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As important as care for your dog’s dental is, you should also know that some kinds of toothpaste can upset your dog’s stomach.
As a result, it is crucial you know which ones to buy and their correct application.
Dental care is one of the many significant aspects of dogs’ health and general wellbeing.
As feeding is necessary, so is caring for your dog’s teeth.
It goes a long way in reducing the risks of oral infections, which could degenerate into tooth loss and other diseases in the dog’s body.
As a result, brushing your dogs’ teeth with good toothpaste is one of the best ways to improve their oral hygiene.
Some people hardly commit to their dog’s dental care even if recommended simply because they find it unnecessary.
But if you have a long history as a dog owner, certainly, you won’t downplay the importance of your dog’s oral hygiene.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dog toothpaste and its effects on the dog.
Can Dogs Use Human Toothpaste?
The fact remains that many dog owners share many things with their dogs, from secrets to deep thoughts, pillows, food.
You can also get dog medications in human pharmacies, and so on.
But as loving as this is, there’s always a line.
There are things humans cannot share with dogs.
For example, can dogs use human toothpaste?
The answer is No.
Human Toothpaste is dangerous for Dogs and it is not made to be swallowed. Even if it is easy to squeeze out a lump of human toothpaste on your pup’s brush, you shouldn’t!.
You should brush your furry friend’s teeth with kinds of toothpaste that are specially made for them.
Why is Human Toothpaste Bad for Your Dogs?
The primary reason human toothpaste is bad for your dogs is that human toothpaste contains some chemical components that can upset your dog’s stomach and can be toxic to their health.
You can quickly rinse your mouth, but your dogs don’t know how to do it.
The following are harmful components for dogs that are present in human toothpaste:
1. SLS Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is the foaming agent inherent in most human toothpaste.
Even if there hasn’t been conclusive research shows that it is harmful to humans, SLS is toxic to dogs.
It causes gastrointestinal problems for dogs.
2. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sugar that is common in many human hygiene products and foods.
It improves oral hygiene and prevents any decay in the tooth. But, ironically, it is very harmful to dogs.
If ingested, it causes liver damage and low blood sugar, which can be detrimental.
3. Fluoride
For both humans and dogs, ingesting fluoride might not have an immediate effect.
But if consumed over a long period, the chemical reaches a level of toxicity that reacts adversely. Some signs and symptoms of fluoride toxicity include
- Teeth discoloration
- Limping
- Urinary and Fecal incontinence
- Drooling
Watching out for these chemical components mentioned above can be very helpful in keeping your dog healthy.
As a result, you should get used to constantly checking the labels of whatever goes through your dog’s mouth.
Can Dog Toothpaste Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
As a dog owner, the question of whether dog toothpaste can upset your dog’s stomach or not is a very legitimate one.
As we all react differently to things and have preferred toothpaste due to ingredients, so do dogs.
Similarly, as you decide on yours, you have to allow your dog to choose independently. Why?
The reason is that as there are several brands and flavors of dog toothpaste specially made for dogs, some of them might upset your dog’s stomach.
As such, you need to know those that’ll be pleasant for your dog and those that wouldn’t be.
The best way to determine a dog toothpaste that’ll be perfect for yours is to allow it to have a little taste of it on your finger.
Its reaction to this taste considerably determines your decision. The moment you figure out the taste it enjoys, you can buy it, use it, and increasingly apply it.
You should repeat the same process for daily dental care.
Of course, it would help if you also considered professional dental care once or twice a year to ensure your dog’s teeth are in good health.
5 Best Toothpastes Vets Recommend for French Bulldogs
You should know that some dog toothpaste only works for bad breath, while others only protect the gum and teeth.
So, as a Frenchie owner, you should always get a toothpaste that performs both functions, especially one that wouldn’t upset your dog.
If you are interested in purchasing toothpaste for your dog then there is an excellent selection on Amazon with thousands of customer reviews.
The following are 5 of the best dog toothpaste per the vet’s recommendation for French bulldogs:
1.Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste
As its name suggests, this enzymatic toothpaste is one of the best toothpaste formulated by vets.
It is a professionally viable solution to oral diseases like plaques and tarter. With its triple-headed toothbrush, it brushes each tooth efficiently.
It is a blend of carefully selected ingredients by vets which include extracts from grapefruits, baking soda, neem oil, aloe, and enzymes.
This combination doesn’t only whiten your dog’s teeth, it also gives it fresh breath.
2. Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste
Petrodex is another popular dog toothpaste most dogs like. It is also a highly effective 2 in 1 toothpaste as it cleans the dog’s teeth and freshens its breath.
It doesn’t have an immediate impact, but you begin to see how lasting the effects are when you stick to it. The value is worth more than its price.
It’s a good choice for your dog.
3. Radius USDA Organic Canine Toothpaste
Radius canine toothpaste is an effective oral care kit that comes with organic toothpaste, and a brush.
It offers protection for your dog’s teeth without potentially harmful chemical components inherent in regular dog toothpaste. It is a safe, healthy, and wise choice for your Frenchie.
It is made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, cinnamon, and sweet potato, a tasty combination which most dogs cannot reject.
It also comes with an oval head toothbrush which assures safe and easy brushing. Your dog is sure to have a wholesome dental care routine if you use this product.
4.Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
You have options with five different flavors, including malt, vanilla mint, beef, and seafood.
These flavors and other potent cleaning ingredients make the toothpaste one of the most effective dog toothpaste you can use for your French Bulldog.
It eliminates terrible breaths and reduces plaques.
This enzymatic toothpaste doesn’t foam, and that’s what makes it safe and recommended by vets
5. Arm and Hammer Fresh Breath Dental Kit for Pets
Arm and Hammer brand has been trusted for gentle and effective cleaning for pets.
This toothpaste is infused with baking soda and scented with fresh mint.
Banking soda cleans and deodorizes and kills bad breath for up to 24 hours.
It also contains natural ingredients with a flavor of chicken treat that your dog will love.
So worry no more – It’s 100% safe for your dogs and pets
Precautions :
Above mentioned toothpaste may cause vomiting in some dogs so stop using it immediately and consult with your vet.
How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth with Toothpaste?
Like every human, the ideal number of times to brush is twice per day – in the morning and at night.
But this is unrealistic for dogs. It can be pretty stressful, but once it becomes a routine, you’ll find it easier and faster, and your dog will also learn to enjoy it.
But how often should you brush your dog’s teeth using toothpaste?
To prevent serious dental problem, it is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times per week.
Once brushing your dogs reguarly , becoming a part of their routine, they will enjoy it.
And remember to take your pet for a professional cleaning once a year.
How To Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Even if any dog of any age group can get used to brushing its teeth, dog owners need to begin oral hygiene for their dogs while they’re still a puppy.
First, it requires acclimatization, after which it gets easier and better.
The following are the steps on how to brush your dog’s teeth?
1. Get the Right Teeth Brushing Supplies
Using the right supplies goes a long way in establishing routine dental care for your dog.
Ensure you avoid using supplies that work for humans because that can have a terrible impact on your dog.
For example, larger dogs deal well with big brushes, but you can get brushes that fit on the finger for smaller dogs.
The finger brush for a small dog helps you maneuver the toothbrush all around the dog’s teeth and mouth.
You can see some great options on this online shop.
2. Take a Trial
Dental care for your dog requires getting used to.
So, you can’t afford to be impatient while teaching your dog to brush its teeth.
Instead, you take a trial by gently massaging their lips and gum with a smaller quantity of its preferred toothpaste.
You can give it a treat it can always look forward to while carrying out this process.
As soon as your dog gets comfortable with this, you can introduce the brush and toothpaste.
You must start slowly, but you can increase the time once your dog is familiar with the process.
In all, always make it quick and fun. Don’t take more than 30 seconds to one minute to carry out these steps so that you don’t tire the dog.
3. Get a Comfortable Spot
Getting your dog in a perfect position to brush its teeth is the most challenging aspect of dental care.
It requires a whole lot of calm and creativity not to make the dog squirm and rush off. And that’s why most dog owners don’t brush for their dogs. So how do you go by this?
For smaller dogs, you sit close to them before you wrap your elbow around their body to keep them still
It can get a little tricky with larger dogs. However, all you need to do is sit very close and work with the dog’s head, then wrap your arm around its body while giving firm support to its chin.
Whatever the case might be, you mustn’t force this process on your dog.
If it feels uneasy at the first trial, you can let it go and try again.
However, restraining your dog in a type of way to brush can be traumatizing whenever it sees a toothbrush.
So, be patient.
4. Focus on the dog’s gum line
Naturally, dogs’ teeth are white even when it reeks of the terrible odor. In addition, there are rare cases of natural discoloration.
So when you’re brushing, your focus should be on the dog’s gum line.
Another place to focus on is the back teeth.
While your dog would accept brushing towards the front of its mouth, you shouldn’t forget the back because this is where tarter and plaques build up the most.
So, a gentle maneuver towards that end would be helpful to brush your dog’s teeth rightfully.
5. Make it a Routine
The only way you can achieve your goal of brushing your dog’s teeth is to keep at it.
Regular brushing once to three times a week would be very effective in curing bad breath and removing potential oral infections in the dog’s mouth.
You can also get a recommendation from your vet on other supplementary treatments that’ll improve routine dental care.
Another thing to put in mind is fixing a perfect time for this exercise. An example is brushing your dog after a mealtime, when its energy is low, or after playtime is perfect.
Also, ensure you do not make it seem like a chore for you because it gets easier when it looks forward to it. So, do it right, and do it well.
You may have trouble with any of these processes. Your dog may not respond as you would imagine.
This is where the invaluable services of your vet are required. Visit your vet with the dog for professional advice and proper dental care.
The Bottom Line
You cannot downplay the importance of dental care no matter how hard you try. That is why it is advised you start early.
Even you don’t start it sooner, you will eventually do it.
Start teeth brushing routine while he’s still a puppy to make him get used to what you do and easier for you when they’re fully grown.