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A dog’s teeth aren’t all that dissimilar from our own. And, just like our pearly whites, dogs need consistent dental care to keep their chompers clean and healthy.
But brushing your pup’s teeth isn’t always a walk in the park. It can be tough. That’s why you need the best possible dog toothbrush to get the job done. Luckily, there’s a wide variety of toothbrushes to fit your pup’s size, age, and brushing style. You just need to know what to look for.
Choosing the Best Dog Toothbrush for Your Pup
When picking out a dog toothbrush, Charleston-based house-call veterinarian and owner of Downward Paws Dr. Shannon Barrett advises finding one with soft, nylon bristles that’s been approved by the VOHC or recommended by a veterinarian. “The most effective toothbrush is the same type we use,” she says, “one with bristles that gets between all the crevices around the gums.”
For large to medium dogs, Dr. Barrett recommends a dog toothbrush with a long handle that lets you reach to the back of their mouths. When it comes to smaller and toy dogs, she suggests a tinier brush that’s designed for cats.
Dr. Barrett also says that the earlier you start brushing your dog’s teeth, the better. For puppies or dogs new to brushing, a kit could be a great choice—letting you show them the ropes with a finger brush before graduating to a bristle option.
And the pups who absolutely hate having their teeth brushed? Dental wipes can help provide an alternative to keep your dog’s teeth and mouth healthy when brushing is out of the question.
We’ve rounded up our favorite dog toothbrushes below—everything from dual-headed brushes to gum-massaging finger brushes, and even a sustainable bamboo option—to help you find the right toothbrush for your pup’s dental needs.
Best Toothbrush for Big Mouths: Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Dog Toothbrush
Ergonomically designed to correctly hit the angles of your dog’s pearly whites, this toothbrush from veterinary product brand Vetoquinol has two different sizes of soft bristles at each end to accommodate different-sized mouths while scrubbing away plaque and debris.
Pros:
- Two different size heads that work on multiple breed sizes, including large dogs
- Designed to remove tartar and plaque
- Long handle helps get all the way to the back of the mouth
- Soft bristles are good on gums
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention that the bristles lose their shape after awhile
Best Toothbrush for Puppies: Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
Veterinary-recommended, this little kit from quality dog chew brand Nylabone includes a plaque-fighting toothpaste, sturdy finger brush, and an angled-head toothbrush that combines soft nylon bristles for surface cleaning with tougher ones for getting around and between teeth. A kit can be a good choice for puppies or dogs new to brushing, as you can get them used to different types of brushes while you work them up to a regular routine with a bristle option.
Pros:
- Everything you need in one kit
- Veterinary recommended
- Toothpaste made in the USA
- Two brush types mean more options when getting puppies used to dental hygiene
Cons:
- Some dogs did not care for the toothpaste’s taste
- Brush head is too big for some dogs
Best Small Pet Toothbrush: Virbac C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush
This toothbrush is perfect for brushing the teeth of smaller and toy breed dogs as well as cats. Virbac’s C.E.T. brand has been specializing in animal dental health for 25 years—you’ve likely seen these products at your vet’s office—so this toothbrush is an all-around solid choice for your dog’s tooth brushing needs.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for smaller mouths
- Veterinary recommended
- Also works for cats
Cons:
- Too small for some reviewers, may not work on all small breeds
- Some reviewers weren’t fans of the bristles
Best Finger Brush: Jasper Finger Dog Toothbrush & Kit
If your dog is not a fan of toothbrushes, consider trying finger brushes. Available in a two- or four-pack, these little silicone scrubbers go on your finger to quickly clean your pup’s teeth with their ergonomic 360-degree design. A compact case also adds an extra layer of hygiene.
Pros:
- Good for dogs who don’t like standard toothbrushes
- Finger brush design can give you more control
- Silicone expands or contracts with water to fit most fingers
Cons:
- Brush size may not be well suited for tiny mouths
- Not as effective as a bristle brush
Best Bargain Toothbrush: Pet Republique Dual-Head Toothbrush
Just like human toothbrushes, pet brushes wear out. Pet Republique’s angled, dual-headed toothbrushes come in three- and six-packs so you’ll be stocked up, which is great if you have more than one dog at home or if your pup is a bit of a chewer and you find yourself going through brushes. Bonus: The company donates 15% of profits to the American Animal Rescue Society.
Pros:
- Two different size heads for deep and general cleaning
- Comes in two colors for multi-pet households
- Angled heads help fight tartar buildup
- Save money by buying in bulk
Cons:
- Some reviewers noted the handles were too flexible for their liking
Best Sustainable Toothbrush: Woobamboo Dog Toothbrush
Veterinarian-approved, this toothbrush is highly sustainable, made from bamboo and recyclable bristles. The handle is also a little more ergonomic than most, so you can hang on more easily while brushing. It comes in two sizes: small and large.
Pros:
- Veterinarian approved
- Ergonomic
- Biodegradable handle and recyclable bristles
Cons:
- Chewers may more easily break the handle
Best Bristle-Free Toothbrush: Petosan Microfiber Fingercloth
It’s bristle-free, but this antimicrobial microfiber finger brush still works to help clean your dog’s teeth. Slip this washable cloth on your finger (and secure with the strap on your other finger) to massage your dog’s teeth and gums, breaking up bacteria and plaque in the process.
Pros:
- Great for dogs who don’t like brushes in their mouths
- Good control
- Chemical-free
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for chewers and puppies
- Not as durable as non-cloth brushes
- Not as effective as a bristle toothbrush
Best Tooth Scaler: Majestic Bombay Tooth Scaler
For heavy-duty cleaning, pros can try a tooth scaler. Scalers are a lot like your dentist’s scraping tool: a surgical-grade stainless steel instrument that helps scrape away minor tartar and plaque buildup. Unless you have a lot of experience (and approval from your vet), it’s best to leave scaling to the professionals, since these tools are sharp and it’s important to avoid nicking gums or scraping too aggressively.
Pros:
- Strong option for heavier cleaning
- Scrapes tartar and plaque
- Octagonal handle ensures a good grip
- Double-headed
Cons:
- Sharp tool with easy potential for nicking
- Only useful if your dog is comfortable with you in their mouth and around their teeth
How We Chose Our Dog Toothbrushes
The dog toothbrushes featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We selected the above toothbrushes based on quality, positive reviews, and effectiveness. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.