Doggy toothpaste

[*blackrose]

I've just started brushing Chloe's teeth and don't know what toothpaste would be best to use. One of the main reasons I started brushing her teeth is to help control her nasty disgusting cat-poop infested dog breath, so I really need a toothpaste that will eliminate odors. Since I'd like to avoid having to do another dental, one that cleans well is also appreciated.

I've only brushed her teeth maybe a total of four times since I started my new regime, so I just used a tiny bit of Colgate toothpaste. Obviously, that isn't something I want to use long term, but I figured short term it was better than her breath smelling like poop.

Would a children's toothpaste work (one meant for toddlers), or should I look for a dog toothpaste? I'm worried that since the dog toothpaste is typically chicken or beef flavored it isn't going to do much to help get rid of her nasty breath.

[JacksonsMom]

Do NOT use human toothpaste. Dogs can't spit or rinse (obviously) so some is bound to be swallowed. It contains bleaches, irritants, and flouride, which we can't even swallow, definitely not dogs. Also, alot of toothpastes contain Xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

I like C.E.T. toothpaste. I think it's the best, personally. Petsmart/etc has some other brands as well. But CET is what was recommended to me by Jackson's veterinary dentist.

If her breath is that bad, are you sure she doesn't need to have her teeth professionally cleaned again (how long ago was it?) Or is just the cat poop?

There are of course products such as Petzlife, HealthyMouth, etc, that can also be used. Oh and look into ProDen PlaqueOff -- you sprinkle it on their food and it does seem to help freshen breath.

Since Jackson's dental two in a half weeks ago, we've started a nightly routine. He comes into the bathroom with me and I brush his teeth with CET toothpaste and a tiny toddler toothbrush. I also sprinkle PlaqueOff on his food almost every day. I use the HealthyMouth and Petzlife a few times a week when I remember. Oh, he also has started chewing CET chews. I have made a vow to keep up with his teeth here on out! LOL. I'll see in a year if it's worth it and doing any good. But I really think animal dental health is sooo much more important than most people make it out to be!

[Saeleofu]

I use PetzLife every so often (use it just like any other toothpaste) and otherwise use CET toothpaste. My dogs HATE mint (Gavroche hides from mint) so I use the chicken or beef CET toothpaste and the salmon PetzLife.

CET does make a vanilla mint toothpaste that smells decent. You can also use an oral rinse. CET may still make one, but I have a bottle of something else. Not sure what brand, I'll have to look. I only use it rarely and only on Logan since Gavroche hides and acts like I'm killing him, but it smells very good and minty. You could follow brushing with that if you're wanting a minty smell.

[Southpaw]

I use Petrodex poultry flavored toothpaste for Juno. She's 2.5 years old and still doesn't have an odor to her breath so it must be doing something lol. I was skeptical about the meat flavored toothpastes too because I figured, if it doesn't even smell good on its own (and it doesn't!).... then how on earth is it going to keep her breath smelling fresh? But it's the bacteria that makes their breath smell foul so I suppose as long as the toothpaste is preventing the bacteria from building up, then you're not going to have bad breath. Even if the toothpaste doesn't smell minty!

Are you sure the bad breath is from the cat poop? Juno gets into the litterbox more frequently than I would like her too but I can only smell the litter on her immediately after it happens--it doesn't linger or really have any impact on her breath at all.

I use Petzlife on Lucy (peppermint flavored) but only because she has tartar/gingivitis already that I am trying to fight. I wouldn't use it as a regular maintenance toothpaste just because of the price, but it does work awesome and eliminates bad breath.

[Saeleofu]

Gavroche is 4 1/2 and Logan is 2 1/2 and neither of them have any crap on their teeth or gingivitis or anything. It really is amazing what proper oral care can do. My goal is to not need a dental on either of my dogs, ever

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by Saeleofu

Gavroche is 4 1/2 and Logan is 2 1/2 and neither of them have any crap on their teeth or gingivitis or anything. It really is amazing what proper oral care can do. My goal is to not need a dental on either of my dogs, ever

This is where I'm at with Juno and gosh darn it - I intend on keeping it that way!

I'm so mad at myself for slacking on Lucy's teeth. I did SO WELL when she was a puppy, I was brushing them every night... and then for some reason I just kept forgetting, and forgetting... and now her teeth are gross but I really want to do as much as I can at home first, before scheduling a dental.

[JacksonsMom]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

This is where I'm at with Juno and gosh darn it - I intend on keeping it that way!

I'm so mad at myself for slacking on Lucy's teeth. I did SO WELL when she was a puppy, I was brushing them every night... and then for some reason I just kept forgetting, and forgetting... and now her teeth are gross but I really want to do as much as I can at home first, before scheduling a dental.

Unfortunately, some dogs are just prone to issues. No matter how much you brush, etc, some need a dental every year.

If they are that gross, getting 'em professionally cleaned seems like it would be your best bet. Nothing can get up along the gumline like a real dental will. In my non-professional opinion, I would think a dental would be needed and THEN you can have a fresh new start keeping them that way. I feel like once teeth are to a certain point, a professional dental is needed.

I am glad another issue in Jackson's mouth forced me to get a dental as well. His teeth weren't terrible before, but did have some tarter/plaque build-up. Now that his teeth are so shiny and white at 3yrs old, I want to keep them that way. I hope to either have to never have him get a dental again, or at least not for another 5 years or something would be nice. The professional cleaning gave me a good clean slate and I feel like I have another chance at keeping his teeth perfect.

[Southpaw]

When I first started the Petzlife on her and was keeping up on doing it 2x a day, the tartar along her gumline actually disappeared and the gingivitis was improving. I once again started slacking off (I suck!) so her teeth are back where we started, but a couple days ago I decided to get srs again so I have faith that we can chip away at it. I bought the spray too so that I can thoroughly get all the tough to reach areas (it's hard to get those molars in a small mouth!).

I could have a dental done where I work, but even with my discount we are suuuper expensive. So I'm holding out since all she needs is a cleaning, nothing fancy or extra.

[*blackrose]

Yup, it's just the cat poop. I had her teeth cleaned over the summer and they are still nice and sparkly white - but good God, when she chows down on the cat poop her breath is foul. It doesn't stay foul, but it is enough to make me want to not have her in the room with me. (If it makes any difference, she eats the outdoor cat poop, not the indoor cat poop...so it is already all nice and soggy due to the weather and such and hasn't had any of its odor eliminated by litter.)

I used the Petzlife oral gel in the past (pre-dental, but I'd always forget after doing it religiously for about a week or so) and she HATED it. She acted like I was murdering her when I used the oral spray, too.

I'm hoping to keep her teeth clean with the brushing, which is really the main goal, but I also need something I can use when she manages to sneak the cat poop. When I move out we shouldn't have the cat poop issues anymore (no more outdoor cats!), but for the time being I'd like to have something.

[Southpaw]

I'd just go for whatever enzymatic toothpaste they have at the pet store then.