Our Favorite Dog Toothbrush Has Dual Brush Heads And Often Comes With A Scientifically-Validated Toothpaste (Which Literally Tastes Like Chicken!) (2024)

Dogs need dental care too. Regular tooth brushing keeps plaque, tartar, tooth decay, and other dental diseases, like gingivitis, at bay. Without brushing, plaque can build up on dog’s teeth, leading to erosion, halitosis, periodontal disease, and even bacterial infections in other parts of the body.

“Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best thing you can do to prevent dental disease as they get older,” Dr. Lindon Simon, a veterinary surgeon, told The Spruce Pets. “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.”

The best toothbrush for your dog is the one you will regularly use. It should be easy to hold, sized comfortably for your dog, and have soft bristles that won’t aggravate their gums.

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What We Like

  • Angled bristles for easier access

  • Double-sided

  • Perfect for large or small pets

What We Don't Like

  • Too large for very small breeds or puppies

The Petsmile Professional Dog Toothbrush is a dual-sided brush with uniquely shaped bristles, set at a 45 degree angle for easier brushing. Each brush head is set on an angled, dual-sided brush handle. For smaller dogs, there’s a bristle on the opposite end of the texture-gripped handle, though it’s still a little too large for toy dog breeds and puppies. The bristles themselves are soft, which is most useful for scrubbing dog teeth.

Petsmile is also the maker of the only dog toothpaste certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization formed in the 90s by the American Veterinary Dental Society to recognize products with a scientifically validated ability to slow plaque and tartar development. The VOHC Seal of Acceptance is only offered to products after review of trial data, according to stringent protocols.

You can get our favorite toothbrush in a bundle with the Petsmile toothpaste, which comes in fun flavors like London Broil and Rotisserie Chicken.

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.

What We Like

  • Inexpensive

  • Triple Head toothbrush

  • Natural Flavors

  • Comes with finger brush (select retailers)

What We Don't Like

  • Not all dogs will like the taste

The three-headed brush on the Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush has bristles designed to wrap around a canine’s tooth, getting all sides properly cleaned and scrubbed. It’s got a rubberized grip for easy handling, and is suitable for most medium-size dog breeds. If you buy through Amazon, there’s also an included finger brush that lets you go in with a bit more control.

The included toothpaste contains enzymes and natural ingredients designed for cleaning away plaque and tartar like neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, aloe, and baking soda.

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What We Like

  • 6-count

  • Double-sided

  • Designed to brush off grime and tartar

What We Don't Like

  • Fairly simple

If you brush your dog’s teeth every day, the bristles on the top will eventually wear out and you’ll need to replace them. Getting a multi-pack, like this offering from Pet Republique allows you to make sure that you don’t just run out one day with nothing to use. Each brush has two bristles, a smaller and larger one on each side of the handle, designed to attack plaque and tartar. Longer ends can reach the back of your dog’s mouth, while the smaller is perfect for polishing the sharper teeth in front.

What We Like

  • Travel-friendly

  • Affordably priced

  • Freshens breath

What We Don't Like

  • Not dual-headed

  • Only available in one color

Many small 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.

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What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Dual head designed for all pet sizes

  • Non-slip handle

What We Don't Like

  • Too large for very small dogs

Dog toothbrushes need to be able to reach the back of their mouths to reach that problematic plaque. Pets & Pupps has an interestingly designed brush built to help with your pet’s dental care. The brush is perfect for big dogs, with two bristles that are soft enough to scrape away germs while also making sure your dog doesn’t get hurt. Its handle is comfortable to hold with a non-slip handle, making long cleaning times a bit easier. Though its size makes it impractical for smaller breeds, the ergonomic design is a pleasant purchase for anyone looking to make a bigger dog smile brighter.

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What We Like

  • All-natural

  • Durable

  • Dual-headed

What We Don’t Like

  • Can Splinter

Having to use a bunch of plastic to clean your dog’s mouth can be bad for the environment, which is why Prymal Pets bamboo brushes are a great get. Made of all-natural materials that are BPA-free, the handles are incredibly sturdy and won’t bend during use. There are two bristles, with a smaller one on the bottom, making this a great brush for both large and small dogs. It’s best not to let your dog chew these though since they can splinter which could lead to mouth or digestive issues.

What We Like

  • Suitable for dogs of all sizes

  • Silicone is free of BPA and phthalate

  • Storage case included

  • Bristles on all sides

What We Don't Like

  • Not recommended for use with dogs that are likely to bite down or are very hyper

The 360 Pet Finger Toothbrush from Jasper is made out of BPA-free silicone that's safe, effective, and soft.

To use, first add a little bit of water to the inside of the brush to create a more secure fit on your finger. The water will help the silicone stretch or shrink depending on the size of the finger you are using. Then apply toothpaste to one side and gently insert into your dog's mouth. With bristles on all sides, the 360 Pet Finger Toothbrush makes it easier and faster to reach more sections of your dog's mouth and their tongue, removing buildup and freshening their breath.

These finger brushes from Jasper are sold in packs of two or four and each silicone brush comes with its own storage case. Like a toothbrush for humans, Jasper recommends starting fresh with a new 360 Pet Finger Toothbrush every three months.

What We Like

  • All-inclusive kit

  • Made in the U.S.

  • Brush has rubber massagers

What We Don't Like

  • 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 an oral 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.

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What We Like

  • Highly portable for use on the go

  • No toothpaste or water needed for use

  • Suitable for daily use on dogs of all sizes

What We Don't Like

  • Not recommend for use with a dog that might bite down

For a convenient all-in-one option, Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes for Cats & Dogs fit over a finger and are pre-soaked in pet-safe toothpaste solution. The lightly textured wipes provide gentle scrubbing power to freshen breath and help clear plague. No additional water is needed for use—making the Dental Care Finger Wipes an excellent option for travel—and the toothpaste contains a combination of grapefruit seed extract, green tea extract, spearmint oil, and thyme oil.

The wipes are suitable for daily maintenance, and for best results Vet's Bet recommends keeping food and water away from your dog 30 minutes before and after application.

What We Like

  • Only toothpaste approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

  • Reduces plaque

  • Vegan and cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like

  • Expensive compared to other dog toothpastes

Petsmile offers a fantastic toothpaste that not only cleans, it also tackles plaque and freshens breath. Available in three flavors your dogs will love like London Broil, Rotisserie Chicken, and Say Cheese. It’s the only toothpaste approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Designed with Petsmile’s blend of calcium peroxide and minerals that they call Calprox, the formula gets to work breaking down plaque and bacteria. The toothpaste contains no animal proteins and is completely free of sulfites, parabens, gluten, BPA, and silica.

Final Verdict

Our favorite toothbrush for dogs is the Petsmile Professional Cat & Dog Toothbrush, which features a dual-head, angled bristles for more effective cleaning, and often comes packaged with an effective enzymatic toothpaste. While it won't fit every dog's mouth, we also love the Vet's Best Dog Toothbrush, which pairs a comfortable grip with a triple-headed design that scrubs the top and both sides of your dog's teeth at the same time.

What to Look for in a Dog Toothbrush

Veterinary Oral Health Council

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a group that recognizes products that, according to their website “meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in dogs and cats.” Only one toothpaste has passed their inspection, Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, but here are some other pre-approved products that have their seal of approval:

Size

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 for your dog. “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,” explains Dr. Bonnie Bragdon, co-founder of the Independent 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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FAQ

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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?

This article was written by Steven Asarch, a freelance writer for The Spruce Pets. Steven has also written for The Spruce Pets about calming aids for cats, hairball remedies, robot vacuums for pet hair, pill pockets, and wand toys.

A previous version of this article was written by Steven Rowe, an experienced writer in the field of pet products 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.

Several experts were also consulted for this article, including Dr. Lindon Simon, a veterinary surgeon; Claudine Sievert, a veterinarian from Kansas; and Dr. Bonnie Bragdon, co-founder of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association, for advice and weighed numerous customer reviews and responses to help choose the best products to include on this list.

The 11 Best Dog Toothpastes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our Favorite Dog Toothbrush Has Dual Brush Heads And Often Comes With A Scientifically-Validated Toothpaste (Which Literally Tastes Like Chicken!) (2024)
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