A good oral care routine for dogs does more than just keep doggy breath at bay. With over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 having dental disease, it’s important for dog owners to establish a healthy dental hygiene routine for their dogs.1 Dog mouthwashes and dental rinses are effective dental products that can help reduce the risk of developing dental issues. They’re also really easy to administer and help cover any spaces you may have missed with toothbrushing.
Because good dental hygiene is a priority for dogs, we’ve researched some of the best mouthwashes and dental rinses you can find. Our reviews are sure to help you find the right one that’ll keep your dog’s mouth clean and smelling fresh.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
The 10 Best Dog Mouthwashes & Dental Rinses
1. Vetoquinol Dentahex Dog & Cat Dental Rinse – Best Overall
Size:
8 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Water, glycerin, sorbitol
Features:
Plaque and tartar removal, breath freshening
Vetoquinol Dentahex Dog & Cat Dental Rinse is the best overall dog mouthwash and dental rinse because it has one of the most effective formulas for fighting plaque and tartar. The formula has anti-plaque and anti-calculus properties. It also contains chlorhexidine 0.12% and zinc, which are both ingredients that help prevent gum and tooth disease.
The bottle comes with a narrow applicator, which makes it easy to apply to your dog’s teeth and gums with accuracy. The rinse itself has a pleasant minty smell that works to freshen your dog’s breath. However, some dogs don’t like this flavor and can be more resistant to using this rinse. So, it may take some treats and extra positive reinforcement to help your dog get used to it.
Pros
Has anti-plaque and anti-calculus properties
Easy to apply on teeth and gums
Helps freshen dog’s breath
Cons
Dogs may not like the minty taste
2. Arm & Hammer Complete Care Dog Dental Rinse – Best Value
Size:
16 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Water, cetylpyridinium chloride, sorbitol
Features:
Breath freshening, tartar removal
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Arm & Hammer Complete Care Odorless & Flavorless Dog Dental Rinse is the best dog mouthwash and dental rinse for the money. It’s an additive that you mix with your dog’s drinking water and it works to fight tartar buildup. It also contains baking soda to help freshen your dog’s breath naturally.
Another great thing about this mouthwash is that it’s flavorless and odorless, so most dogs don’t notice that they’re drinking it. Just keep in mind that it’s formulated for adult dogs and may not be safe for your young puppy to use.
Pros
Fights tartar buildup
Naturally freshens breath
Flavorless and odorless
3. Friday’s Dog Mighty Mouth Dental Water Additive – Premium Choice
Size:
12 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Water, stabilized chlorine dioxide, sodium bicarbonate USP
Features:
Breath freshening, plaque, and tartar prevention
Friday’s Dog Mighty Mouth Oral Wellness Water Additive is a premium dog mouthwash with a high-quality formula that combats plaque and tartar buildup. A little goes a long way, as just 1 teaspoon of Mighty Mouth is enough for 8 ounces of water. It has about 69 servings per bottle, and you can start to see noticeable results within 1 to 3 months of consistent use.
The formula is alcohol-free and mint-free and is designed to be untraceable to dogs. However, we do want to point out that it does have a faint smell. Most dogs don’t mind it, but particularly picky dogs may not like the taste.
Pros
Combats plaque and tartar buildup
Serving size is 1 teaspoon a day
Alcohol-free and mint-free
Cons
Has a faint smell that picky dogs may not like
4. PetLab Co. Dental Formula Dog Dental Water Additive
Size:
8 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Purified water, sodium bicarbonate, potassium sorbate
Features:
Breath freshening, plaque and tartar removal
It can be challenging to find dog mouthwashes and dental rinses that are safe for puppies. So, it’s important to check the label to ensure your puppy can consume it. PetLab Co. Dental Formula Dog Dental Water Additive is safe for puppies 12 weeks and older, and it’s a great water additive to introduce to their dental hygiene routine. It has a gentle formula that’s free of alcohol, detergents, and sugars. The formula also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredients that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
This mouthwash is odorless but does a great job of freshening dog breath. The only downside is that it’s relatively expensive compared to other dog mouthwashes and dental rinses.
Pros
Safe for puppies over 12 weeks old
Free of alcohol, detergents, and sugars
Contains antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredients
5. Wellnergy Pets Dental Care Water Additive Supplement for Dogs
Size:
16 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Water and glycerine, peppermint oil and spearmint oil, stevia
Features:
Breath freshening, plaque, and tartar buildup
Wellnergy Pets Dental Care Water Additive does an excellent job of keeping your dog’s breath smelling fresh. It contains peppermint oil and spearmint oil to combat doggy breath and includes ingredients that reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Another benefit of this dog mouthwash is that it’s safe for puppies to use.
While this mouthwash does a great job of addressing bad breath, it’s not a very palatable option. Some dogs won’t mind the taste, but most picky dogs won’t like the minty flavor.
Pros
Works exceptionally well with freshening breath
Safe for puppies
Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup
Cons
Has a minty taste dogs may not like
6. Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Oral Care Dog & Cat Dental Water Additives
Size:
8 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Glucose oxidase, glycerine, potassium sorbate
Features:
Breath freshening, plaque removal
Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Oral Care is a considerable option for multi-pet households. It’s safe for both cats and dogs, and it comes with a convenient pump that eliminates any need to measure. The formula contains natural enzymes that target odor-causing bacteria. The enzymes also help reduce plaque biofilm formation by making plaque water-soluble.
This dog mouthwash is also alcohol-free, but it does contain sorbitol, which is a plant-based sugar alcohol. While sorbitol is non-toxic and safe for dogs to consume in small quantities, it can cause gastrointestinal upset for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
Safe for cats and dogs
Convenient pump eliminates measuring
Natural enzymes reduce bad breath and plaque buildup
7. Virbac CET Aquadent Fr3sh Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive
Size:
9 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Erythritol, inulin, pomegranate extract
Features:
Breath freshening, plaque removal
Virbac CET Aquadent Fr3sh Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive is a good value for multi-pet households. It’s safe for cats and dogs, and it comes in a large bottle that will last you longer than most other dog mouthwashes. It uses three natural active ingredients to target bad breath and plaque buildup. The erythritol helps freshen your dog’s mouth, and the pomegranate extract works to control plaque formation. This dog mouthwash also contains prebiotics that reduce bad breath by fighting odor-causing bacteria.
The only downside to this mouthwash is its seemingly noticeable taste. It doesn’t have an odorless formula, so particularly picky pets may not want to drink it.
Pros
Safe for cats and dogs
Budget-friendly option
Uses natural ingredients to target bad breath and plaque buildup
8. Creative Science BreathaLyser Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive
Size:
9 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Purified water, glycerine, polysorbate 20
Features:
Breath freshening
Creative Science BreathaLyser Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive works really well with freshening your dog’s breath. It contains ingredients that target odor-causing bacteria and can also reduce the source of halitosis. It’s a good budget-friendly option and is a great choice for multi-pet households with cats and dogs.
It’s important to note that this mouthwash is specifically designed to target bad breath. So, if you’re looking for a mouthwash that addresses plaque and tartar buildup, it’s best to choose a different option. This mouthwash also contains a small amount of Fd&C Blue #1, which is an artificial coloring agent. While it’s allowed by the FDA for consumption, it’s not a necessary ingredient and doesn’t contribute to freshening dog breath.
Pros
Can reduce source of halitosis
Budget-friendly
Safe for cats and dogs
Cons
Doesn’t prevent plaque buildup well
Contains artificial coloring
9. Dental Fresh Original Formula Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive
Size:
8 fl. oz, 0.5 gal, 1 gal
Main Ingredients:
Purified water, stabilized chlorine dioxide, sodium bicarbonate
Features:
Breath freshening, plaque removal
The Dental Fresh Original Formula Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive is a great budget-friendly option that also targets a variety of dental issues. It works to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and supports gum tissue health. It strengthens and protects the enamel and can help kill germs that are located in hard-to-reach places.
This water additive is also meant to freshen the breath instantly. However, freshening the breath isn’t its strong suit, and some users haven’t noticed any significant changes in their dog’s breath after using this product. The formula is also designed for adult dogs and isn’t recommended for puppies.
Pros
Reduces plaque and tartar buildup
Strengthens enamel
Supports gum tissue health
Cons
Doesn’t freshen breath well
Not recommended for puppies
10. TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Dog Dental Spray
Size:
4 fl. oz
Main Ingredients:
Water, glycerin, naturally derived alcohol
Features:
Breath freshening
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Dog Dental Spray is one of the best sprays that fights bad breath. It comes in a mint flavor and a peanut butter flavor that most dogs don’t mind. It’s also free of any sulfates, parabens, dyes, or artificial colors.
This dental spray is a good option for dogs that are still getting used to tooth brushing or aren’t fans of water additives. It’s quick and easy to use and will freshen your dog’s breath instantly. However, it’s not designed to address your dog’s oral care completely. It works best as a supplement to your dog’s main oral care routine or as a quick fix while you’re training your dog to get their teeth brushed.
Pros
Freshens breath instantly
Quick and easy to use
Comes in two flavors
Cons
Only supplemental to dog’s oral care routine
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Mouthwashe & Dental Rinse
There are a lot of options to look through when shopping for a new dog mouthwash or dental rinse. It’s easy to get swept up in marketing claims and narrow down your options. Here are three key factors that will keep you on track and make finding a new dog mouthwash easier for you.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
While dog mouthwashes are mostly known for freshening breath, they can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. So, if you want to improve your dog’s oral care, look for a dog mouthwash or dental rinse that contains ingredients that fight plaque and tartar. They’re a great way to target hard-to-reach spots that you may have missed while brushing your dog’s teeth.
Image Credit: K_Thalhofer, Thinkstock.
Odorless Formula
Some dogs may not mind having scents coming from the water bowl. However, dogs with picky palates are often suspicious of these smells and may stop drinking from their water bowl altogether. It’s often helpful to look for dog mouthwashes that have mild scents or an odorless formula. This can help immensely with getting your dog to drink their water and prevent dehydration. Just keep in mind that these types of dog mouthwashes may perform as well with freshening a dog’s breath.
Safe for Puppies
Some formulas aren’t safe for puppies, so it’s important to always check the product labels before purchasing a mouthwash or dental rinse. You can usually find information on whether the dog mouthwash is designed for puppies. The product listing also provides how many weeks old the puppy must be before they can start using it.
Conclusion
From our reviews, Vetoquinol Dentahex Dog & Cat Dental Rinse is our top choice because of its well-rounded formula, and it’s easy-to-use. Arm & Hammer Complete Care Odorless & Flavorless Dog Dental Rinse is an excellent option if you’re looking for a more affordable mouthwash. Friday’s Dog Mighty Mouth Oral Wellness Water Additive is worth every penny because it has a powerful formula that fights plaque build.
While dog mouthwashes can’t completely replace toothbrushing, they’re easy to use, help keep your dog’s teeth clean, and reduce bad odors. They’re definitely worth adding to your dog’s oral care routine.
Featured Image Credit: Zhuravleva Katia, Shutterstock
