Does Dog Toothpaste Expire?

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Does Dog Toothpaste Expire?“.

Up to 80% of dogs have diseased gums and teeth according to a recent study? It is well known that our health begins in the mouth.

Periodontal disease can be especially devastating for dogs since it can result in tooth loss and a whole host of other health problems.

This is why many dog owners brush their pets’ teeth. Humans need a clean mouth to maintain good health so it should come as no surprise that dogs should also have a clean mouth.

However how can you tell if the dog toothpaste being used by your pooch has expired? There are many ingredients in it that are similar to those in human toothpaste after all.

By the end of this article you will hopefully have a complete understanding of how long dog toothpaste lasts and also know some products to avoid if you want to keep your poochs mouth clean.

Why do dogs need to brush their teeth?

It is just as important for dogs as it is for humans to maintain good oral hygiene. Dog owners instill this habit at a very early age which is why so many puppies are taught to brush their teeth.

As both the dog owner and the pet enjoy the activity it will become a natural and enjoyable experience.

If you brush your dogs teeth regularly you will be able to keep their teeth in good condition and help them avoid oral health problems as they age.

How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth naturally?

Providing your dog with sticks bones and even carrots can naturally remove the plague from their teeth.

Alternatively you can find plaque-remover treats at your local pet store or supermarket. All of these things will be enjoyable for your dog to chew on and you do not have to force them.

Can you imagine a dog that does not like to chew on a stick and make a mess everywhere?

What are the main ingredients in dog toothpaste?

Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is made with the following ingredients:

Anhydrous dicalcium phosphate sorbitol xanthan gum titanium dioxide sodium benzoate methyl salicylate potassium thiocyanate glucose oxidase (aspergillus niger) and lactoperoxidase.

Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog Toothpaste contains the following ingredients:

It also contains Sorbitol Dicalcium Phosphate Water Hydrated Silica Glycerin Poultry Digest Xanthan Gum Acidified Calcium Sulfate Disodium Phosphate Duohydrate Potassium Sorbate Citric Acid Sodium Benzoate Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract.

The ingredients are very similar as you can see. Most dog toothpaste consists of the same components.

There is a significant difference in the poultry flavoring between these two. As you can see from the evidence above the ingredients would not vary much between brands.

Although the latter toothpaste is a discount brand its ingredients are the same as those found in the other which is sold at a premium.

These are the top ingredients in dog toothpaste:

A combination of sorbitol dicalcium phosphate hydrated silica glycerin and dextrose

Lets examine each of these

Sorbital:

Sugar alcohols such as sorbital can be found in fruits and vegetables. Many people use it as a sweetener and it is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Dicalcium Phosphate:

The powdered form of dicalcium phosphate is white and has a slight odor. It is an effective abrasive that can help scratch teeth. Antibacterial properties may also be present.

Hydrated Silica:

Another abrasive is hydrated silica which is more gentle on the teeth than dicalcium phosphate. Additionally it is used to make cosmetic products like facial creams and powders.

Glycerine:

As a base for toothpaste glycerine is found in many different foods. In addition it is found naturally in mucus and body fluids.

Dextrose:

Sugar dextrose is found naturally in all types of plants. In toothpaste it works as a bulk agent and can help kill bacteria in your dogs mouth.

Most dog toothpaste on the market contains all of these ingredients. Seeing any of these ingredients should not alarm you because they are safe for your dog. Each ingredient is completely harmless.

Can dogs use human toothpaste?

No thats the short answer. It has to do with xylitol. Can you tell me what xylitol is?  Sweeteners such as xylitol are sugar substitutes. In addition to causing severe illness and even death in your dog xylitol is bad for their teeth.

Your dog can develop low blood sugar seizures and liver failure from xylitol consumption. Therefore you want to keep your human toothpaste as far away from your dog as possible so they would not be able to get to it.

Why has dog toothpaste got an expiry date?

Fluoride is in dog toothpaste just like it is in human toothpaste. Fluoride may degrade over time and become less effective.

Due to this you may need to replace the toothpaste more often than you originally anticipated. Due to this the expiration date is placed on the label so you know when it should be thrown out.

If you have more than one dog you should not have a problem using the toothpaste before its expiration date has passed.

If you have only one dog you need to pay attention to the date when purchasing it from the store. The expiration date of the toothpaste should be clearly indicated on the package.

Ask someone at the store you’re purchasing the toothpaste from about the expiration date and they should be more than happy to help you find it.

Is it possible to use expired dog toothpaste?

It is still possible to use expired toothpaste. However you should consider how far past the expiration date the toothpaste is.

The toothpaste is probably safe to use if we’re talking about weeks or a few months. In any case if the toothpaste is more than a year old throw it out and get another one.

Its more than likely that your dog would not get sick from it but its not worth the risk. That means you probably bought toothpaste past its expiration date so you should shop at a store that has fresher products.

Will dog toothpaste help with bad dog breath?

Your dogs teeth will be effectively cleaned when he uses dog toothpaste. Plaque and tartar which are the leading causes of bad breath in dogs are removed.

Bad breath in dogs is usually caused by bacteria getting into their mouths and causing the odor. Even though you can brush your dogs teeth there is no way to thoroughly clean them.

Because of this you should always use toothpaste.

Those dog toothpaste with polishing agents and fluoride are the best for your dogs teeth.

In order to be sure you’ll get a clean mouth you need toothpaste that contains all these ingredients.

In addition to the smell of your dogs breath you will also notice that their teeth are sparkling clean.

What are some of the best-selling brands of dog toothpaste?

We have compiled a list of some of the best dog toothpaste brands you can buy online and in retail stores. 

Veterinarys Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste

Toothpaste with enzymatic activity by Virbac CET

Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste by Petrodex Advanced Dental Care

Complete Care Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste by Arm & Hammer

Oral Care Gel for Pets with TropiClean Fresh Breath No Brushing

There is a toothpaste for dogs from Arm & Hammer. Give it a try for your dog if you trust the brand for your teeth. You should however keep your toothpaste separate from your dogs. Their packaging is similar so you might mistake one for the other.

Conclusion

You already know how devastating gum and teeth issues can be if your dog is one of the unfortunate 80%. You will also suffer if your dog has bad breath because bad breath is almost an instant turn-off for many people. With an unhealthy mouth there are more health risks than just being odorous.

You might find the concept of brushing a dogs teeth a bit absurd if you have never done so before.

Since you have been visiting the dentist for years and taking care of your teeth you know that proper oral hygiene is nothing to be embarrassed about.

In order for your dog to live a long healthy life you need to take good care of their teeth and gums so they do not become one of the 80% of dogs who suffer from periodontal disease.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.