If you’ve ever gotten up close and personal with your dachshund, you’ve probably noticed something: their breath can be pretty intense. 😅 As a professional mini dachshund breeder based here in California, I’ve learned over the years that good dental care isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Dental issues are incredibly common in small breeds like dachshunds. The good news? With the right toothpaste and a little routine, you can keep your pup’s smile sparkling—and avoid expensive vet bills down the road.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best dog toothpaste for dachshunds, how I introduce brushing to my puppies, and what you should look for as a new (or seasoned) dachshund parent.
Why Dental Care Matters for Dachshunds
Dachshunds are prone to plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease. It’s not their fault—those little mouths and tightly packed teeth create the perfect hiding spots for bacteria.
🚨 What Can Happen If You Don’t Brush
- Bad breath (not just smelly—eye-watering)
- Gum inflammation and pain
- Tooth loss
- Bacteria entering the bloodstream, affecting organs like the heart and kidneys
I had a client once who adopted an adult dachshund from a shelter. His teeth were so neglected that seven had to be pulled. It broke my heart—and the whole thing could have been prevented with basic brushing.
What to Look for in a Dog Toothpaste for Dachshunds
Not all pet toothpastes are safe—or effective. Here’s what I always recommend looking for (and avoiding).
✅ Safe Ingredients
Choose a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Never use human toothpaste—it often contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Instead, look for:
- Enzymatic cleaners (break down plaque)
- Natural flavors (chicken, peanut butter, vanilla)
- No artificial dyes or foaming agents
✅ Flavor Matters
Dachshunds are picky eaters! If the toothpaste doesn’t taste good, brushing becomes a wrestling match. Most doxies love chicken or vanilla flavors best.
✅ Gentle Texture
You want a smooth formula that spreads easily and doesn’t irritate gums. A good dog toothpaste doesn’t foam and doesn’t require rinsing.
My Top 5 Dog Toothpastes for Dachshunds (Breeder-Approved)
Here are my go-to picks—these have all been tested on dozens of pups I’ve raised and trained over the years.
🥇 1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Flavor: Poultry, vanilla-mint, beef, seafood
- Why I Love It: Trusted by vets, strong enzyme formula
- Bonus: My puppies lick it off the brush—no struggle!
This is the one I use in my daily brushing routine at the kennel. It’s effective, gentle, and dachshunds seem to love the poultry flavor best.
🥈 2. Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste
- Flavor: London broil
- Why I Love It: Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
- Bonus: Doesn’t require brushing (great for squirmy pups)
It’s a little pricier, but perfect if your dachshund hates the brush. Just rub it on with your finger or a soft cloth.
🥉 3. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Flavor: Natural aloe, enzymes, and neem oil
- Why I Love It: All-natural and great for sensitive mouths
- Bonus: Comes in a set with a finger brush
I’ve used this for puppies with allergies or delicate gums—it’s soothing and gentle.
⭐ 4. Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
- Flavor: Poultry
- Why I Love It: Budget-friendly, good for multi-dog households
- Bonus: Helps reduce tartar buildup quickly
This is my go-to for families adopting more than one pup from me. It’s affordable and still gets the job done.
🍃 5. Natural Dog Company Toothpaste
- Flavor: Sweet potato & cinnamon
- Why I Love It: Organic, cruelty-free, and smells great
- Bonus: No artificial sweeteners or chemicals
I once had a picky eater puppy named Cooper—this was the only toothpaste he liked. Now I always keep a tube on hand just in case!
How I Introduce Brushing in My Breeding Program
We start dental care early. Around 8 weeks old, I begin gently rubbing the puppies’ gums with my finger and introducing a finger brush with flavored toothpaste.
Here’s how I ease them into it:
🐶 Step-by-Step Brushing Routine
- Let them lick the toothpaste first (get them hooked!)
- Rub it on their gums and teeth using a finger brush
- Praise and reward with a treat afterward
- Keep sessions short (30–60 seconds is enough at first)
By the time our puppies are ready to go to their new homes, they’re already familiar with brushing—and many even enjoy it!
Tips for Brushing Your Dachshund’s Teeth at Home
It’s not always easy, but consistency and positivity make all the difference.
🕒 How Often Should You Brush?
Ideally: daily
Realistically: 3–4 times a week will still prevent plaque buildup.
🧸 Make It a Routine
Do it at the same time each day (after dinner or before bed). Keep it calm, quick, and follow up with cuddles.
😅 If They Hate It…
- Use a finger brush first
- Try a no-brush toothpaste like Petsmile
- Always pair brushing with positive reinforcement
Our Puppies Come with a Head Start on Dental Care
When you adopt from our mini dachshund breeding program, your puppy has already been introduced to brushing. We even include a starter dental care kit with every adoption package.
Whether you’re local to California or across the country, we’re committed to raising healthy, happy pups—and that includes their teeth!
👉 Visit Our Online Pet Shop to see available puppies and learn more about our puppy health protocols.
Final Thoughts
Good dental hygiene starts early—and the right toothpaste can make all the difference in keeping your dachshund healthy and smiling. Whether you’ve got a brand new pup or a seasoned senior, now’s the perfect time to build that brushing habit.
If you have any questions about dental care, or need help picking the right product, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help new dachshund parents start off on the right paw. 🐾🦷