🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Does Winter Raise Dog Plaque? 5 Top Toothpastes

Cold walks boost plaque from saliva changes. Our guide explores why enzymatic options like Burt's Bees Peppermint paste work best for winter dental care.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated

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★ Top Pick: Burt's Bees for Dogs Natural Toothpaste, Peppermint Check Price on Amazon →

80%

of dogs show signs of dental disease by age 3

2 to 3

times per week recommended brushing

1 tsp

average toothpaste amount per brushing

enzymatic toothpaste brands available

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: Burt's Bees for Dogs Natural Toothpaste, Peppermint. Made with natural ingredients like peppermint and baking soda, this toothpaste effectively.
Best for Sensitive Gums: Vet's Best Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs. This enzymatic formula uses aloe vera and neem oil to soothe gums while breaking down plaq.
Best Budget: Arm & Hammer for Pets Fresh Breath Enzymatic Toothpaste. Combining baking soda and enzymes, this toothpaste offers effective cleaning at a low cost.
Best Flavor: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, Delicious Chicken Flavor. With a chicken flavor that dogs adore, this toothpaste makes brushing easier.
Best for Tartar Control: Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Toothpaste, Tartar Control. This toothpaste features Denta-C, a dual-enzyme system that targets tartar buildup.

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
Burt's Bees for Dogs Natural Toothpaste, Pepp…	Best Overall	Check price →
Vet's Best Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs	Best for Sensitive Gums	Check price →
Arm & Hammer for Pets Fresh Breath Enzymatic …	Best Budget	Check price →
Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, Delicio…	Best Flavor	Check price →
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Toothpaste, T…	Best for Tartar Control	Check price →

Quick answer

The best dog toothpaste for winter walks is Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Toothpaste. It uses natural ingredients like peppermint and baking soda to fight plaque and freshen breath without harsh chemicals. For dogs with sensitive gums, try Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste. If you prefer a budget-friendly option, Arm & Hammer for Pets Fresh Breath Enzymatic Toothpaste is a solid choice.

What to consider for Dog Toothpaste For Winter Walks

Winter walks often mean your dog is panting in cold air, which can dry out their mouth and worsen bad breath. Look for a toothpaste with enzymes that break down plaque without requiring rinsing, as cold weather makes rinsing uncomfortable. Also consider a formula with natural breath fresheners like parsley or peppermint to combat winter breath. Avoid toothpastes with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

What to look for in a grooming product (shampoo, brush, clipper or wipe)

For dog toothpaste, the key is a match for your dog’s coat type? Actually, toothpaste is about dental health, not coat. But for grooming products in general: a match for the dog’s coat type (e.g., slicker brush for long hair), gentle dog-safe ingredients with a suitable pH for sensitive skin, quality bristles or blades that don’t irritate, low noise for nervous dogs (especially clippers), and ease of use (ergonomic handle, easy to clean).

How we chose these picks

Evaluated ingredient safety, avoiding harmful additives like xylitol and artificial flavors.
Prioritized enzymatic formulas that effectively reduce plaque and tartar.
Considered palatability to ensure dogs accept the toothpaste willingly.
Checked for natural breath-freshening agents like peppermint or parsley.
Reviewed customer feedback for real-world effectiveness and ease of use.
Compared price per ounce to offer options at different budgets.
Consulted veterinary dental guidelines for recommended ingredients.
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

Human toothpaste: contains fluoride and foaming agents that are harmful if swallowed.
Xylitol: a sweetener toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Harsh abrasives like baking soda in high concentrations can damage enamel.
Artificial flavors and colors that may cause allergic reactions.
Toothpastes that require rinsing, as dogs cannot spit and may ingest residue.

For more grooming tips, check our dog guides and dog care products.

Why this matters

Winter walks can increase plaque buildup due to changes in saliva production from cold air, making regular brushing even more important. Enzymatic toothpastes are particularly effective in these conditions as they work chemically to break down plaque without requiring vigorous brushing.

The Options

Types Explained

Enzymatic Toothpaste

Contains enzymes like glucose oxidase that break down plaque and tartar. Often includes baking soda or other mild abrasives. Most effective for daily use.

Best for: Dogs with moderate to heavy plaque buildup and those prone to bad breath.

Natural Toothpaste

Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils. Free from artificial additives. May lack enzymes but are gentle on gums.

Best for: Dogs with sensitive gums or allergies to synthetic ingredients.

Anti-Tartar Toothpaste

Formulated with stronger abrasives or enzymes specifically targeting tartar. Often includes Denta-C or similar compounds. Helps reduce calculus formation.

Key Buying Factors

Enzymatic vs. Non-Enzymatic

Enzymatic toothpastes contain enzymes that break down plaque and tartar chemically, making them more effective than non-enzymatic ones. They are generally preferred for ongoing dental care.

Flavor Palatability

Dogs have preferences; popular flavors include poultry, peanut butter, and mint. A toothpaste your dog enjoys makes brushing easier. Avoid artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

Ingredient Safety

Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, baking soda, and coconut oil. Avoid harsh abrasives, artificial colors, and preservatives. Ensure the product is specifically formulated for dogs.

Texture and Consistency

Some toothpastes are pasty, others gel-like. A thicker paste may stay on the brush better, while a gel can be easier to spread. Choose based on your dog's tolerance.

Price per Ounce

Toothpaste prices vary widely. Compare cost per ounce to find value. Higher price doesn't always mean better quality; check ingredients and reviews.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Brushing Technique

Use a soft-bristled dog toothbrush or finger brush. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Brush in circular motions along the gum line, focusing on the back teeth. Aim for 30 seconds per side. Reward with praise or a treat.

Frequency

Ideally brush daily, but 2 to 3 times per week is effective for maintenance. Consistency matters more than duration. If your dog resists, start with short sessions and gradually increase.

Supplemental Dental Care

Combine brushing with dental chews, water additives, or dental diets for comprehensive care. Regular veterinary dental checkups (at least annually) are essential to catch issues early.

Pro tip

To make winter brushing more comfortable, warm the toothpaste tube in your hands for a minute before use. This softens the paste and makes it more palatable for your dog.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth daily. However, if that's not possible, aim for at least 2 to 3 times per week. Consistency is more important than frequency. Regular brushing helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of dental disease. Start slowly if your dog is not used to it, and always use dog-specific toothpaste.

Can I use human toothpaste for my dog?

No, you should never use human toothpaste for dogs. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate, which are toxic if swallowed. Dogs cannot spit out toothpaste, so they ingest it. Additionally, many human toothpastes contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure. Always use a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs.

What ingredients should I avoid in dog toothpaste?

Avoid toothpastes containing xylitol, fluoride, artificial sweeteners, and harsh abrasives like high concentrations of baking soda. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Fluoride can cause stomach upset and toxicity if ingested in large amounts. Also, steer clear of artificial colors and preservatives, which may trigger allergies. Stick to natural, dog-safe ingredients like enzymes, aloe vera, and coconut oil.

Is enzymatic toothpaste better than natural toothpaste?

Enzymatic toothpaste is generally more effective at breaking down plaque and tartar because the enzymes chemically dissolve the biofilm. Natural toothpastes rely on mild abrasives and essential oils for cleaning, which can be gentler but less potent. For dogs with significant dental issues, enzymatic is recommended. For maintenance or sensitive gums, natural options may suffice. Both are safe when used as directed.

My dog hates the taste of toothpaste. What can I do?

Try a different flavor. Many dogs prefer poultry, peanut butter, or beef flavors over mint. You can also start by letting your dog lick a small amount from your finger to get used to the taste. Gradually introduce a finger brush and then a toothbrush. Using a flavored toothpaste that your dog enjoys can make brushing a positive experience. Patience and positive reinforcement are key.

Can dog toothpaste help with bad breath?

Yes, dog toothpaste can help reduce bad breath by removing plaque and bacteria that cause odors. Many toothpastes contain breath-freshening ingredients like peppermint, parsley, or chlorophyll. However, persistent bad breath can be a sign of dental disease or other health issues, so if brushing doesn't improve it, consult your veterinarian.

How do I choose the right toothpaste for my dog's age?

For puppies, choose a gentle, natural toothpaste without enzymes, as their gums are sensitive. Adult dogs benefit from enzymatic formulas for plaque control. Senior dogs may need a toothpaste with soothing ingredients like aloe vera for gum health. Always check the label for age recommendations. Some brands offer specific formulas for different life stages.

Are there any risks associated with dog toothpaste?

The main risks are using a product with toxic ingredients like xylitol or fluoride. Also, some dogs may have allergic reactions to certain flavors or additives. If your dog shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling after brushing, discontinue use and consult your vet. Always supervise brushing to prevent ingestion of large amounts of toothpaste.

Can I use dog toothpaste without a toothbrush?

While a toothbrush is most effective for mechanical cleaning, you can use a finger brush or even a soft cloth wrapped around your finger to apply toothpaste. Some dogs accept this better. However, without brushing action, plaque removal is less effective. For maximum benefit, use a toothbrush designed for dogs with soft bristles.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your pet's diet or care routine, especially if your pet has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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