Do Dog Dental Products Work? A Vet Weighs In On Dog Mouthwash, Rinses & Chews

Many dog parents brush their dog’s teeth to help promote good oral hygiene, but did you know that you can also use dog hygiene products to help support fresh breath, clean teeth and healthy gums? In this article, we learn about the dangers of homemade dog mouthwash, the benefits of dental hygiene products, and how to choose the right oral rinse, dental chews or water additive for your pup, to keep their smile sparkling white.

What Are Dog Dental Hygiene Products? Purpose & Common Ingredients

Just like with the human equivalent, the general purpose of doggy dental hygiene products is to combat bad breath, target hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, and support healthy teeth and gums. Many pet owners use these products on a daily basis to help maintain their pup’s dental hygiene and keep their pooch’s adorable smiles healthy.

A wide range of ingredients can be found in dog dental hygiene products. Included ingredients may vary between oral rinses,  sprays, and water additives. Some of the more common ingredients include:

• Chlorhexidine gluconate: This ingredient is more common in oral rinses. Chlorhexidine freshens breath, combats tartar, and supports good dental hygiene.
• Stabilized chlorine dioxide: This agent neutralizes the compounds that cause bad breath in dogs.
• Zinc salts (e.g., zinc gluconate): These zinc-containing ingredients help to control tartar build-up on the teeth and promote good oral health.
• Cetylpyridinium chloride: This ingredient helps tackle bad breath and tartar build-up.
• Sodium citrate: This ingredient targets the formation of tartar on the teeth.

Dog breath freshening products like water additives and oral rinses, which can be considered a dog-friendly alternative  to mouthwash, are often flavorless, and commonly include inactive ingredients like water and glycerin 

Research into the benefits and risks of the ingredients in dog dental products is still ongoing, and it’s important to keep a close eye on your pup when introducing anything new to their dental care routine, just in case it doesn’t agree with them. Many dog dental products are not suitable for very young puppies under 12 weeks old.

Which Dog Dental Products Can You Use To Freshen Your Dog’s Breath?

Humans use mouthwash to freshen their breath, which is generally a liquid swished around the mouth for a certain amount of time and then spit out. Our dogs won’t follow those instructions, so products that freshen dog breath must be suitable for your furry friend to swallow. 

To meet this need, breath-freshening dog dental products come in several forms, such as:

• Oral rinses: This liquid is usually squirted directly into the dog’s mouth. Some liquid may run out of the mouth, while some is swallowed.
• Breath-freshening sprays: These breath-freshening sprays are usually spritzed directly into the dog’s mouth. The dog redistributes the product around their mouth while licking and salivating.
• Water additives: Water additive dog dental products like PetLab Co.’s Dental Formula can be added to your pup’s water bowl, and are often easier to administer than an oral rinse or spray, because the flavorless solution doesn’t require you to directly squirt or spray anything into their mouth. These products function in a similar way to mouthwash, helping to support fresh breath and a clean mouth.

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Do Dog Dental Products Work?

Can You Give a Dog Human Mouthwash?

You should not give your dog mouthwash that is intended for humans. Keep in mind that human mouthwash is intended to be swished around in the mouth for a certain amount of time and then spit out. Because it isn’t intended to be swallowed, human mouthwash can include ingredients that may be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

There are several ingredients in human mouthwash which may be toxic or harmful to your dog if swallowed, including ethanol, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and fluoride.

If your dog were to ingest human mouthwash, the following symptoms could occur:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Seizures (severe cases)
• Death (severe cases)

In addition to potential toxins, human mouthwashes often include ingredients that taste bad to dogs, such as menthol. If your dog consumes human mouthwash, you should contact a veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately.

How to Use a Breath Freshening Product for Dogs

The closest equivalent to human mouthwash for a dog is a breath freshening product, like an oral rinse, spray, or water additive. If you are using a doggy breath freshener product, you should follow the instructions on the package.

Dental products that are water additives generally tell you how much to add to a specific amount of water. For example, PetLab’s Dental Formula recommends one teaspoon (5 mL) in 8 ounces of water once daily to help freshen breath.

Dog mouth sprays will tell you where to spray the product and how often. For example, the directions might say to spray twice daily on the teeth and gums on each side of the mouth.

An example of instructions for an oral rinse would be to apply a gentle stream along the gumline daily after each meal.

If your veterinarian recommends a specific product, follow their instructions. It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian when choosing a product.

Precautions to consider:

• You should not use more of the product than instructed. It is possible that some ingredients in the product can cause issues when given in excess.
• Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline if you’re concerned your dog has consumed too much of a dog dental product.
• Keep applicator tips away from teeth and gums. If your dog jerks when you apply a spray or rinse, it could sustain an injury.
• Consider other pets in the home. Products that are suitable for dogs may not be intended for different pets.
• While it may be tempting to make your own homemade dog mouthwash, there is insufficient evidence supporting the use of homemade dog washes. That’s why it is better to use a dental product that is specially formulated for dogs. 

Caring for Your Dog’s Dental Health

Regular professional dental cleanings and veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining your pet’s dental health. For young adult dogs, wellness check-ups are usually recommended on an annual basis. For senior dogs, wellness exams may be recommended twice annually. As long as your dog tolerates oral exams without endangering veterinary staff, your dog should receive an oral health exam during these appointments.

Brushing your dog’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste at least three times a week will help prevent plaque build-up, which can turn into hardened dental calculus. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth at least once daily to promote a healthy, clean mouth and fresh breath. 

Dog dental hygiene products can be used alongside toothbrushing to support good dental hygiene health. Examples include oral rinses (the dog equivalent of human mouthwash), dental chews that help scrub at the teeth as your dog chews, like PetLab Co.’s Dental Sticks for Dogs, and dental powders, like PetLab Co.’s ProBright® Dog Teeth Cleaning Powder, which helps target tartar even in hard-to-reach places.

Are Dog Dental Products Right For My Pup?

If your goal is to keep your four-legged best friend’s breath fresh and to look after their dental hygiene health, dog dental care products can be helpful.  The closest thing to a mouthwash for a dog is a breath-freshening product that supports the maintenance of fresh breath and good oral hygiene. These products should be considered one component of your dog’s overall dental care regimen, along with daily toothbrushing, and regular veterinary dental cleanings and check-ups.

Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions or your product’s listed directions when adding a dog dental product to your pup’s dental care regimen. If you are concerned that your dog may have a dental health issue, it is best to consult your veterinarian before using any new dental products.