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云杉/塞布丽娜江
When you adopt a dog, you need some essentials like a good collar, leash, harness, lots and lots of poop bags, and even a toothbrush. Yep—it turns out that just like us humans, pups needregular teeth-brushingto keep plaque, tartar, tooth decay, and other dental diseases, like gingivitis, at bay. In fact, if you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, you put them at risk for bacteria from their mouth, causing infections in other parts of their body, too—like their kidneys and heart.
“刷你的狗的牙齿是最好的你an do to prevent dental disease as they get older,” says Dr. Lindon Simon, veterinary surgeon. “It is more important than diet and has much more of an effect than any powder or liquid you can add to their food or water. Brushing their teeth will almost certainly prevent them from needing expensive dental treatments down the line.”
Dr. Simon also recommends brushing your dog’s teeth daily. “In the ideal world, we should brush their teeth daily, though brushing every two days will still have some positive effect,” he told The Spruce Pets.
That’s why it’s important to look for toothbrushes that are easy and comfortable for you to hold and sized appropriately for your dog’s mouth. You’ll also want to look for softer bristles so you don’t aggravate their gums, and veterinarian-approved options are always a plus. To help you find the best dog toothbrush for your dog’s needs, we researched various options on the market with these considerations in mind.
Our top pick is theWoobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrushbecause it comes in various sizes, has soft bristles, a curved design for a better grip, and is veterinarian-approved. It also is completely biodegradable and eco-friendly, too.
Read on to discover the best dog toothbrushes available.
Best Overall
Woobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrush
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Courtesy of Chewy
Affordably priced
Doubles as a toy
Biodegradable, recyclable, and sustainable
Available in multiple sizes
Wood handle can snap
Not dual-headed
We love this option from Woobamboo because it has everything you need in a toothbrush for your pup. Available in two different sizes for small and large dogs respectively, this brush has a small curve on the back of the handle to give you a comfy grip while you brush. The bristles are crafted from dental-grade nylon, so you can rest assured that they’re soft and won’t inflict any damage or discomfort. It comes with a veterinarian-approved endorsement, and we also love that the packaging is completely recyclable since it’s made with soy-based ink and post-consumer waste.
Even better, this toothbrush also doubles as a toy when the bristles wear out. To use it as a toy, remove and recycle the bristles, and give your pup the stick to play with. Don’t worry—it’s made of organic, biodegradable, and sustainable bamboo, coated with vegan-friendly wax, so it’s safe for them to chew and leave out in the yard, too. Still, it’s always a great idea to supervise play to make sure your dog does not break it and ingest the pieces.
Price at time of publish: $8
Dimensions: 9.6 x 6 x 0.6 inches (large size), 6 x 0.5 x 10 inches (small size)︱Materials: Bamboo, nylon︱Colors: Brown
最好的装备
Virbac C.E.T.酶家禽味道的牙膏+ Dual Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush
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Amazon
Dual-headed with two different size brushes
Poultry-flavored toothpaste
Also suitable for cats
Pricier than other options
Cannot pick toothbrush color
For an all-in-one complete dental cleaning session for your pup, consider buying a kit that comes with at least a toothbrush and toothpaste, like this veterinarian-approved option from Virbac. The included toothbrush has dual brush heads of different sizes to accommodate small or large mouths, and you can also use either side on larger and smaller teeth. It also has soft bristles and an angled handle for a comfortable grip. And while you can’t pick the exact color, the toothbrush will come in either green, purple, blue, or orange.
Meanwhile, the included toothpaste has a poultry flavor to appeal to your pet (if your pet doesn’t like it, the brand does offer other flavors sold separately). The toothpaste formula is made with a strong enzyme system and is more abrasive than other options, so it effectively cleans your dog or cat’s teeth and freshens their breath. While it is a bit pricier than other options on this list, we love that it comes with everything you need to keep your dog’s mouth clean and healthy.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 1.5 x 1 x 6.5 inches (toothbrush); not applicable to toothpaste︱Materials: Plastic, nylon︱Colors: Blue, orange, purple, or green
Best Double-Head
Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Toothbrush for Dogs & Cats
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Courtesy of Chewy
Dual-headed with two different size brushes
Also suitable for cats
Affordably priced
Angled brushes make brushing easier
May be too big for smaller breeds
Only available in one color
If you’re looking for a dual-ended toothbrush for your pup, look no further than this option from Vetoquinol. Equipped with a large brush head on one end and a smaller head on the other, both are on an angle, making brushing easier. However, they are larger than other options, so even the smaller size can be too big for dogs or cats with particularly small mouths. Ergonomically designed, it also has an extra-long handle that makes it easy to reach even the hardest corners of your dog’s mouth. Available only in a bright green color, you will have to label these if you plan on buying for multiple pets.
The soft bristles are specially created to be gentle on your puppy's gums while helping to remove debris and plaque and prevent bad breath,periodontal disease, and tooth loss. We also love that it is vet-recommended like many other options on this list. Just like with your own toothbrush, you’ll want to replace your dog’s toothbrush every three to four months. Fortunately, this option is very affordable and should be easy to find in local pet shops or online retailers.
Price at time of publish: $5
Dimensions: 10 x 1 x 1 inches︱Materials: Plastic, nylon︱Colors: Green
Best Multi-Pack
H&H Pets Dual Headed Dog & Cat Toothbrush
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Amazon
Affordably priced
Each purchase donates to animal rescue
Dual-headed with two different size brushes
Also suitable for cats
May be too big for smaller breeds
Handle may be uncomfortable to hold
If you want to save money, have extra toothbrushes on backup, or have multiple pets, then buying a multi-pack of toothbrushes is essential. We love this pick from H&H Pets because they come in counts of 4 or 8 and have two different colors, so you can use a specific color to correspond to each of your pets. Like other dual-ended options on this list, it has two angled heads—one large, one small—to clean teeth of any shape and size. However, the brush heads are still quite large, so this may not be the best option for smaller breeds.
Measuring 11 inches long, the handle is long enough for hard-to-reach areas, but since it’s so long, it may feel uncomfortable to hold at first. Still, each toothbrush has super-soft bristles that won’t irritate your dog’s gums or teeth. This multi-pack is also super affordable, and each purchase donates a portion of the profits to animal rescue organizations, making this a great pick if you like to shop with a cause.
Price at time of publish: $9
Dimensions: 11.3 x 3.3 x 0.5 inches︱Materials: Plastic, nylon︱Colors: Teal/grey or teal/white
最适合小型犬
Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Small Breed Dog Toothbrush & Cover
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Courtesy of PetSmart
Travel-friendly
Affordably priced
Freshens breath
Not dual-headed
Only available in one color
Manysmall breed dogs, including Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas, are prone to periodontal disease and tooth loss, which makes their dental care even more important.However, you won’t be able to brush their teeth with a giant brush, so look for one specifically made for smaller breeds like this one from Arm & Hammer. As you would expect, the single-head brush is shorter to give you a better grip, and the head is smaller, too, so you can better reach all the nooks and crannies of their mouth where tartar likes to hide. Unlike other options it only comes in one color, so you may need to label it if you have more than one pet.
The bristles are infused with baking soda to lightly freshen their breath, and they’re extra soft, too. It also comes with a convenient cover that is easy to snap on between brushings or when you plan to travel with your dog. Unfortunately, this product is not advertised as vet-recommended, but like other products from this trusted household brand, it’s very affordable, making it easy to replace when you need to get a new one.
Price at time of publish: $5
Dimensions: 0.5 x 2 x 6.47 inches︱Materials: Plastic, nylon︱Colors: Orange
Best for Large Breeds
Orgrimmar 2 Pcs Three Sided Pet Toothbrush
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Courtesy of Amazon
Sold in multi-packs
Three-sided brush
Dishwasher-safe
Also suitable for cats
Not vet-recommended
Pricier than other options
With three brush heads, this innovative toothbrush makes it quick and easy to get in and out of your large breed dog’s mouth. The unique design means you can brush the front, back, and in-between spaces of their teeth all in one swift motion. Beyond the bristles, the entire brush is ergonomic to match the oral structure of your dog’s mouth and your hand and wrist alignment. Meanwhile, the handle is made of nonslip rubber to give you a firm and steady grasp.
While it’s not vet-recommended, you can remedy this by checking with your vet to ensure it’s appropriate for your pup. It’s also pricier than other options, but you can find this toothbrush available in packs of two or four and comes in various colors, making this a great option for those who have multiplelarge breed dogsor want to keep backups on hand in case it breaks or gets lost. Even better, the toothbrush is dishwasher-safe, so it’s easy to keep clean between brushings.
Price at time of publish: $11
Dimensions: 6.81 x 2.17 x 0.91 inches︱Materials: Plastic, rubber, nylon︱Colors: Blue/orange or blue/orange/white/purple
Best Finger Brush
Well & Good Finger Dog Toothbrushes
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordably priced
Comfortable to wear and brush
Sold in multi-packs
Good for skittish dogs
Not ideal for large dogs
Not as effective as traditional toothbrushes
Whether your pup gets anxious and skittish easily or it’s their first time getting a brushing, a finger toothbrush is an excellent alternative to use to start a brushing routine. We’re partial to this one from Well & Good because it’s affordable and gentle. Since it’s crafted from silicone, the bristles are extra flexible and won’t cause your dog's gums to bleed while you’re brushing. Plus, the finger design allows you to customize the pressure and angle that you’re brushing at so you can keep your dog comfortable the entire time. However, since the bristles are thicker than traditional nylon bristles, we don’t recommend using these for deeper cleanings where you’ll need to get below the gum line to clean out food, plaque, and other bacteria.
The small size also means that these are a boon for owners of smaller dog breeds, who may be having trouble finding a toothbrush that fits their tiny mouths. To use this brush, simply slide it over your index finger, add on some doggie toothpaste, and brush away. Available in a two-pack, these finger brushes are affordable and easy to stock up on.
Price at time of publish: $7
Dimensions: 7.8 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches︱Materials: Silicone︱Colors: Light blue
Best for Puppies
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Puppy Dental Kit
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Amazon
All-inclusive kit
Made in the U.S.
Brush has rubber massagers
Finger brush too small for adult fingers
Toothpaste flavor may not please all dogs
We love this kit from Nylabone because it is vet-recommended and includes everything you need to start anoral care routine for your puppy. Each kit is domestically made and offers a small traditional toothbrush, finger brush, and toothpaste. The traditional toothbrush has a rubberized grip and an angled handle, making it easy to hold and maneuver in those hard-to-reach places of your puppy’s small mouth. Dog owners will also appreciate that the bristles are very soft and won’t cause any damage or irritation. Meanwhile, the finger brush is made of smooth silicone and is comfortable to wear and massage your pup’s gums. However, its small size may be too small for some adult fingers.
As for the toothpaste, it’s formulated with the brand’s Denta-C and works to eliminate plaque and bacteria, freshen breath, and more. This particular kit comes with the original flavor of the toothpaste—described as savory—but if your dog doesn’t like it, the brand offers other flavors, including peanut butter and bacon. Even better, this kit is super affordable and easy to restock if you want to have a backup on hand.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 4.75 x 1 x 10.5 inches︱Materials: Plastic, rubber, nylon︱Colors: Blue and white
The best toothbrush for dogs is theWoobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrushbecause it’s available in multiple sizes, it’s made from biodegradable and recyclable bamboo wood (so you won’t harm the planet every time you toss an old brush), and it’s affordably priced. However, if you’re looking for a toothbrush-toothpaste bundle, you can’t go wrong with theVirbac C.E.T.酶家禽味道的牙膏+ Dual Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush bundlebecause you’re getting a great dual-headed toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
What to Look for in a Dog Toothbrush
大小
When you’re shopping for a dog’s toothbrush, you don’t necessarily need anything too fancy—though you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a brush that’s the right size foryourdog. “Due to the size of their jaw, most pets need a smaller brush,” says Dr. Simon. “Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus may benefit from small ‘finger’ brushes which are rubber tubes with bristles placed on the outside of your finger.” You won’t want to try a finger brush with a dog you don’t trust to not bite you, though.
Bristles
Bristles are another detail to look out for when shopping for a dog toothbrush. They should be soft and flexible—especially if your dog is new to toothbrushing—so that you don’t hurt your dog’s gums or make them bleed while you clean their teeth. Traditional dog toothbrushes have nylon bristles and can get under the gumline. Meanwhile, finger brushes are usually made from silicone and are great for massages.
Grip and Ease of Use
In addition, toothbrushes that have a nonslip, good grip handle make it easier for you when you’re brushing your pup’s teeth. Rubber-laced or curved handles are good indicators that it’s easy to grip. Also, keep the length of the handle in mind. “Make sure to choose one that's easy for you to move around,” says Claudine Sievert, a veterinarian from Kansas. “Check the handle—you want one that has a shorter handle to make it easier to handle.”
Vet-Recommended
Finally, look for toothbrushes recommended by veterinarians. “I recommend starting with products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which is comprised of veterinarians with special training in the field of animal dentistry,” explainsDr. Bonnie Bragdon, co-founder of theIndependent Veterinary Practitioners Association. If the option you’re looking for isn’t veterinarian-approved, you can always cross-check it with your dog’s vet to make sure it’s appropriate.
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At what age should you start brushing a puppy’s teeth?
“Start brushing your dog's teeth between the ages of eight and sixteen weeks,” says Sievert. “Plus, when brushing them this early, [your dog] becomes used to it, and it's much easier to make it part of his daily activities.”
Even when you’re starting with a puppy, though, start off slow to get your dog used to having their mouth touched and their teeth brushed.
“Try to avoid brushing when they are actively teething, as they may then associate brushing with pain,” says Simon. “Those who are teething may have red gums, bad breath, and a dislike of their mouth being touched.”
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Can you use an electric toothbrush on a dog?
Yes, you can use an electronic toothbrush that’s been designed specifically for dogs.
“There are some dogs who will tolerate an electric toothbrush, and they can be used if preferred,” says Simon. “These toothbrushes allow for a quicker and more effective cleaning.”
“However,” she continues, “many dogs dislike the noise and vibration and are fearful of the electric toothbrush.” You can try to gently introduce it, reassuring and praising your pet if they accept it—but if the sound or vibrations scare them too much, skip it—the extra clean isn’t worth the hassle of trying to clean a scared dog’s teeth.
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Can you use a human toothbrush on a dog?
No, you should use a toothbrush designed for dogs. “Toothbrushes designed for dogs are smaller and have softer bristles,” explains Sievert. “There are also dog toothbrushes that you can wear over your finger, which may be easier to use.”
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
Steven Rowe是一位有经验的作家在宠物连续cts who is passionate about finding just the right products for his own pets. As a pet parent to two high-maintenance rescue beagles, he knows how to pick the products that his dogs will love and has even used many of them at home. In addition to personal experience, he consulted several experts, including Dr. Lindon Simon, a veterinary surgeon; Claudine Sievert, a veterinarian from Kansas; andDr. Bonnie Bragdon, co-founder of theIndependent Veterinary Practitioners Association, for advice and weighed numerous customer reviews and responses to help choose the best products to include on this list.