In our canine friends, dental health is something that is frequently overlooked. Just like people, dogs can experience dental pain and infections, so your veterinarian will advise you to brush their teeth at least four times per week. Once you decide to continue taking care of your dog’s dental health, you will need the right tools.
You might wonder if you can use the same human toothpaste that you use every day to brush your teeth if you’re ready to start brushing your dog’s teeth at home. Although human toothpaste works for us, it should never be used on dogs. Let’s go over everything you need to know about the risks associated with giving dogs human toothpaste below to make sure you understand them.
How valuable is dog toothpaste for your dog’s dental health?
The truth is that regular home dental care doesn’t really benefit from toothpaste. The physical act of brushing—the consistent motion of the bristles removing food fragments and plaque deposits in the mouth—is what makes it so beneficial to brush your dog’s teeth. Consistency and good technique are far more valuable than the animal-safe toothpaste you use when you wash your car at home; is it the pink soap or your elbow grease that removes the dirt and debris? Brushing with plain water is reasonable.
3 critical reasons why human toothpaste is dangerous for dogs
Most human toothpastes contain three substances that are poisonous to dogs:
Fluoride, in high enough doses, is toxic to dogs. Human toothpaste should not be swallowed; instead, it should be rinsed out of the mouth. While acute fluoride toxicity (a large dose of fluoride consumed at once) is theoretically possible, the more likely scenario is a chronic toxin exposure, where the fluoride ingestion from frequent use (over the course of months to years) eventually reaches toxic levels in the dog’s body.
The symptoms are considerably different in the two scenarios.
The bottom line is this:
On the other hand, pet toothpaste is designed to be ingested. However, there are dog toothpastes on the market that contain fluoride, so you should still read the label before buying. I don’t know why, but I compare it to antlers being sold as dog treats. Both of these products, in my opinion, are harmful to dogs, but sadly, due to the law of supply and demand, they are still available. People buy them.
Human toothpastes are designed to foam. Marketers must have realized that people enjoy being shocked and amazed in public restrooms. Thus, our hygiene products foam and froth.
To create the foaming action, manufacturers add a chemical called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS is present in soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, and toothpastes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regards SLS as safe for short term topical use (consumers disagree on this point), but no studies have been done to prove its safety if ingested.
SLS can upset a dog’s stomach if it is consumed in large enough doses. Now that you are aware of “the rest of the story,” it is clear why pet toothpaste doesn’t foam and why the answer to the question “Can you use human toothpaste on a dog?” is always “no.”
You may be familiar with xylitol, a sugar substitute used in a growing number of foods and personal care items for people. Ironically, xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener, is added to toothpaste because it may improve oral health and has been linked to preventing tooth decay in people.
I think it might surprise you to learn how prevalent this dangerous chemical is in toothpaste, including some well-known “holistic” brands such as Tom’s of Maine ®, Trader Joe’s ®, and Young Living™. For a comprehensive list of products containing xylitol, please refer to this article from Preventive Vet: Which Products Contain Xylitol? Here’s a List!
Sadly, xylitol is killing dogs. It can result in two issues with a dog’s body: low blood sugar and irreparable liver damage, both of which can be fatal.
Please make it a habit to read the label before giving your dog anything and to look for xylitol in the ingredient list.
Read my blog post Xylitol and Dogs: Why Your Dog is Counting on You to Read This to learn more about the poison in your pantry, and keep in mind that xylitol is a key factor in why we cannot use human toothpaste on dogs.
Is it okay to use human toothpaste?
No. Human toothpastes contain ingredients that should not be swallowed. If swallowed, it may result in digestive issues or an upset stomach. Some human toothpastes have high sodium content that could harm your pet, while others might have xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
FAQ
What human toothpaste is safe for dogs?
2. Never use human toothpaste on your dog because it frequently contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is poisonous to dogs.
Can I use Colgate on my dog?
The most crucial rule to keep in mind when brushing your dog’s teeth is to never use human toothpaste on them. The reason is that Xylitol, a common ingredient in human toothpaste that is toxic to dogs, is the culprit. Dogs who consume xylitol may experience drops in blood sugar as well as possible liver damage.
What can I clean my dog’s teeth with?
First, you’ll want to get toothpaste made specifically for dogs. This is due to the ingredients in toothpaste that are toxic to our pets. Additionally, most dog toothpaste has a delicious chicken or peanut butter flavor. Second, you can apply a brush over your fingertip or a dog toothbrush.
What happens if dog uses human toothpaste?
Additionally, some toothpastes contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Low blood sugar levels with even small ingestions have the potential to be fatal. Larger ingestions of xylitol have been associated with liver damage.