For a small senior that won't let you brush, try Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste: a soft chew with a toothpaste coating, made for small dogs. If your dog still lets you brush, Vet's Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is the paste: aloe, neem oil and enzymes, 2 to 3 times a week. Bleeding gums, loose teeth or trouble eating mean a vet visit first.
In this guide
Watch out
Don't give an older dog antlers, bones or nylon chews. Hard chews can crack weakened teeth. Older dogs need more than a dental chew: see our senior support picks.
Bleeding gums, loose teeth or trouble eating mean a vet visit before any product.
Why older mouths need gentler care
Years of chewing wear teeth down, and older gums are often sore, inflamed or receding. What cleaned a young dog's teeth can hurt an old one.
Worn enamel is more sensitive
Gums can be inflamed, receding or quick to bleed
Some seniors have loose or missing teeth
Some medicines cause dry mouth, which makes dental problems worse; ask your vet
Two soft picks for older mouths
11.Small senior dogs who dodge brushes: Best Soft Dental Chew: Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste for Small Dogs
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste is a soft chew with a toothpaste coating, so it cleans as your dog chews with no brushing. Ask your vet whether a soft chew fits your dog's mouth.
The catch: It comes in smaller sizes only, and soft chews go fast.
Skip it if: Your dog is large. For big dogs, ask your vet about a dental water additive.
22.Owners who want aloe and neem oil in the paste: Best toothpaste for seniors: Vet's Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
Vet's Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is for the senior who still lets you near his teeth. Vet's Best calls it veterinarian formulated, with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda and enzymes. Apply it with a brush or your finger, 2 to 3 times a week.
Best for: Owners who want aloe and neem oil in the paste
The catch: You have to brush, and some seniors push back on mouth handling.
Skip it if: Your dog won't let you near his mouth. It goes on with a brush or a finger, so he has to sit still for one.
Soft chews made for seniors are the safer choice. Avoid antlers, bones and nylon toys, and watch your dog while it chews.
When should I worry about my senior dog's teeth?
See your vet soon for bad breath that won't go away, bleeding gums, loose teeth, trouble eating, heavy drooling or swelling around the mouth. These can mean infection or gum disease that needs treatment.
Our verdict
For a small senior dog, start with Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste: a soft chew, and no brushing. If your dog lets you brush, add Vet's Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste, and keep the vet checkups on the calendar.
