Can Dogs Have Human Toothpaste?

 

Estimated Read Time: 2 ½ minutes

Summary: If you’re wondering “can I use human toothpaste on my dog?”, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll learn why you might need to rethink how it comes to caring for your canine’s dental health…

 

In 2018, UK food brand Lily’s Kitchen surveyed 2000 pet parents asking them whether they’d ever used a human toothpaste while brushing their dog’s teeth? The answer was alarming… 8% had! But, why is this so bad? Can you not brush a dog’s teeth with human toothpaste…?

Can I Use Human Toothpaste On My Dog?

It is not advisable to use human toothpaste on a dog. Unfortunately, human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be incredibly toxic to our pups.

Toothpaste has a very high fluoride content. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel (the protective layer on the teeth) and prevents cavities. However, it’s deemed safe to use in human beings but not in our four-legged friends. 

In doggos, fluoride can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and vomiting. It can also cause potassium levels in their blood to rise and calcium levels to drop resulting in imbalances.

Many commercial toothpastes designed for human use also contain xylitol; a sweetener that is incredibly toxic to dogs and can prove fatal. Many dogs will instinctively swallow toothpaste too, which means the risk can’t be mitigated either. 

If your dog is struggling with bad breath, giving a dog breath mints will also not help and only risk their health further. Those too typically contain the dangerous sweetener xylitol… 

There are many doggy-safe toothpastes on the market available from most reputable pet brands and pet stores. You can also ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Dogs should have their teeth brushed regularly as poor oral health can affect their wellbeing, overall health and life-quality. 

Learn how to brush your dog’s teeth below with our handy PetLab Co. How-To Guide:

Sources

Author Gladwell, Hattie “Why You Shouldn’t Brush Your Dog’s Teeth With Human Toothpaste” Metro, Nov 13. 2018 https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/13/why-you-shouldnt-brush-your-dogs-teeth-with-human-toothpaste-8134211/