The best dog toothbrush review

If you’ve never brushed dog’s teeth before, you may think it’s fairly simple. Not so. Even if you’re using the best dog toothbrush, “simple” probably won’t be the word you’ll use to describe the experience. It is very rare that a dog will let his owner brush his teeth without putting up a fight, but a good toothbrush for dogs will definitely make the task easier.

* Scroll down to watch our detailed VIDEO REVIEW of the #1 best toothbrush for dogs pick.

I chose the C.E.T Pet Toothbrush as my number one pick for the best dog tooth brush (read my review below on why).

The set comes with two dog toothbrushes, which is great if you have a multi-pet household. Remember that you should change your dog’s toothbrush frequently – most veterinarians recommend getting your pet a new toothbrush every three months.

Compare TOP 10 Best Dog Toothbrush Brands (reviewed below):

It’s great that this dog toothbrush will make brushing so much easier, but you’re going to pay for it. This best dog toothbrush will cost about $20 if you purchase it from Amazon. If you’re replacing your pup’s toothbrush every three months like you should, that’s at least $80 per year spent just on toothbrushes for your canine companion. Pet parents on Amazon seem to think this brush is worth the cost though.

The Bottom Line

Toothbrushes for dog come in many varieties based on your pet’s size and individual oral needs. If you’re looking for something specific like a multi-head toothbrush, a finger brush or a toothbrush with dual ends, look for that specific kind of product among the best dog toothbrushes. If you’re looking for a general purpose dog toothbrush to have on hand for a canine with no specific dental problems, the Master Pet Dog and Cat Toothbrush Set is a great choice.

Now, let’s talk more about the details on how I made these choices for the best dog toothbrush in each category, and what other alternatives are available in case my top five choices aren’t suitable for your dog.

Table of Contents

1. What you should know before buying
2. What do I know about dog toothbrushes?
3. Can dog toothbrushes improve my dog’s health?
4. Who should buy dog toothbrushes?
5. How I chose these dog toothbrushes
6. How I researched and evaluated each brand of dog toothbrush
7. My pick for the best dog toothbrush
8. Who else likes it?
9. Flaws but not deal breakers
10. The runner-up
11. If my other picks aren’t available
12. A pick with rubber bristles
13. Full list of ten best dog toothbrushes
14. What to look forward to
15. Wrapping it up
16. References and further reading

What you should know before buying a dog toothbrush

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), dental hygiene is one of the most overlooked areas in pet health [7]. As more information is uncovered about the link between canine periodontal disease and other health issues, experts in the pet industry are trying to educate pet parents about the importance of proper brushing. There is certainly a correct technique, but you have to have the right tools as well.

The BEST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST CANINE PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS A high QUALITY DOG TOOTHPASTE AND THE BEST DOG TOOTHBRUSH.

Remember that toothbrushes that are made for humans will not work as well on your pet’s teeth. They aren’t long enough, they aren’t angled properly and the size of the brush head isn’t the same for humans as it is for dogs.

Your dog needs a toothbrush that fits his mouth. You need to find a brush suitable for your pet’s size and one that is comfortable for both of you. You may need to try a few options before you find a toothbrush that you and your pet both enjoy.

What do I know about dog toothbrushes?

I’ve researched and learned a lot about dog toothbrushes, particularly in the last few months. See, we have a 5-year-old boxer named Chloe who we rescued two years. She was in pretty rough shape, and has very poor dental health. Chloe was also diagnosed with cardiomyopathy last year. Due to the link between dental disease and heart problems, we are diligent about taking care of her teeth, mouth and gums.

According to Shawn Messonnier, DMV [8]:

“As mentioned, periodontal disease, caused by bacteria and their toxins destroying the teeth and gums, can cause other health problems for pets. Every time the dog or cat inhales, it is inhaling bacteria and toxins into its lungs. Whenever the pet swallows, it is swallowing bacteria and bacterial toxins into its stomach and intestines. Whenever it eats, bacteria and their toxins enter the bloodstream. Over several months or years, these bacteria and toxins can cause heart , liver, kidney, lung and gastrointestinal disease or organ failure. These problems become more severe as the pet ages due to chronic systems, and chronic wear and tear on aging organs that may not be able to handle this constant load of bacteria and bacterial toxins.”

We consulted with our veterinarian immediately about Chloe’s oral health, but because of her heart condition she is unable to be put under anesthesia to have her teeth worked on. We consulted with a holistic veterinarian, and our vet even contacted a specialist in canine dental health. We have an oral hygiene routine that we strictly follow, but the main part of that routine is daily brushing.

Honestly, even though the Master Pet Dog and Cat Toothbrush Set works best for Chloe, it won’t be best for all dogs. You need to find the right toothbrush head and toothbrush length for your pet’s mouth.

We didn’t want to stop there though. We want the best for Chloe, and that meant searching for the best products on the market. We tested a lot of toothbrushes before we settled on the Master Pet Dog and Cat Toothbrush. Finger brushes didn’t work as well as traditional bristle brushes on Chloe’s teeth.

I tried shorter ones and toothbrushes with only one brush head. I’ve even tried multi-head brushes, but Chloe didn’t like those. I think they were too bulky in her mouth, because they made her gag.

I did a lot of research on canine toothbrushes before I started writing this article. Of course, this was a few years ago and there are more options on the market now. Personally, I think that dog toothbrushes are a matter of preference for you and your dog. I can tell you which ones work well at cleaning your pet’s teeth, but only you can decide which one works best to meet the needs of your individual pet.

Can the best dog toothbrush improve my dog’s health?

Now that I’ve explained the importance of canine dental health, it should be pretty clear that the right toothbrush can certainly improve your pet’s overall health and well-being. You dog’s dental health can be effected by many things, even the food that he eats [9]. You need to be sure that he’s getting the proper oral care so plaque and tartar don’t begin to buildup and cause other problems in his body.

Keeping his mouth healthy is also a start at keeping your dog’s heart, liver and kidneys healthy. Not only will it help some of his major organs, but it will also allow your dog to be more comfortable and have a better quality of life. Painful teeth and gums can make a dog’s life miserable. It will cause discomfort while he’s eating, chewing toys, and playing or wrestling with other dogs.

Who should buy dog toothbrushes?

In a perfect world every dog owner would buy a dog toothbrush, but unfortunately there are many dogs out there that won’t allow their owners to brush their teeth. With the rate of canine periodontal disease on the rise [10], it’s important that every pet owner do whatever they can to care for their dog’s teeth, mouth and gums. Of course, if your pet won’t let you near his mouth there really isn’t much sense in buying a canine toothbrush right?

But if your dog will let you care for his teeth then you should. Some dogs are a little fidgety at first and don’t really care for it, but if you can gradually ease your pet into letting you brush his teeth, you’ll both be better off in the long run. Your dog will have a clean, healthy mouth, and you’ll save money on vet visits. Not to mention, your dog will probably live years longer than a dog who never has his oral health needs taken care of.

How I chose these best dog toothbrushes

Thanks to all my research over the past few years with Chloe, it actually wasn’t all that difficult. I had already tried some of the toothbrushes on this list, and also many others that certainly were not good enough to make the list at all. I already had a lot of background knowledge on what makes a toothbrush good quality, and I built on that.

I knew the qualities that I needed to look for like the length of the brush, the materials it was made from and the shape of the brush head. I knew that small breeds and large breeds would require different types of dog toothbrushes, and I knew that there were many different kinds of toothbrushes for dogs on the market.

All I had to do was research toothbrushes from each category to see which were the best in their class…

How I researched and evaluated each dog toothbrush

I performed all of this research online. Since there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, I needed to be sure that I was looking for trusted, reliable sources. I read information from manufactures websites, searched through consumer reviews, and read articles and blogs from experts in the pet health industry.

I already knew what our veterinarian recommended, so I started my research by finding out what other pet health professionals recommended as the best dog toothbrush. I had my list of products that offered all the qualities that pet owners would need and were safe for pets, now I just needed to know what consumers who used these dog toothbrushes thought.

I wanted the feedback from dog owners who had actually used these products on their own pets. As I said, I really believe that each dog’s mouth and teeth are shaped differently, so a toothbrush that works well for one dog may not work as well for another of the same size or breed. Pet owners have their preferences too, and I needed to make sure the toothbrushes I selected were comfortable and easy for dog owners to use.

I wasn’t surprised to find that there weren’t many top-quality toothbrushes available. There are definitely plenty of choices, but when you compare the number of options to the available dog toys, dog treats, and dog grooming brushes, there are not nearly as many. When I do reviews on those types of products I literally have thousands of options to choose from. In the case of dog toothbrushes there aren’t even close to that many, which makes my job a lot easier.

My best dog toothbrush pick

Chloe’s condition made it imperative for me to find the best dog toothbrush for her. We tested about 6 different brushes, but none worked as well as the Master Pet Dog and Cat Toothbrush. My number one concern was that Chloe was comfortable while I was using it, and the dual head option was perfect to get her large back teeth and small front teeth as clean as possible.

I also love the 8.5 inch handle. It’s long enough to reach all the way to the back of Chloe’s mouth to get behind her back teeth. It works great for our chocolate lab puppy too, but she has a long, skinny snout so I’m not sure if it will still work well when she is full grown.

This dog toothbrush is made for medium and large dog breeds, but the company is also offering a toothbrush for dogs that is made for small breeds as well as canines with narrow mouths.

Did you know that dogs are often used in the study of periodontal disease? First of all, the disease is extremely common in the species, and secondly their oral health is very similar to that of a human and responds similarly to most treatments [11]. Just like with humans, brushing is the best way to remove plaque from canine teeth before it hardens and turns into tartar.

A toothbrush that is specifically made for dogs, like this one from Master Pet, is the best tool you can use. It’s equipped with an angled head to allow you to reach your dog’s back teeth without having to maneuver the brush in an awkward way that may hurt your pet.

Who else likes it?

Other pet parents are impressed with this brush too. It currently holds a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, and it has been reviewed over 115 times. Typically when researching dog products you are probably used to seeing products that have been reviewed thousands of times. Remember that a majority of pet owners do not brush their dog’s teeth at home, so products for canine oral care will typically not be reviewed as often.

Below are the top 3 most helpful customer reviews. Read all Amazon reviews here.

Sherri Jackson: Two Ends, One Brush_(May 13, 2015. Read full review.) “These brushes’ extra long handles are really helpful in getting to his teeth way in back. Smaller handle brushes just won’t reach that far back. I like having both a small brush head and a large brush head on the same toothbrush, so I don’t have to switch toothbrushes, using one for the front teeth and another for the back…”

K. Sease: Master Pet Toothbrush set is great for your pets. Long handled with dual size brushes on each one_(May 5, 2015. Read full review.) “These toothbrushes are 8 1/2″ long with a large brush head for the back and top of the teeth. The brushes are smooth but firm to get the grime and tartar off the dogs teeth without harming their gums. The little head works good for the smaller teeth and the really hard to reach teeth some dogs have…”

Kay: Use This Homemade Doggy Toothpaste Recipe_(September 6, 2015. Read full review.) “I love that this two piece set of toothbrushes is actually more like 4 toothbrushes!! You receive a set of toothbrushes, one red and one blue. Each toothbrush has a brush at each end, a smaller brush and a bigger brush. I love that they both have extra long handles so as to keep your fingers away from the dogs mouth if you happen to have a snapper…”

Flaws but not deal breakers

One drawback that a few consumers commented on was the fact that this best dog toothbrush is made in China. Although dog food and dog treats have been recalled due to tainted ingredients from China, there have been very few recalls on material goods from the country. Of the negative comments that I did find, most were because the size of the brush was incorrect for their dog.

The handle of the brush is also very narrow, but I have very small hands so it works well for me. If you have larger hands, the handle may be too small and feel uncomfortable. Just keep in mind that your dog needs a toothbrush that meets his needs and is comfortable for you to use. This might be a great toothbrush with soft bristles that will work well to clean your pet’s teeth, but if it’s not comfortable for you to use, then you probably won’t.

The runner-up for the best dog toothbrush

I’ve already told you that finger brushes didn’t work well for Chloe. I have tried them with our chocolate lab puppy, Saddie, and she seemed to like it. However, since I’ve been working with her on brushing since she was just 8 weeks old, she lets me use a regular toothbrush as well. It’s easier for me to just buy the 2 pack of Master Pet toothbrushes than it is to use two different products, so that’s what we do in our house.

If your dog prefers a finger brush, the KissAble Finger Brush for Dogs is the best. If you’ve got a small breed or a dog with a lot of overcrowded teeth, this is going to be your best bet. When the teeth are very close together, perhaps even growing into each other, it’s very hard to get into all the nooks and crannies in your pet’s mouth with a traditional toothbrush.

A finger brush allows you to be able to get down into all the hard to reach places and clean all the crevices of your dog’s mouth. Your hands will be right inside your dog’s mouth with a finger brush, so if you have any doubt that he may become agitated, opt for a traditional toothbrush or leave it to the professionals.

Some pet owners do not want their dog put under anesthesia to have his teeth cleaned, but this is the best way if your dog won’t allow you to brush his teeth at home. You can ask if your vet performs anesthesia free dentistry, but this only cleans the surface of your pet’s teeth [12].

Without anesthesia there is no way to clean under the gumline where the bacteria that causes periodontal disease lives. This bacteria will still be able to cause bad breath and extensive damage to the supporting bone structure and tooth roots.

It is our responsibility as pet parents to try as hard as we can to clean our dogs’ teeth regularly.

It’s not a quick process, but if you work at getting your dog used to letting you clean his teeth and gradually warm him up to the idea, most dogs will let you clean their teeth at home. If your dog seems unwilling at first, a finger brush, like this one from KissAble may help him feel more at ease. You’ll be closer to him, and the small finger brush may not be as intimidating as a long traditional bristle brush.

These finger brushes are also antibacterial and antimicrobial. The soft rubber-like bristles may feel better on your Fido’s gums than traditional soft bristles. They come in a 5 pack, so you can throw them out after you use them or reuse them multiple times to save money and be eco-friendly.

If my other picks aren’t available

Unless you’re very lucky, it’s going to take a little while to find the best dog toothbrush for your canine companion. Don’t give up! Did you know that after 36 hours plaque will start to harden and turn into tartar on your dog’s teeth? That’s the brownish stuff you can see on the teeth of most canines who are more than three years old.

Your dog’s dental health is directly related to the food that you feed him [13], but the natural bacteria in his mouth can cause problems too. No matter what diet your Fido is on, his teeth need to be brushed daily. Chewing on toys, raw bones and eating dry kibble do help to clean your dog’s teeth, but none of that is good enough.

The options I’ve mentioned so far aren’t the only best dog toothbrush choices. If none of these are working for you and your pet or they aren’t available in your local pet store, you can try this finger brush from FOCUSPET. The Pet Oral Dental Brush features a unique finger-glove design that slides over your index finger.

Consumers call this soft, flexible rubber brush effective and easy to use. The soft bristles are ideal for cleaning teeth and massaging your dog’s gums gently. Pet parents have noticed their dog’s breath smelling better after using these brushes, but that could also be linked to the toothpaste they choose. Many pet owners that used this finger brush also reported that it seemed to soothe their pet’s irritated gums.

If your dog has gum disease you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian about the best dog toothbrush to use for him.

Soft bristles will be a must, but a rubber toothbrush may even be better. Even though he doesn’t show it, irritated gums are extremely painful for your dog and traditional bristles may add to his pain. This finger brush from FOCUSPET is recommended for use on all dogs, puppies and cats. You’ll have to test it on your pet, but consumers with large, medium and small breeds all enjoyed this product.

You can also find electric toothbrushes for dogs. I prefer the Petosan Sonic Pet Electric Toothbrush. It is powered by one AAA battery, which is included when you buy it. It’s also equipped with a double head that brushes both sides of your dogs’ teeth at the same time.

This canine toothbrush combines the benefits of a double headed brush with sonic technology that allows dog owner to get below their pet’s gumline and clean with 20,000 bristle strokes per minute. You can buy replacement heads for this toothbrush, and if you have multiple pets you can just buy multiple heads and label them with each pets’ name. That will save you from spending $20 on a toothbrush for each of your dogs.

This electric dog toothbrush from Petosan cleans the inside and outside surfaces of your dog’s teeth at the same time. It brushes at the recommended 45 degree angle as well. An electric toothbrush will cost you a little bit more, but it will save you time. One drawback is the noise that it makes. Keep that in mind if you have a timid dog that is likely to be frightened by the sound of an electric toothbrush.

If the Master Pet Dog and Cat toothbrush isn’t available, but you like the idea of a dual ended brush, try the XIDAJE Dual End Dog Cat Dental pet Grooming Toothbrush. It’s designed the same way with a large head at one end and a smaller head at the other. The large head can be used for the larger teeth in the back of your pet’s mouth and the smaller head can be used for the small teeth up front.

This best dog toothbrush also offers an angled design and tapered bristles for easier reach. The bristles are soft and the toothbrush is 8.7 inches long. Some consumers commented that the plastic is light and bendable, but that may not be a bad thing. Having a bit of flexibility will make it easier to maneuver the brush around your pet’s mouth.

There are other homecare products that you can use to benefit your dog’s oral health [14], but nothing works as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste. A toothbrush like this one from XIDAJE is the best line of defense against harmful plaque and tartar. Although this particular brush is more suitable for medium and large breeds, you can try using it with your small breed if he has a fairly wide mouth.

The Legacy Pet Supplies Dual Double Headed Dog Toothbrush is another option for a dual ended canine toothbrush. This one is more rigid than the XIDAJE brush. This brush has soft bristles too, which are the only bristles that you should be looking for. Medium and hard bristles can clean your dog’s teeth faster, but they will do damage to his gums and that’s not worth it.

The long handle makes it great for getting into those hard to reach spaces behind your dog’s teeth and in the back of his mouth. It also comes in a set of two, just like the Master Pet brush that I use on my dogs. This is a great option if you have multiple dogs, and it’s also great if you travel frequently with your pet. You’ll have one toothbrush for home and one that you can always leave in your dog’s travel bag so you don’t have to worry about forgetting his toothbrush at home.

A lot of pet parents that use this dog toothbrush rave about the fact that their dogs tolerate it. Speaking from experience, this is one of the most important things you want to hear about a doggy toothbrush.

After receiving more than 100 reviews on Amazon, this doggy toothbrush has a 4.3 out of 5 star review. Consumers say it works well for large and small breeds.

Pet owners that purchased this toothbrush like that it is easy to use, and they say it is gentle on their dog’s teeth and gums. Many pet owners were surprised at how much their dog actually liked having his teeth brushed with the Legacy Pet Supplies Dual Double Headed Dog Toothbrush.

A pick with rubber bristles

Some canine dental specialists believe that an alternating rubber and bristle head is the best way to ensure optimum cleaning with a dog toothbrush. In fact, this theory is used in human dentistry as well. Have you ever seen these types of toothbrushes? They have rubber bristles mixed in with the traditional bristles.

The best example of an alternating rubber and bristle toothbrush in the pet industry is the Arm and Hammer Advance Care Rubber Bristle Toothbrush for Dogs. Its ergonomic handle is comfortable for you and the soft and rubber bristles will be gentle on your dog’s mouth. This looks like a traditional human toothbrush, but it’s specifically designed for dogs with its larger angle.

If you’re like me, you like to buy products from brands you trust. Arm and Hammer is one of those well-known companies.

Arm and Hammer has been one of the leading brands in dental care products for humans for over 100 years, so why not trust them with your dog’s dental health as well? This brush is 8.5 inches long, allowing you plenty of length to get in behind all your dog’s tricky back teeth.

A lot of pet parents were impressed with the cleaning action of this brush and credit its superb performance to the rubber bristles. With the rate of periodontal disease in dogs over three years of age hovering around 80%, it’s definitely important to select a toothbrush that is going to be gentle on Fido’s gums [15].

Full list of top ten best dog toothbrushes

1. Master Pet Dog and Cat Toothbrush Set
2. KissAble Finger Brush for Dogs
3. C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush
4. WooBamboo Large Breed Bamboo Pet Toothbrush
5. EZ Dog Toothbrush for Small and Large Breeds
6. FOCUSPET Pet Oral Dental Brush
7. Petosan Sonic Pet Electric Toothbrush
8. XIDAJE Dual End Dog Cat Dental pet Grooming Toothbrush
9. Legacy Pet Supplies Dual Double Headed Dog Toothbrush
10. Arm and Hammer Advance Care Rubber Bristle Toothbrush for Dogs

What to look forward to

As the rate of dental disease grows, you can be certain that more and more research will be done on the topic. With research comes new products to help control the issue. We’re sure to see new technologies breaking into the pet dental field and innovative new products being released to help pet owners care for their furry friends oral needs.

Because the oral health of humans and dogs are so similar, we’ll also see some common products for humans leaching over into the pet field, and possibly the other way around. Dental care is one of the most important things that you can give to your dog, and staying on top of new developments in the field is your responsible. I would recommend speaking with your veterinarian during your dog’s yearly checkups about any changes in the pet dental industry that may be beneficial to your pooch.

Wrapping it up

Just like toothbrushes made for humans, all dog toothbrushes are not equal. Remember that you should NEVER use a toothbrush that is designed for humans on your dog. They could damage his gums, and they may cause him pain as they are not designed for the shape of his mouth.

It is

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