Dog owners know that if there’s one step of the grooming process where you can’t slack off, it’s dental care. Preventing periodontal disease takes dedicated brushing several times a week with a quality toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste. While you may want to try your preferred brand when your dog’s tube runs out, you should never use human toothpaste for your pets.
With different biology and tooth brushing habits than their human owners, dogs also need unique toothpaste to keep their mouths fresh and healthy. We’ll discuss why dogs can’t use human toothpaste so you can plan a safer dental routine for your pup.
Can Dogs Use Human Toothpaste?
Dogs can’t use human toothpaste due to the toxicity of various ingredients, including fluoride and xylitol. Since dogs don’t know how to spit, they can swallow a significant amount of toothpaste.
In excessive amounts, this can cause several health issues ranging from lethargy and an upset stomach to seizures and even death.
Fluoride
Fluoride is the active ingredient in most human toothpastes because of its potent anti-caries properties. It is the negative ion of fluorine, an abundant element that has received considerable attention in recent years due to its potential effects on mammals as more of it enters the environment through natural and anthropogenic causes, including our toothpaste use.
Dogs, like most mammals, readily absorb fluorine. If a toxic amount is ingested your dog may experience toxic effects and even die. With low-dose exposure over time, some fluoride binds calcium and ends up in the skeletal system, primarily in the ribs and other areas of spongy bone. Since fluorine in bones is cumulative, older dogs tend to have more in their bodies than young dogs, however growing bones deposit the fluoride at a higher rate. This means exposure at a young age is more critical than in adulthood.
Over time, this fluoride accumulation can lead to skeletal problems. Dogs can experience bony growths, sclerosis of bones, and lameness. Signs of chronic fluoride exposure include:
- Mottling in the enamel of developing dog teeth (dental fluorosis)
- Lameness and stiffness due to abnormal bone growth and tissue hardening
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss and muscular wasting
Fluoride Poisoning
While small amounts of fluoride can increase damage over time, large amounts of fluoride can have immediate toxic effects on a dog. If your dog eats a large amount of toothpaste, the influx of fluoride can quickly inflame the stomach and intestines.
Pets may experience GI upset, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Blood calcium levels can plummet to spur a weakened, rapid, or irregular heartbeat, and your dog may show signs of nervous system effects.
How Much Fluoride Is Toxic to Dogs?
The toxic effects of sodium fluoride, a common active ingredient in human toothpaste, may occur at less than 1 mg/kg of body weight. At 5-10 mg/kg, they can become fatal. For a 50-pound dog, that would put the potentially lethal amount around 113–227 mg.
A small tube of toothpaste may not be immediately toxic to a dog of this size. For instance, a 24-gram travel-sized tube of Crest containing 0.243% sodium fluoride, or 0.16% fluoride, would only contain about 38 mg, enough to make a large dog feel ill but unlikely to cause severe harm.
If they ingested an entire 158-gram (5.6 oz.) tube, however, that would subject the dog to over 250 mg, a potentially fatal amount. Smaller dogs have an even lower threshold for fluoride toxicity, and excessive amounts can still cause considerable discomfort if they aren’t fatal.
Fluoride absorbs into the system in roughly 90 minutes, presenting signs within 2 hours of ingestion. Without prompt treatment, dogs can collapse and succumb within only a few hours.
Xylitol
You may think you’re out of the woods if your dog gets their mouth on a more kid-friendly fluoride-free toothpaste, but even those can contain hazardous ingredients. Many owners know the dangers of xylitol, an artificial sweetener we use in numerous food products.
Given its anti-cavity properties, manufacturers often use it as a top ingredient in flavorful products.
Xylitol Poisoning
When they ingest xylitol, dogs can experience sudden hypoglycemia from a massive surge of insulin. Higher doses can also cause acute liver failure with or without signs of hypoglycemia. Signs of xylitol poisoning include:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Poor coordination
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Collapse
- Tremors and seizures
Xylitol poisoning can kill a dog in sufficient amounts. Dogs that consume more than 75 mg/kg of xylitol are at risk of experiencing sudden drops in blood glucose levels, with the possibility of liver failure if the ingestion exceeds 500 mg/kg. Hypoglycemia can manifest within 30-60 minutes after ingestion, underscoring the importance of contacting a veterinarian immediately if your dog accidentally ingests xylitol toothpaste.
In the event of xylitol ingestion, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance promptly to assess the risk based on the quantity ingested and the dog’s weight. Treatment options may be recommended to mitigate exposure, monitor the dog’s condition, and facilitate recovery. Moreover, consulting services like Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Hotline can provide valuable guidance and advice.
When selecting a toothpaste for your dog, opt for products endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to effectively reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Examples of approved toothpaste include Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, Pettura Oral Care Gel, and HealthyMouth® Topical Gel for Dogs. Additionally, water additives, chews, and specialized diets can contribute to maintaining your dog’s oral health.
While freshening your dog’s breath is important, it should never compromise their well-being. If human toothpaste is the only option available, it is safer to brush your dog’s teeth without toothpaste until you can acquire a pet-friendly alternative. By incorporating reliable dog toothpaste, dental chews, and oral additives into your pet care routine, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable grooming experience for your furry companion. article in a more concise manner.
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