Can I Use Human Toothpaste on Dogs or Cats?

Jeanne explains why human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and cats and gives recommendations on what to look for when choosing a toothpaste for pets.

She is a founding member and former president of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians – A NAVTA Specialty Group which certifies, trains and mentors credentialed technicians to be specialists in dentistry.

For more answers to common dental care questions click here.

TRANSCRIPT:

The use of a human toothpaste is not recommended, mainly because of the high fluoride (not salt) content, which may lead to acute, but more likely chronic, toxicity problems as pets do not rinse and spit but they swallow the toothpaste. Non-foaming toothpaste is recommended, but it is not critical. A flavor pets like is recommended, as it will allow owners to brush the teeth for a longer period.

Gorrel C, Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner, ed 2, Elsevier, 2013.

Summary

Title

Can I Use Human Toothpaste on Dogs or Cats?

Description

Jeanne Perrone, MS, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) explains why human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and cats and gives recommendations on pet toothpastes to look for.