What Toothpaste Is Good for Puppies?

Brushing your pup̵7;s teeth is just as important as keeping on top of your own personal dental care. While you should aim to brush your pint-size pal's teeth on a daily basis, you can̵7;t use your own toothpaste. Puppies require their own certain type of toothpaste, as well as a special toothbrush.

  1. Dangers of Human Toothpaste

    • Because dogs don̵7;t have a way to spit, they̵7;ll swallow the toothpaste, which causes an uncomfortable belly ache if you use the human kind. Human toothpastes often contain the artificial sweetener called xylitol. While xylitol is perfectly safe for you, it has a bad reaction in your four-legged pal̵7;s body. In canines, xylitol leads to a quick release of insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar. As a result, your pooch can suffer from hypoglycemia, or severely low blood sugar, which can be fatal if left untreated, the VetStreet website reports. Xylitol can also damage little Sam̵7;s liver if he ingests a lot.

    Puppy Toothpaste

    • You̵7;ll have to make a trip to the pet store and pick up a type of toothpaste specifically designed for canines. Some varieties come in a mild form designed to be minimally irritating to a puppy's stomach when he swallows it -- your vet can help you pick out a brand that is right for your fur ball. You may have to try several flavors to find one that your puppy prefers, but between liver, mint, peanut butter, chicken or beef varieties, you̵7;ll surely find one to appease his palate.

    Using the Right Brush

    • Canine teeth and gums are sensitive. Using a human-grade toothbrush can scrape away tooth enamel and tear fragile gums. Dog-friendly toothbrushes come in forms that look much like yours and in forms utterly different. Fingertip brushes, for instance, slip over your forefinger, which you'll put in his mouth to brush and massage. Using these specialty toothbrushes is important because the bristles are extremely soft, lessening the risk of tooth or gum damage during brushing.

    Introducing the Toothpaste and Brush

    • You̵7;ll always want to start your tooth-brushing sessions after Sam is well worn out, like after a long walk. To familiarize your fur ball with his new toothpaste, dab a bit on your fingertip and let him lick it off. If he sniffs and walks away, try a different flavor. Once you find the perfect variety, rub a small dollop on his gums or teeth so he gets used to the feel of you touching his mouth. After a few days of using just your finger, add some of the toothpaste to the brush and let him sniff it before approaching him. Gently lift up his lips, and brush his teeth and gums just as you would your own. In the beginning, you may be able to brush only one or two teeth at a time. Over time, he̵7;ll let you start working in his entire mouth.