Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste

Petsmile Professional is a toothpaste for pets. It is one of the few toothpastes on the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s accepted products list for dogs, where it carries a plaque claim.

Who it suits

Owners who want a toothpaste with the VOHC seal to use with regular brushing. Dogs that dislike a new taste may need a few sessions to accept it.

Key facts

• Listed by VOHC for dogs: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, claim: plaque, seal awarded 2011 (VOHC)
• Flavors: Cheese, Rotisserie Chicken, London Broil (Vetstreet)
• 2.5 oz tube in the size tested (Whole Dog Journal)
• Free from fluoride, sulfates, parabens, gluten, BPA and silica, and contains calcium peroxide (PetsRadar)

What reviewers say

Whole Dog Journal tested four dog toothpastes and named this its best VOHC approved pick; its tester dogs were skeptical of the London broil flavor at first but eventually warmed up to it. Vetstreet quotes veterinarian Jamie Whittenburg, who says it comes in three dog pleasing flavors and carries the VOHC seal. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: On the VOHC accepted products list (plaque claim)
• Pro: Three flavors to try
• Pro: PetsRadar says it is free from fluoride and sulfates
• Con: The VOHC listing is for plaque, not tartar
• Con: Some dogs need time to accept the flavor, per Whole Dog Journal
• Con: We could not check the maker’s own label page

Cautions

• Use it with a soft toothbrush; vets call brushing the gold standard.
• Brushing does not replace your vet’s dental exams and cleanings.
• See your vet if gums bleed, teeth are loose or broken, or breath is very bad.