BORED DOG? FETCH ACTIVITIES TO BOOST YOUR PUP’S BRAIN POWER!

Toothpaste for Dogs: Best Enzymatic Dental Gel

Do you know how important dental health is for dogs? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 80% of dogs show signs of oral or periodontal disease by the age of three. Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs and it can cause significant health issues if left untreated.

Why is this disease so common for dogs? I think a lot of pet parents just don’t know how important it is to clean their dog’s teeth and maintain a healthy mouth.

With regular brushing using a high-quality dental gel or dog toothpaste, you can reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar in your dog’s mouth. Good oral health and clean teeth can contribute to other things like heart health and general quality of life. Your dog’s best health starts in their mouth!

In this post, I will address some of the common questions I hear from pet owners about dental care for their pups and the best products to keep your own dog’s mouth healthy for their whole life.

Dog toothbrush

This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use myself for my life with my dogs. I may earn a small commission when you shop with my links. Thank you in advance for your support!

Dental Chews Vs. Dental Gel for Dogs

There are a ton of products in pet stores that claim to help your dog’s dental health. Some of these are great additions to your dog’s dental health routine. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of dental chews compared to dental gel or toothpaste. Hear me out, then I’ll tell you about my favorite dental gel for dogs from Bow Wow Labs!

I often see hard chews like antlers and Nylabones marketed as something that will chip off the plaque and tartar build-up on your dog’s teeth. But I think that’s a dangerous suggestion because chews that are too hard can actually cause more harm than good!

Super hard chews can actually chip or crack your dog’s teeth. I’ve talked to a lot of veterinarians who can tell you about painful and expensive situations caused by hard chews like that.

But not all chews are bad. One of the reasons that safe dental chews are good for your dog’s oral health is because chewing stimulates healthy gums and saliva production. 

Your dog’s saliva, aka dog drool, is super important to their oral health! Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup. Saliva also contains natural enzymes that can help control the growth of harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth.

By maintaining a healthy flow of saliva, dogs can reduce their risk of developing oral health problems, such as periodontal disease, which affects over 80% of dogs.

So, yes, dental chews like SmartMouth by The Missing Link and natural chews like bully sticks (and 8 more all-natural dog chews I highlight in this post) can do wonders for your dog’s dental health. But here’s why you also need to be brushing your dog’s teeth with a dental gel or toothpaste.

bow wow labs dental gel for dogs

I recommend an enzymatic dental gel like this one from Bow Wow Labs. The enzymes and other ingredients in the gel tackle the bad bacteria in your dog’s mouth that lead to plaque and tartar build-up. Brushing is also important because the friction will brush away that biofilm buildup that leads to dental issues.

The bacteria that forms on the biofilm on your dog’s teeth is also the leading cause of bad breath in dogs. So if you want your dog to have fresh breath, you need to brush their teeth.

When we talk about dental chews versus dental gel for dogs, one is not necessarily better than the other. They actually work together when it comes to your dog’s dental hygiene!

Part of a healthy regimen is having multiple ways to clean your dog’s teeth. Dental chews, bully sticks, raw bones and a toothbrush with a high-quality dental gel or toothpaste are all tools to use on a regular basis.

>> For more pet dental health care ideas, check out these blog posts I’ve written in the past about water additives, wipes that work as a finger brush and more! You can also watch this Q+A I did with canine nutritionist and herbalist Johnna Devereaux.

The Best Dental Gel for Dogs

I believe the best enzymatic dental gel available for dogs is this one by Bow Wow Labs. It was created by the Bow Wow Labs team and Canine Nutritionist and Herbalist Johnna Devereaux.

I’ve known Johnna for years (since having her on my podcast), and she is my go-to dog health person. When I saw her at SuperZoo last year she talked to me about green-lipped mussels and shark cartilage. Those were two hot new ingredients that I saw while walking around the biggest pet industry trade show in North America.

After fielding my questions, Johnna filled me in on the new pet dental gel they created at Bow Wow Labs.

I saw a lot of dog toothpaste and dental health products around the trade show. One thing that I try to avoid in anything I give to my dogs is “flavored” products. That word is a red flag for me because things with “beef flavor”, “chicken flavor” or “peanut butter flavor” have unnecessary added chemicals.

natural dental gel for dogs

Almost every dog toothpaste is enhanced with chemical or natural flavors that aren’t really necessary. But not this one from Bow Wow Labs! There is no added fragrance or flavor. I am so impressed by the ingredients, but each one has a purpose for being in the dental gel recipe.

These are the ingredients in the 4in1 Dental Gel from Bow Wow Labs:

Glycerin, Water, Pectin, Aloe, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, Glucose Oxidase (Enzymes), Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Manuka Honey, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Sodium Benzoate.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, that might seem like a decent list. But let me explain why each of these ingredients are so great for your dog’s dental health.

Here’s why each of these toothpaste ingredients are so great:

Aloe Vera: This is an antioxidant that has been shown to naturally reduce plaque.

Sage: This herb is an anti-inflammatory, mild astringent and antioxidant that does really well when it comes to oral health. The sage extract in this dental gel helps to tighten the soft tissues in the mouth and can calm sore gums.

Glucose Oxidase: This is the active ingredient the provides enzymatic properties in the gel.

Parsley: This herb is a potent antioxidant that may help reduce bad odor on your dog’s breath.

Manuka Honey: I’m so excited about this natural ingredient because manuka honey is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral & antioxidant. I even keep some in my pet first aid kit.

Sodium Bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda! This is a breath freshener and natural odor neutralizer.

best dog toothpaste all natural

Looking at this list you can see that it’s full of high-quality ingredients. Many of them are soothing or anti-inflammatory which is great for gum health. Plus, antioxidants like aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and bacteria growth, too. 

There are many other dog toothpaste and dental gels on the market, but I urge you to look closely at the ingredients. This one from Bow Wow Labs is the only dental gel I’ve seen that contains manuka honey which is such a powerhouse ingredient!

>> Get 10% off your order at Bow Wow Labs with code WEARWAGREPEAT

I think it’s a better choice than Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste which is a best-seller on Amazon. If you compare the ingredients, you will see that Vet’s Best contains a few extras like neem oil grapefruit seed extract. Both of those ingredients have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. But the Vet’s Best toothpaste also has added flavor (which you know I don’t love) and it’s missing the benefits of sage extract, parsley and manuka honey!

Why Don’t More People Brush Their Dog’s Teeth?

Believe me, I get it! I don’t love brushing my dogs’ teeth. But after getting more information from Clinical Canine Nutritionist and Herbalist Johnna Devereaux of Bow Wow Labs, I was convinced to give this healthy habit another try.

I know how important it is to brush your dog’s teeth. I’ve tried over the years, but my dogs really resisted it. I felt like I was doing more harm than good because Lucy would run away from me when I pulled out her toothbrush.

Thanks to Johhna’s encouragement, training advice and the amazing ingredients in this enzymatic dental gel for dogs, I’m trying to get back in the habit of brushing Burt and Lucy’s teeth!

If you’re still not sure about taking this on, you’re not alone. There are all kinds of reasons people don’t brush their dog’s teeth, including: 

  1. Lack of knowledge: Some people aren’t aware of the importance of oral hygiene for dogs and the potential health problems that can develop when you ignore them.
  2. Time: Brushing a dog’s teeth, and training them to even let you touch their mouth, takes time and effort.
  3. Their dog doesn’t like it: Brushing a dog’s teeth can be really discouraging if your dog is nervous about having their mouth touched or runs away from the toothbrush.
  4. Cost: Toothbrushed and toothpaste for dogs might not be in a pet parent’s budget.

Dog teeth healthy gums

In this post we’ve already covered the importance of dental health, so let me address the other three reasons quickly. This is all based on my own experience as a dog mom for 20+ years.

First up… time! Yes, it will take a little more time to brush your dog’s teeth every day. But time spent bonding with your dog is never time wasted. I’ve found that brushing Burt and Lucy’s teeth at bedtime is the fastest way to do it. If they’re sleepy and tired and ready for bed, they don’t fuss as much and I can be done with the whole routine in a few minutes.

Johnna says that you only need to spend 20 seconds brushing your dog’s teeth. I know you have a spare 20 seconds!

If your dog doesn’t like having their teeth brushed and that’s making it hard for you, I can relate. Lucy doesn’t love it. Johnna from Bow Wow Labs has a great blog post on her site about getting your dog used to this routine. She recommends spending a little time every day touching your dog’s mouth to get them used to having you in that area.

For Lucy, who is an 11-year-old labrador, I spent a few weeks slowly getting her used to having my hands in her mouth. She’s still not loving the toothbrush, though. If this happens for you and your pup, Johnna said it would be ok to put a little dental gel on a piece of gauze and use my finger to brush Lucy’s teeth. The gauze will give a little bit of friction to brush away some of the biofilm on her teeth.

Take your time with your dog and give them a chance to get used to something new.

dental hygiene for dogs

The last common objection to brushing your dog’s teeth is cost. Did you know that a professional dental cleaning with a veterinarian can cost $300 – over $1,000? Not to mention, your dog needs to be sedated for that procedure.

I would want to avoid that if possible.n Not to mention the pain that comes with unhealthy teeth and gums. I want to avoid putting my dog through that if I can. An oral care kit from Bow Wow Labs that includes a dog toothbrush and Enzymatic Dental Gel for dogs is just $16.99.

For less than $20 and under a minute per day and you can give your dog a healthier and happier life — and maybe keep them in the percentage of dogs that don’t develop periodontal disease!

>> Get 10% off your order at Bow Wow Labs with code WEARWAGREPEAT

More Questions About Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

What if brushing my dog’s teeth is painful for them?  Contact your veterinarian immediately if brushing your dog’s teeth puts them in any discomfort. If you notice any swelling, foul odors, inflamed/red gums, white gums, or feel any lumps or bumps, call your vet. They may recommend professional cleaning.

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth? Johnna Devereaux from Bow Wow Labs points out, “Remember that the point of brushing is to prevent bacteria from building up by removing the soft bacterial biofilm that develops in your pet’s mouth. This bacteria can turn to plaque within 48 hours, so you should brush your dog’s teeth daily for about 20 seconds.”

How often do I need to replace my dog’s toothbrush? Just like with your own toothbrush, you want to replace your dog’s toothbrush about every 3 months or when the bristles get worn down. I like the 4in1 toothbrush from Bow Wow Labs, its available in multiple sizes depending on the size of your dog. Get 10% off your order at Bow Wow Labs with code WEARWAGREPEAT. Some other good options include this 3 sided toothbrush on Amazon or this one for small dogs and cats from Chewy.

Can I use human toothpaste for my dog? No. You should never use human toothpaste for your pets because it may contain ingredients that are toxic and even fatal for pets. Most toothpaste for humans contains xylitol and other ingredients that are not meant to be ingested. Stick with a safe pet toothpaste instead.

>> We cover even more dog dental health frequently asked questions in this YouTube video! 

dog toothbrush

Did you enjoy this blog post? Check out these articles, too:
9 Best All Natural Chews for Dogs
Products That Clean your Dog’s Teeth Without Brushing
Podcast Episode 97: Johnna Devereaux of Bow Wow Labs
Podcast Episode 99: Dental Hygiene for Dogs with Jax & Cali

 

This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use myself for my life with my dogs. I may earn a small commission when you shop with my links. Thank you in advance for your support!

2 Comments

  1. Michael Evans

    Brushing is key for good pet oral health, but it isn’t easy for some fur-peeps. Another new tool is adding a product to your pet’s water for all-day protection. I would never recommend bleach, stabilized chlorine dioxide, or any chemicals, but several fantastic natural microbiome-based approaches that use prebiotics and enzymes to keep bad bacteria in check. Look at “Teef” or Furpeeps Labs’ “Smarter Water.” These products use cutting-edge microbiome science to control the bad bacteria naturally but don’t involve having your pup or kitty ingest harsh chemicals. Long live pets!

    Reply
    • Tori

      Hi Michael – thanks for your input! Did you see my other dental health post, here it is: https://wearwagrepeat.com/products-clean-dog-teeth-without-brushing/

      I do recommend Teef and other non-brushing ideas. But thanks to Johnna at Bow Wow Labs we have some great tips to get our pets comfortable with brushing. If it works for my 11 year old dogs, it’s worth a try for everyone!

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Tori Mistick Labrador Dog Mom Blog

Get To Know Tori

Pack Leader

Tori Mistick is a blogger, podcaster and certified Canine Enrichment Specialist. You might call her a professional dog mom! Tori has a soft spot for senior dogs and loves the color pink. Based in Pittsburgh, PA.

LEARN MORE

Lucy and Burt Wear Wag Repeat

The Pups

Lead Lab Techs

Lucy + Burt are the chocolate labrador duo in charge of testing toys, recipes and activities.

Get to Know the Dogs

CAUSES WE SUPPORT

Action for Animals