1. CET Dog Toothbrush
Key Features
Small brush head for smaller pets
Easy to hold and clean
Soft and non-abrasive bristles
Affordable option
Designed for use on smaller dogs and cats, this affordable puppy toothbrush has a small brush head which is ideal for looking after the oral and dental health of your petite pup. If you brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, this has the positive knock-on effect of stopping bad breath and tartar buildup.
Both easy to hold and clean, this small dog toothbrush is also not too abrasive on your dog’s mouth. The bristles are also soft enough to reduce the likelihood of bleeding gums, but firm enough to remove food debris and light plaque buildup. All in all, this is a simple product that does the job well so we recommend it for both experienced brushers and complete beginners.
2. Pet Republique Pet Toothbrush
Key Features
Dual-headed dog toothbrush
Narrow and long handle to easily get deeper into your dog’s mouth
Tested and optimized brush hardness
Set of three or six brushes in two colors
This dual-headed dog toothbrush by Pet Republique gives you the best of both worlds. In one product, you get both a small and a large brush head to suit pets of all sizes, which is ideal if you have a multi-dog household. This package comes as a set of six or three brushes, and the former one should last for a whole year of daily brushing.
Importantly, the hardness of the brushes has been tested and controlled to lower the risk of harm to your pet’s gums, but the bristles still do the job effectively. And if you have more than one pet, you’ll be pleased to know that the Pet Republique brushes come in two colors for your convenience.
3. H&H Pets Finger Toothbrushes
Key Features
Made from FDA-grade materials
Soft bristles for gentle but effective cleaning
Curved profile designed for hard-to-reach areas
Better for larger pets
If you’re looking for something highly effective, we recommend checking out finger toothbrush models, such as this dental kit from H&H. Made from FDA-grade materials with soft but effective bristles and curved profile, this brush is designed to reach the places which other dog toothbrushes struggle to get to, so we recommend them to dogs prone do cavities and gum disease.
Make sure that you read the instructions before you attempt to use a finger toothbrush though. While perfect for large breed dogs prone to plaque and tartar buildup, this type of brush is not ideal for small dogs and puppies.
4. PenVinoo Dog Toothbrush
Key Features
Set of 4 dual-headed and 4 finger brushes
Color-coded for multi-pet use
Gentle bristles
Consisting of four dual-headed brushes and four finger brushes, this dental kit ensures that you have a wide range of options when it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth. And in case you have several pets who all need their teeth cleaned, you’ll be happy to know that everything is color-coded.
With multiple options, you can choose the best method of reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar on your dog’s chompers. If you need to remove plaque that’s stuck along your pet’s gum line, we recommend using a finger toothbrush, and leaving the dual-headed models for regular daily brushing.
5. Duke’s Pet Products Dog Toothbrush
Key Features
Double-sided toothbrush
Extra-soft bristles
Long handle to help keep your hands clean
Another dual-headed toothbrush for dogs, both sides come equipped with extra soft bristles, so you can choose which is best for your pup’s sensitive teeth and gums. The handle is long enough for you to brush your dog’s teeth without reaching directly into their mouth.
Because this brush has super-soft bristles, it’s best suited to pets with sensitive gums, as well as dogs who are not used to regular teeth brushing.
6. Arm & Hammer Lift & Lock Toothbrush
Key Features
Unique foldaway design
Protect bristles and keep bacteria away
Portable and easy to take with you
The unique design of this small toothbrush allows you to fold the brush head back on itself. This way, bacteria are less likely to form on the bristles, and it also helps to keep the brush in good shape so you will not need to replace it so often.
Its convenient and compact design makes it great for travel as you can easily take it with you and your pup wherever you go. As for the handle, it is baking soda infused and comfortable to grip.
7. Boshel Dog Toothbrush
Key Features
Two dual-sided brushes and finger brush included
Angled to reach all of your dog’s teeth
Long handles for easy use
This value pack of two dual-sided brushes and a finger brush allow you to choose the best way to clean your dog’s teeth of trapped food and plaque. The brushes feature a dual-head design which works well with pooches of all sizes.
This is a brush which has been built with ergonomics firmly in mind. It is ideally angled to comfortably reach your dog’s teeth, and the long handles ensure an easy reach into your pet’s mouth without having to get your hands messy.
8. Alfie Avent Cotton Pet Dental Finger Brush
Key Features
Cotton glove alternative to finger brushes
Allows you to access difficult-to-reach areas
Simple and comfortable design
A different design to the other dog dental care products which we have discussed so far, this one is a set of cotton gloves which work as an alternative to finger brushes. Essentially, they give you dexterity and the opportunity to feel your dog’s teeth and get into tough sports which you otherwise may not be able to reach.
While highly convenient and comfortable, bear in mind that you need to wash and dry these gloves after every single usage.
9. Kenko Care Dog Toothbrush
Key Features
Multi-angle brush reaches all teeth easily
Micro-thin bristles
Design allows for thumb and forefinger usage
Featuring a cylinder head, this multi-angle dog toothbrush ensures that you reach all of your pupper’s teeth without trouble. The bristles are micro-thin and moderately soft to provide a thorough but gentle cleaning job.
As this brush is so small and thin, it is best suited to small dog breeds and puppies. The design allows you to use your thumb and forefinger at the same time, removing plaque and food debris which would have been otherwise hard to access.
Best Dog Toothbrush Buying Guide & FAQ
With so many pet dental brushes available on the market, finding the right one for your pup may be challenging. To help you in your search for the best toothbrush for dogs, we’ve not only reviewed some of the most popular products, but have also put together this comprehensive buying guide. Here, we cover absolutely everything you need to know about canine dental health, including how to find the right brush for your pet and budget, how to properly use it, and so much more.
You may also like our review of the Best Dog Dental Spray.
Things to Look for When Buying a Dog Toothbrush
Before buying a dog toothbrush, you should take a close look at its core features as they can help you make your mind up. After all, you want to choose a brush which is best suited to your pooch, as well as one which is comfortable for you to use. Here are just a few of the most important points that you need to bear in mind.
- Type of Toothbrush
There are two main types of dog toothbrushes to choose from. First up, there is a standard toothbrush for dogs that essentially follows the design of a human toothbrush. This type either comes in a single or dual-headed format. Then, there is a finger toothbrush that you pop onto the end of your finger to scrub your dog’s teeth and gums and remove plaque. We will discuss some of the main pros and cons of each type a little bit later in the blog post.
- Size of Brush Head
The brush head size which you choose should be related to the size of your dog’s mouth and teeth. As you would expect, smaller dogs need smaller brush heads, while larger breeds require larger ones. Alternatively, you could look at the dual-head toothbrushes which are suitable for smaller and larger breeds alike.
- Handle Length
If you get a standard design toothbrush, it is worth looking closer at the handle length. If you don’t like the idea of sticking your hand directly into your dog’s mouth, a brush with a longer handle is the best option. This also has the natural advantage of allowing you to get right to the back of your pet's mouth to access the harder-to-reach areas. However, you don’t want the handle to be too long as this is going to be more challenging to wield and get into the harder-to-reach areas of your pup's mouth.
- Bristle Softness
Another issue that you should consider when choosing a toothbrush for your furry friend is the softness of the bristles. You want the bristles to be soft enough to not damage your dog’s sensitive gums, but hard enough to scrub away debris and soft plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. That said, if you're buying dog dental brushes for the first time, we suggest sticking to gentle brushes and ultra-soft bristles as they're the safest option.
- Comfortable Handle
Since you are the one who will be holding the dog toothbrush, you want it to be comfortable in your grip. If you get the opportunity to pick up a few different pet toothbrushes beforehand, this will help you to compare and contrast the different handles. It should be lightweight enough for you to move around easily, and you should feel comfortable holding it in a number of different positions.
What Type of Toothbrush is Best for My Dog?
Dog toothbrushes come in two main varieties: regular brushes and finger brushes. The decision of which one is best for your pooch should be based on several factors including the size of your dog, their teeth and gum health, as well as their general temperament. So, let’s look at both varieties in more detail to give you a helping hand in making your mind up.
- Regular Dog Toothbrushes
First up, we have the regular variety of dog toothbrushes. Just like human toothbrushes, they consist of a handle for holding and bristles for brushing. Often, they have a longer handle which makes it easier to get the brush into your dog’s mouth, and they are sometimes double-sided, so you can choose the size of the bristles which are best for your dog and the task in hand. As for the brush head, it is typically angled more acutely to the different shapes of canine teeth. The neck also tends to be angled, allowing you to get right to the back of your dog's teeth. Dogs with larger mouths often benefit from this type of brush. You don’t have as much control as with the finger brushes, but you also don’t have to worry about putting your hands in your pooch’s mouth.
- Dog Finger Toothbrushes
The other main variety of dog toothbrush is the finger brushes. These simply slide over your fingers and allow you to clean your dog’s teeth with the soft, flexible bristles. As well as removing debris, the bristles make it easier to massage your pup's gums, so they're a good choice if your pupper suffers from gum disease. This variety can also be effective if you have a puppy who is not used to having their teeth cleaned. While these brushes give you more control, they don’t give you the same reach as regular brushes. You may also not feel comfortable reaching into your dog’s mouth in this way.
Some of the product options above include both regular and finger brushes, so rather than having to choose between two, you have both. This way, you can clean your dog’s teeth in any way that you think is best. Also, this is a good option if you have multiple dogs.
Who Should Buy Dog Toothbrushes?
All dog owners who want to take good care of their dog’s dental hygiene should use a canine toothbrush. Of course, this is not the type of activity that many dogs enjoy, but it is one that is essential in looking after your pup’s teeth. Ideally, you should start brushing your pet's teeth from a young age, so they become used to the process. That being said, brushing your dog's teeth is a process that will take patience and a gentle hand no matter when you start.
Just like human toothbrushes, pet brushes need to be replaced on a regular basis or when the bristles become frayed. Otherwise, they won’t do the job as effectively. Of course, a puppy toothbrush isn’t going to take care of everything in your canine’s oral hygiene. You also need to use specially designed dog toothpaste. Watching what they eat is also important, and you should also give them chews and dental treats from time to time. Sometimes, you may also have to take your pooch to a veterinary dentist. Oral and dental health issues need to be diagnosed and treated at the earliest possible opportunity because plaque and tartar that have already cemented themselves on your dog’s teeth cannot be removed by regular toothbrushing. For more options, check out our detailed review of the best dog chews.
As well as looking after your dog’s teeth, there are other advantages involved in brushing on a regular basis. First of all, your pooch will have fresher breath, which is bound to be a relief the next time they dive in for a big, wet, slobbery kiss! Also, putting anything in your dog’s mouth requires trust. Once they get used to it, this is yet another way of developing a stronger owner-pet bond. Even if it may not be the most enjoyable experience for the two of you, it is still one which can bring you closer together.
Head over to our review of Dog Vitamins.
How to Brush Dog's Teeth
If you have never brushed your dog’s teeth before, there is no doubt that this can feel like a daunting and slightly intimidating activity. You need to have the correct equipment, including a dog toothpaste and brush, and you should ensure you follow appropriate techniques. To make this entire process easier both for you and your pooch, here are a few tips to follow.
- Select the Right Equipment
Before you get started on the task of brushing your dog’s teeth, you need to have all the right equipment ready to go. First, select your dog toothbrush. If you want to have all your bases covered, you should get a regular toothbrush and finger toothbrushes too. Also choose a dog-friendly toothpaste rather than one which has been designed for humans, as this is not meant to be swallowed and can end up causing stomach upsets. Bear in mind that the equipment needs to be comfortable for you to use, as well as pleasant for your dog.
- Keep Your Dog Calm
It is easiest to brush your pup’s teeth when you have been training them to get used to the experience from a young age. If you have not done this, you are likely to find the whole process quite challenging, but thankfully, not impossible. Ideally, your pup should be calm and relaxed before teeth brushing begins. The easiest way of doing this is by tiring them out beforehand, so why not take them out on a vigorous exercise session of 30 minutes or more. When your pet is tired, they are much less likely to resist your efforts to brush their teeth. Your first few attempts to brush their teeth are likely to be more of a challenge, but remember, it is all about persistence. Keep these first few sessions short and sweet, and over time, as your dog becomes more used to having their teeth brushed, you can be more thorough.
- Get into a Comfortable Position
During the whole process of brushing your dog’s teeth, both of you need to be in a comfortable position to help everything go smoothly. You should be at the same height as your dog because if you stand above them, this can be interpreted as a threatening position. On the other hand, if you are below them, your pooch may try to take this as an opportunity to play. Your dog is likely to move around during the process, so you'll need to move with them.
- Get Your Dog Used to Touching Their Mouth
Before your first brushing session, it is worth doing some prep work to get your dog ready. After all, you don’t know quite how your pup is going to react when you start touching their mouth. So, you can start by getting into the habit of touching their mouth on a regular basis. Offer your dog plenty of praise and encouragement, and also have a few treats to offer them. But make sure that your hands are well out of the way while they are chomping on these! You can also use this as an opportunity to get them used to the taste of the toothpaste.
Check out our guides on the Best Dog Treats and Best Vegan Dog Treats.
- Introduce the Toothbrush Slowly
Don’t rush into sticking the toothbrush straight into your dog’s mouth. Instead, hold it in your hand and let your dog come to it on their own. You can then add some toothpaste and give them the chance to lick it off. Start by brushing a few of their front teeth but go slowly. Just because they are more comfortable with the toothbrush, it doesn’t mean that the whole process is going to be straightforward. You need to take your time and have plenty of patience if you are going to make a success of this activity.
- Use a Gentle Technique
For many dogs, brushing their teeth is never going to be a process that they particularly enjoy, so you need to be very gentle and careful with them. Start by slowly lifting up their lip to expose their teeth and a little bit of their gums. When you actually start the brushing process, you should use careful motions, being especially cautious not to poke your dog. You want to cause them as little discomfort as possible. Think about how you brush your own teeth and use this as a guideline for what to do. During the process, you should speak to your dog throughout to reassure them that everything is okay, as the sound of your voice alone can offer them a lot of reassurance.
- Brush the Outside Surfaces
The outsides of your dog’s teeth are the easiest ones to reach, so it makes sense that you start by brushing there. You can then move onto the upper surfaces and canines, which tend to quickly build up tartar. Many pets will not allow you to reach the inside surfaces of their teeth. If they don’t, there is no point in trying to force the issue. Even if you clean your dog’s teeth thoroughly, you should still take them in to a professional at least once a year. As well as checking your dog’s oral health, they will be able to reach the spots in your dog’s mouth which you are struggling with.
- Take Cues from Your Dog
The last thing that you want is to put your dog through is extreme discomfort, so you should take your cues from the way that they are reacting and the noises that they are making. You should also watch out for negative signs like bleeding gums which are an indication that you are brushing in the wrong way. You also need to be careful about your own safety. Some dogs have a tendency to bite on toothbrushes, whether they can help it or not.
- Reward Your Pooch
Always give your dog a reward afterward as this is not a particularly pleasant experience for them to go through. Also, it helps you to positively reinforce that something nice is going to happen at the end of the brushing process. Give them some extra attention or let them enjoy their favorite activity. And having some food treats ready (a couple of hours after brushing) is always going to be popular with your pooch too!
Our Top Pick
While all pet toothbrushes featured on our top list are excellent products, our favorite pick has to be the CET Dog Toothbrush. A simple and affordable option, it is best-suited to small and medium dogs. The brush head is quite small, but the handle is long enough to get to those hard-to-reach areas in your dog’s mouth. The bristles are soft enough for sensitive gums but are still quite effective at scrubbing away soft plaque buildup. All in all, a great dog toothbrush that is also suitable for beginners.
