Did you know there are toothpastes formulated specifically for pets? In fact, you should only use these specially formulated pastes because ingredients in human toothpaste can upset your dog's stomach. Pet-friendly toothpastes come in pet-friendly flavors such as beef, poultry, peanut butter, vanilla-mint and malt.

When choosing a dog-friendly toothpaste, try different flavors to find one your dog enjoys -- or at least tolerates. Choose pastes, gels and rinses that contain chlorhexidine, hexametaphosphate or zinc gluconate to control plaque, heal inflamed gums and help reduce bad breath. Dogs diagnosed with periodontal disease may need fluoride -- a veterinarian may prescribe special fluoride treatments and toothpastes as treatment. When choosing toothpaste, be sure you buy one free of salt or detergents (ingredients normally found in people-friendly toothpaste) that can froth and make dogs sick if swallowed.