Best teeth cleaning chews and brushes for dogs

Dog breath gets there before the dog does.

Our pick

Dogs who fight the toothbrush

TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive

TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive

The catch: Make it part of filling the bowl: fresh water, new dose, every day. Skip it if: Your dog lets you brush.

What's in it: VOHC Accepted: plaque. Source: Certifier

  • Certified: VOHC acceptedThe Veterinary Oral Health Council lists this product as accepted to help control plaque, tartar or both.
  • The maker states: Made in USAThe maker states: it is made in the USA, with no qualifier. Under FTC rules, that claim has to mean all or virtually all of it is made here.
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Takes a chew? Sits for a brush?

Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews

Daily chew

Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews

The catch: Contains sorbitol and erythritol. Stay close while he chews.

Skip it if: Your dog won't take to this chew's texture. Greenies are a different VOHC-accepted chew.

What's in it: VOHC Accepted: plaque and tartar. Source: Certifier

  • Certified: VOHC acceptedThe Veterinary Oral Health Council lists this product as accepted to help control plaque, tartar or both.
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Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural Pet Toothpaste

Toothbrush

Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural Pet Toothpaste

The catch: Once a day, and a dog who holds still for a finger.

Skip it if: Your dog won't let a finger near his mouth. Start at the water bowl instead.

What's in it: VOHC Accepted: tartar. Source: Certifier

  • Certified: VOHC acceptedThe Veterinary Oral Health Council lists this product as accepted to help control plaque, tartar or both.
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Ready to start brushing? See the best dog toothpaste and toothbrush kits

More fixes for this mess

More options (21)

  1. Pupstages Cool Teething Stick Dental Dog Chew Toy (8.5 in)

    Pupstages Cool Teething Stick Dental Dog Chew Toy (8.5 in)

    Best for: Puppies who love to chew sticks

  2. Nylabone Puppy Chew Freezer Bone

    Nylabone Puppy Chew Freezer Bone

    Best for: Teething puppies who like a cold chew

  3. Purina DentaLife ActivFresh Small Dog Dental Treats (56 ct, Pack of 2)
  4. Whimzees by Wellness Small Dental Chews

    Whimzees by Wellness Small Dental Chews

    Best for: Small dogs on a grain-free diet

  5. Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Dental Dog Treats

    Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Dental Dog Treats

    Best for: Dogs who love treats

  6. Dental Fresh Water Additive for Dogs

    Dental Fresh Water Additive for Dogs

    Best for: Multi-pet households

  7. H&H Pets Dog Finger Toothbrush Set
  8. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Mini Dog Treats

    Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Mini Dog Treats

    Best for: Small and toy breed dogs

  9. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Dogs

    OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for Dogs

    Best for: Dogs who build tartar fast

  10. Jasper Microbrush Cat & Dog Toothbrush

    Jasper Microbrush Cat & Dog Toothbrush

    Best for: Pets with sensitive mouths

  11. NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys

    NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys

    Best for: Teething puppies

  12. Bodhi Dog Natural Dog Breath Freshener Spray

    Bodhi Dog Natural Dog Breath Freshener Spray

    Best for: Quick breath freshening

  13. Virbac CET Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste

    Virbac CET Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste

    Best for: Flavors worth sitting for

  14. Vetradent Dental Wipes for Dogs

    Vetradent Dental Wipes for Dogs

    Best for: Dogs who fight the toothbrush

  15. Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews XS

    Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews XS

    Best for: Toy breeds under 11 lbs

  16. Greenies Breath Buster Bites Fresh Flavor

    Greenies Breath Buster Bites Fresh Flavor

    Best for: Quick breath freshening

  17. Jasper Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit

    Jasper Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit

    Best for: First-time brushers

  18. ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for Cats & Dogs

    ProDen PlaqueOff Powder for Cats & Dogs

    Best for: Plaque care with no brushing

  19. Pet Honesty Dental Powder Plaque Support
  20. HICC Pet Mouth Cleaning Finger Wipes for Dogs & Cats

    HICC Pet Mouth Cleaning Finger Wipes for Dogs & Cats

    Best for: Pets who hate toothbrushes

  21. Jasper 360 Finger Toothbrush (2-Pack)

    Jasper 360 Finger Toothbrush (2-Pack)

    Best for: Dogs new to brushing

Questions before you buy

What does VOHC-accepted mean?

The Veterinary Oral Health Council tests products for effectiveness. VOHC-accepted products have proven plaque/tartar reduction.

Are dental chews enough?

Dental chews help, but they work best combined with brushing or water additives. Think of them as one part of a complete routine.

Can I use human toothpaste?

Never. Human toothpaste contains xylitol and fluoride, which are toxic to pets. Always use pet-specific toothpaste.

How often should pets get professional cleanings?

Generally annually, but some pets need more frequent cleanings. Your vet can assess during regular checkups.

My pet won't let me brush. What can I do?

Start with water additives and dental chews. Gradually introduce brushing with tasty pet toothpaste. Patience and positive reinforcement help.

Every mess, every pick, catch included

Pee, fur, mud, litter, breath. Find yours, see who each pick suits and its catch.

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