily, there are pet treats on the market that promote good dental health and can be used in between brushings. 

Visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website (http://www.vohc.org) to see a comprehensive list of pet products that aid in dental care. Between regular tooth brushing, special, tooth-friendly treats, exams and cleanings from your veterinarian, maintaining the health of your pet’s mouth is a simple form of preventative care that can have a big impact on your pet’s general health and well being. 

Author: Jenny Jurica

Jenny is a married mother of two humans, one rescued Weimaraner, and four (yes, four) rescued cats. She is a native Texan who is a columnist/contributor for several publications and enjoys spending her free time curled up on the couch with a dog and a couple of cats. Much like the poet Sylvia Plath, Jenny often finds that she, “likes people too much or not at all,” but has never met an animal that she didn’t instantly adore (except for maybe the Komodo dragon at the zoo).