Short answer: choose the product according to what your pet will tolerate. If it accepts a brush – toothpaste and a brush every day; if not – a finger brush, then a no-brush gel, foam or spray, and for the most stubborn pets a water additive or seaweed powder in the food. No-brush products complement care, and tartar that has already formed can only be removed by a vet.
Why teeth need daily care, how plaque turns into tartar and which breeds are more prone to it are covered in our article how to prevent tartar. Here we focus on the question “which Bugalugs product should I choose”.
The ladder: from the toothbrush to the water bowl
We have ordered the options from the most effective to the easiest. Start at the top and move down only if your pet will not accept the previous step. Almost all Bugalugs dental products are for dogs and cats from 12 weeks of age.
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mechanical cleaning with a brush remains the most effective home care. Pet toothpastes are not rinsed off – they are safe to swallow. Bugalugs Advanced Dental Care Enzymatic Toothpaste is liver flavoured and contains the enzymes protease and glucose oxidase, which help break down plaque. It is a good choice for dogs that refuse mint. For pets that like freshness, there is a mint toothpaste gel.
Apply a pea-sized amount and clean with circular movements along the teeth and gum line. For larger teeth, the kit with toothpaste gel and triple-headed toothbrush is handy – the three heads clean the front, back and top of the tooth at the same time.
2. Finger brush
Many dogs and cats dislike a brush handle in their mouth but will let you touch them with a finger. The silicone finger brush is soft, massages the gums and gives you more control – you can feel exactly where you are cleaning. It also suits first attempts with puppies and kittens. You will find one in the kit with toothpaste and finger brush.
3. No-brush gel, foam or spray
When a brush is not an option, no-brush products are applied directly to the teeth and gums, and your pet spreads them with its tongue:
- Bugalugs Dental Care Clean Teeth Gel – 2 drops on each side of the mouth.
- Bugalugs Dental Care Foam – one pump of foam directly onto the teeth and gums.
- The mint dental spray – a few sprays into the mouth, also handy for freshening breath quickly.
All three are mint flavoured. If your pet cannot stand mint, try the antiseptic dental spray, which is practically tasteless. Do not use the foam or gel on irritated, bleeding or badly inflamed gums without asking your vet.
4. Water additive or powder in the food
For pets that will not let you touch their mouth, the “passive” products remain. Bugalugs Dental Care Solution Water Additive is tasteless and odourless – measure it with the cap and add it to fresh drinking water. Never give it undiluted.
Bugalugs Dental Plaque Remover is a powder made from 100% hand-harvested Irish brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), sprinkled on food with the spoon provided. According to the description, it works through the saliva and softens plaque, and the first results show after 3 to 8 weeks of daily use. There is also a separate version for cats. Seaweed is rich in iodine, so the product is not recommended for dogs and cats with a thyroid condition; if your pet is on medication, consult your vet first. Follow the dose in the table on the pack.
5. Dental wipes
Bugalugs Dental Care Wipes are wrapped around a finger and used to wipe the teeth and gums. The textured surface mechanically removes some of the plaque and food debris. They are handy when travelling and for getting young animals used to dental care, and the wipes are biodegradable.
6. Dental sticks and hard chews
Chewing adds mechanical cleaning – as the dog gnaws, the texture scrapes away some of the plaque. Bugalugs Dental Sticks are grain-free dental sticks with chicken and Irish seaweed, with six ridges that clean the teeth and massage the gums. For dogs that like a longer, harder chew, Bugalugs Himalayan cheese chews are handmade from cow’s milk air-dried for at least three months and come in sizes for small, medium and large dogs. The sticks and chews are for dogs, count towards the daily calories and complement brushing rather than replace it. Give them under supervision and take the last piece away once it is small enough to be swallowed whole – more in our guide to chew treats.
A quick comparison
| Product type | Brush needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| toothpaste and toothbrush | yes | pets that accept brushing |
| toothpaste and finger brush | yes, but softer | sensitive pets, puppies and kittens |
| gel, foam, spray | no | pets that let you lift the lip |
| wipes | no | travel, getting used to dental care |
| water additive, seaweed powder | no | pets that will not let you touch the mouth |
The kits: if you do not know where to start
The Bugalugs Dental Starter Kit combines both approaches: toothpaste gel, water additive, triple-headed toothbrush, finger brush and seaweed powder. It is useful if you have several pets with different temperaments – one accepts a brush, another only an additive in the water.
The Bugalugs Dental No Brushing Kit is for pets that will not accept brushing at all: it contains a dental gel, a water additive and a dental spray, used together as a system.
How to get your pet used to it
- For the first few days, just touch the muzzle and lift the lip for a few seconds, then praise your pet.
- Let it lick a little toothpaste or gel from your finger so it gets used to the taste.
- Start with a few front teeth and gradually increase the time.
- Pick a calm moment of the day and finish with play or a walk.
The earlier you start, the easier it is. You can set a dental care reminder in the care plan in your profile (My pets).
When to see a vet
No home product removes tartar that has already hardened. Book a vet appointment if you notice persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown deposits at the base of the teeth, swelling, pain, or if your pet favours one side when eating or refuses food. After a professional clean, home care helps new deposits build up more slowly.
Suitable products
All the products in this article are in the Care – teeth collection, and the whole brand in Bugalugs. If you are unsure, start with toothpaste and a finger brush, and add the water additive for days when you cannot clean the teeth.
Read more: Bugalugs: which range for what and Bugalugs for cats.
Frequently asked questions
Are the products suitable for cats?
Yes, almost the whole dental range is for dogs and cats from 12 weeks of age. The seaweed powder also comes in a separate version for cats. With cats it is often easier to start with a gel, wipes or a water additive than with a brush.
Can I combine several products?
Yes, the kits are designed exactly for that – for example, brushing a few times a week and a water additive every day. Follow the instructions for each product and never give the water additive undiluted.
How soon will I see results?
Fresher breath is usually noticeable quickly. For the seaweed powder, the description gives 3 to 8 weeks of daily use for a visible effect. Consistency matters – if you stop, plaque starts building up again.
Can I use human toothpaste?
No. Human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed, and some toothpastes contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs. Use a toothpaste made for pets.
