Man’s best friend is a dog, but bad dog breath is man’s worst enemy. And, in an effort to keep their beloved dog’s canines white and bright, their oral health in check, and their breath fresh, a pet owner may be doing more harm than good by using toxic, unsafe toothpaste. Choosing the right dog toothpaste will be the difference between preventing periodontal disease and halitosis, and encouraging it. So, how do you choose the best dog toothpaste for your four-legged family member?
It’s good for humans, but it’s bad for dogs.
Running out of dog toothpaste is as bad as running out of toilet paper for those of you who would do anything for your dog. However, experts recommend that you do not use human toothpaste. Why? Because human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes something containing a high concentration of fluoride, such as toothpaste, he may suffer from severe poisoning. This usually starts with stomach and intestine inflammation, followed by an increased heart rate with abnormalities. Regardless of whether online reviews and marketing copy promote each product as the best and safest, pet owners must look at the ingredients within the dog toothpaste itself to determine whether it is safe to use.
Fluoride is absorbed into the system in three hours and, if left untreated, will usually result in collapse and death within a few hours. Fluoride poisoning can occur as a result of chronic fluoride exposure. Chronic fluoride exposure can cause weakened bones or abnormal bone growths, as well as chronic gastric disorders. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical to which canines are especially sensitive. Fluoride toxicity as a result of overexposure is extremely dangerous and can be incurable.
