9 Best Dog Dental Wipes – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
Updated on
Some dentists like to say: a healthy mouth equals a healthy life! What’s true for you is just as true for your beloved fur baby! In fact, brushing is the most effective way to maintain a dog’s dental health. But as most dog owners know, these adorable furballs sometimes refuse to cooperate. If this is the case with your pet, dental wipes may be an appropriate alternative. While these products don’t compare in effectiveness to brushing, they can help remove stubborn plaque and tartar in between dental checkups at the vet.
But what version should you choose from the myriad products on the market? We did the hard work for you and developed reviews of the options available. Hopefully, these will help you choose the best dental wipes for your furry friend’s needs!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | MAXI-GUARD Pet Dental Wipes |
|
Check Price | |
Best Value | Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes |
|
Check Price | |
Premium Choice | Jax & Cali Dog & Cat Dental Wipes |
|
Check Price | |
Petkin Plaque Toothwipes |
|
Check Price | ||
Dechra Vetradent Dental Wipes |
|
Check Price |
The 9 Best Dog Dental Wipes
1. MAXI-GUARD Pet Dental Wipes — Best Overall
Ingredients: | Deionized water, glycerin, zinc gluconate |
Features: | Tartar and plaque removal, breath freshening |
Scented: | No |
The Maxi-Guard Pet Dental Wipes are the best overall dog dental wipes to keep your dog’s mouth pristine (or nearly!) between vet cleanings. They contain a neutralized zinc formula that works wonders in decreasing the bacteria that form on your dog’s teeth. These wipes are also tasteless, so they won’t upset your pup’s delicate palate or worse, encourage them to try to eat one while you look away! They are suitable for dogs of all ages and can be used daily without any problem. Additionally, they are super easy to use: Just wrap one around your finger and gently clean your pet’s teeth with it. The only downside is that these wipes are a bit pricey because you may need to use more than one wipe to clean your canine’s entire mouth.
- Zinc-based formula to fight tartar buildup
- Textured round pads easy to use
- Safe for daily use
- Neutralizes bad-breath odors
- Taste free and odorless
- Pricey
2. Vet’s Best Dental Care Finger Wipes Dog & Cat Dental Wipes — Best Value
Ingredients: | Glycerin, green tea extract, thyme oil |
Features: | Breath freshening |
Scented: | Yes |
The best dog dental wipes for the money are Vet’s Best Dental Care Finger Wipes! Besides their friendly price, they are infused with natural ingredients like thyme oil and green tea extract that effectively fight your pet’s bad breath. Their shape adapts well to your finger, which makes them convenient to use. However, they are quite small, so they may not be suitable for large fingers. Also, unlike some other options on this list, they don’t contain any active ingredients (like zinc gluconate or chlorhexidine), which means they may not be as ideal for removing plaque and tartar. That said, these wipes work great if used as affordable daily breath fresheners for your pup.
- Sturdy and handy
- Budget friendly
- Convenient
- Help keep your pet’s mouth fresh
- Don’t contain active ingredients
- Might not fit if you have big fingers
3. Jax & Cali Dog & Cat Dental Wipes — Premium Choice
Ingredients: | Bactase oral, purified water, natural peppermint flavor |
Features: | Plaque removal |
Scented: | Yes |
Jax & Cali Dog & Cat Dental Wipes will help you stay on top of your best pal’s dental health. These pre-moistened wipes contain natural enzymes that prevent inflammation, bacterial growth, and plaque buildup. They are made without alcohol, latex, or parabens and are cruelty free. The enzymes in these wipes also help promote fresher breath and whiter teeth. However, their high price may put off some dog owners (especially those with big mouths to clean). Also, the peppermint scent does not appeal to all dogs.
- Can be wrapped around two fingers
- Cruelty free and made in the U.S.A.
- Parabens and alcohol free
- Expensive
- Some dogs dislike the peppermint scent
4. Petkin Plaque Toothwipes
Ingredients: | Baking soda, cetylpyridinium chloride, mint flavor |
Features: | Breath freshening |
Scented: | Yes |
Petkin Plaque Toothwipes are the go-to product for cleaning those tiny puppy teeth. Cruelty free and eco-friendly, these are natural, non-toxic, and safe wipes for daily cleaning of puppies over 6 weeks old. They stay extra moist due to the handy resealable container. Natural ingredients like baking soda and fresh mint enable you to gently clean your pup’s teeth while freshening their breath. The wipes themselves are small enough for easy handling yet large enough for you to completely clean your dog’s mouth. Unfortunately, the strong minty smell can be a big no-no for some puppies, which can make cleaning up trickier.
- Safe and natural ingredients
- Works great for tiny puppy teeth
- Extra moist wipes
- Fresh mint scent helps reduce bad breath
- Convenient resealable snap-lid canister
- Some pups don’t enjoy the mint smell
5. Dechra Vetradent Dental Wipes for Dogs and Cats
Ingredients: | Sodium citrate, citric acid, zinc chloride |
Features: | Plaque and tartar removal |
Scented: | No |
Dechra Vetradent Dental Wipes contain a unique feature called “biotrate technology.” It helps break through biofilm—a layer of bacteria that adheres to the surfaces of the teeth—and effectively reduces the formation of plaque and tartar. Dechra Vetradent also contains zinc chloride to fight bad breath. This product is odorless and tasteless, so your dog shouldn’t be too bothered by it. However, the wipes are huge, so you may need to cut them into smaller pieces, though this will make them dry out faster for the next use. Also, they’re expensive, which is worse if they end up drying out quickly.
- Contains biotrate technology
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Helps promote healthy gums
- Seem to have a pleasant taste as most dogs like them
- Expensive
- May dry fast
6. Pet MD Apple & Mint Flavor Dog Dental Wipes
Ingredients: | Glycerine, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate |
Features: | Plaque removal |
Scented: | Yes |
The active ingredients of Pet MD Apple & Mint Flavor Dog Dental Wipes include sodium benzoate and sodium bicarbonate to effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup. These specially textured pads are also ideal for removing food debris stuck in your dog’s teeth. PetMD wipes have a count of 100 per container, so they should last you a while, though they are a bit expensive. The apple and mint flavor will help leave your dog’s breath fresher, but beware—some dogs may want to bite and eat them! Exercise caution when using these wipes to ensure that your dog does not choke on them.
- Contain active ingredients to remove plaque and tartar
- Nice smell of apple and mint
- Most dogs enjoy the taste
- Some pups may want to chew on them
- Smell will not appeal to all dogs
- Pricey
7. TrueBlue Pet Products Fast & Fresh Dog Dental Wipes
Ingredients: | Organic aloe vera, grape seed extract, sodium bicarbonate |
Features: | Plaque and tartar removal |
Scented: | Yes |
TrueBlue Pet Products Fast & Fresh Dog Dental Wipes are formulated by veterinarians to support healthy gums and reduce infections that lead to dental problems in pets. With natural ingredients like baking soda and peppermint, these wipes are convenient because they are textured on one side and are larger than other round wipes, making it easier to wrap around your fingers. They’re also hypoallergenic, cruelty free, biodegradable, and made in the U.S.A. But as good as these wipes seem to be, the peppermint is overwhelming for most pups, so it’s a hit-or-miss affair.
- Convenient size
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Cruelty free, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable
- Peppermint scent too strong for most dogs
8. Project Paws Dog & Cat Dental Wipes
Ingredients: | Chlorhexidine, gluconate 0.1%, sodium hexametaphosphate |
Features: | Plaque and tartar removal |
Scented: | Yes |
The main feature of the Project Paws Tartar & Plaque Control Dog Dental Wipes is that they include chlorhexidine gluconate, which is known to be an effective antimicrobial agent that helps control plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth. Consistent use of these wipes should result in fresher breath for your furry friend. Additionally, these wipes are safe for both dogs and cats to use. However, it’s worth noting that the strong minty scent of the wipes might remind your pet of human dental products, which could be off-putting. Also, some dogs may not like the taste of the wipes. Nonetheless, the index-like shape of these wipes makes it easy to reach all areas of your pet’s mouth, including the back teeth.
- Contains active ingredients to control plaque and tartar buildup
- Convenient and easy to use
- Smells like a human dental product
- Some dogs are put off by the strong scent
- Need to use more than one pad for big dogs
- Expensive
9. Frisco Dog Dental Care Wipes
Ingredients: | Water, peppermint oil, glycerine |
Features: | Breath freshening |
Scented: | Yes |
Frisco Dog Dental Care Wipes are an inexpensive option for maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene. These wipes are textured and appropriately sized to gently clean teeth and gums, and they also freshen breath with peppermint oil—which can be a bit too strong for some dogs’ noses! Also, the packaging design isn’t ideal because you have to remove the top of the container to access the wipes, which are pulled up and out of a tab. After using a wipe, you’ll need to put the lid back on top and push the remaining wipes back inside. This causes the wipes to dry out faster than expected.
- Affordable
- Reduces bad breath due to the strong minty scent
- Most dogs don’t like the peppermint oil scent
- Poorly designed package
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dental Wipes for Dogs
What Are the Benefits of Dental Wipes for Dogs?
Dog dental wipes have several benefits that include easy use, promotion of dental health, elimination of bad breath, and affordability. They are convenient to use because they only require your hands or fingers and leave no mess behind, unlike dog toothbrushes and toothpaste. While dental wipes cannot reach between teeth, they are still effective in removing plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring good oral care. Additionally, they are typically infused with natural ingredients to freshen breath and remove bacteria. Lastly, dental wipes are affordable and similar to traditional dog teeth cleaning tools like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Things to Consider When Finding the Best Dental Wipes for Dogs
Before shopping for dog dental wipes, you need to remember that the most important thing that you can do for your dog’s dental health is this: Go to your veterinarian at least once a year for a thorough oral health examination.
These assessments help identify dental problems before they become serious. Daily use of dental wipes can delay the progression of dental disease, but it never eliminates the need for an annual dental cleaning by a professional.
With that in mind, let’s see what you should be looking for in dental wipes for your pups.
Ingredients
The most important thing to do is to look for safe and active ingredients that will work well in reducing plaque and tartar buildup, such as:
- Chlorhexidine. This is a commonly used antimicrobial agent that helps reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to plaque and tartar buildup.
- Enzymes. Some dental wipes contain enzymes that help break down and remove plaque from teeth. These can be derived from various sources, including plants and animals.
- Sodium hexametaphosphate. This ingredient helps prevent tartar formation and can help remove existing tartar buildup.
- Baking soda. Baking soda has a powerful effect in removing stains and neutralizing odors in the mouth.
Note: Be wary of products with ingredients like peppermint, as many dogs are put off by this smell.
Size
When selecting a dog dental wipe, many people consider size to be the next important factor. Large pads are indeed more convenient to hold and are cost-effective. However, they may dry out quicker than small wipes. You should look for dental wipes that are easy to use and don’t require complicated procedures. They should fit comfortably over your finger or dental brush, making it simple to clean your dog’s teeth.
Packaging
Dog dental wipes should come in resealable packaging to maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out after opening.
Natural and Eco-Friendly
Whenever possible, opt for dental wipes made from natural and eco-friendly materials to minimize the environmental impact.
Conclusion
Nothing can replace tooth brushing when it comes to dental care for our canine pals. But when your stubborn pup just won’t let you do this important task, dental wipes can come to the rescue. This list has nine great products on the market, but for a safe and effective choice, you won’t go wrong with Maxi-Guard Pet Dental Wipes. For something more economical, Vet’s Best Dental Care Finger Wipes should do the trick. And if you’re ready to splurge to keep your canine companion’s mouth sparkling, try Jax & Cali Wipes or Dechra Vetradent. We hope that these reviews guide you to the best wipes to keep your dog’s mouth fresh and clean!