How to Choose the Best Dog Toothbrush

Some people just might think I’m obsessed with dog dental care. I’ve written numerous articles, interviewed veterinary dentists, and discussed the topic in length during all group and private lessons. Your dog’s dental hygiene is just as important as yours. If left unchecked, it can cause heart and kidney disease from periodontal disease.

With that said, I’ve written oodles of articles and created videos on how to brush your dog’s teeth, which products work best and how to teach your dog to stand still during brushings. However, I’ve never discussed how to choose a specific toothbrush for your dog’s mouth. Believe me, size does matter!

Dog Toothbrush 101

• Expect to change out your dog’s toothbrush every couple of months; look at the bristles and purchase a new one if they become frayed.
• Dogs need their teeth brushed daily at best, and several times a week at a minimum.
• Only choose very soft bristled dog toothbrushes. Medium or hard versions are just as harmful to your dog’s teeth as they are to yours. 🙂
• Choose toothpaste made for pets only. Human toothpaste can be poisonous to your dog.
• Personally, I’m not a fan of the double-sided toothbrushes–you know the ones sold in most pet supply places with a small toothbrush on one end and a large dog toothbrush on the other end? This type of toothbrush is just too long and cumbersome. Plus, they’re extremely expensive compared to human toothbrushes.

RELATED: Small Dog Dental Care Tips

Toothbrush for Small Dogs (1-20 pounds)

Little dogs have little mouths, and moving a toothbrush around in such a small space can be challenging. For dogs under 10 pounds, you’ll need a narrow toothbrush with a tiny handle. I highly recommend the C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush for a small dog (yellow handle) for tiny dogs. It has enough bristles to brush tiny teeth and the handle is narrow, so it fits in small dog mouths.

For dogs over 10 pounds that have larger teeth, I recommend a very soft bristled children’s toothbrush. You can find them at your local grocery store or pharmacy center.

Toothbrush for Medium Sized Dogs (20-45 pounds)

While this category ranges widely in size, medium sized dogs usually have good sized teeth for their size. For smaller mouthed dogs, such as some Terriers, a very soft bristled children’s toothbrush works best.

For larger dogs in this category, search for an adult toothbrush at your local grocery store or pharmacy center. As you’re looking through toothbrush options, look for a small to medium sized head toothbrush, which usually has a round shape. Round-shaped medium sized head toothbrushes usually narrow between the brush and handle, which works great for medium sized dogs. Don’t forget to choose a very soft bristle option.

Toothbrush for Large Dogs (45-80 pounds)

Depending on the size of your large dog’s mouth, choose a medium to large sized oval head toothbrush. These options usually narrow between the head and handle, which makes navigating between teeth much easier. When in doubt, choose one size smaller.

Now, some large dogs have huge mouths, such as a Lab and smaller Rottweiler. For these guys, choose a rectangular brush head option that slightly tapers on the corners. These toothbrushes are slightly larger than the oval option, which works for large mouthed dogs.

Toothbrush for Extra Large Dogs (80+ pounds)

While it seems like brushing a Rottweiler or Saint Bernard’s teeth would be super easy, it certainly has its own challenges for sure. Choose a wide rectangle brush option with a sturdy and wide handle. Extra large dogs have big teeth, so you’ll need lots of bristles to clean each tooth thoroughly and a wide handle to navigate a large mouth.

Most massive dogs drool; and, when brushing their teeth, they drool even more, which makes grasping a medium or small toothbrush very difficult. Additionally, brushing your huge dog’s teeth with a small toothbrush can be hazardous, as it can slip from your fingers and be easily swallowed by your dog.

Choosing the right sized toothbrush for your dog’s mouth size will speed up brushing plus leave teeth pearly white!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Easiest Way to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth