Our picks of dog dental and ear care
4 picks, updated 17 September 2026
A dog toothbrush and an ear cleaner are the two bits of grooming kit most dogs never meet. Both are far easier little and often than sorting things out at the vet later, and five minutes a week covers it.
These four cover a brushing routine, an easy option for dogs that take to a finger instead, and ear cleaning from the outer flap right down into the canal. Together they make a small weekly habit that pays off for years.
Our picks
- 1
Arm & Hammer
Tartar Control Dental Kit, banana mint
Why we picked it
Regular brushing is the best way to look after a dog's teeth at home, and this kit has everything to start. There is a dual ended toothbrush for the back teeth, a soft finger brush for dogs that prefer one, a brush cover, and banana mint toothpaste made with natural ingredients. Arm and Hammer say it reduces tartar and freshens breath.
- Type
- Dental kit
- Best for
- Starting a brushing routine
- Price band
- £
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- 2
Vet's Best
Dental Care Finger Wipes, 50
Why we picked it
Some dogs take to a finger far more happily than a brush. You slip one wipe over a finger and rub the teeth and gums in small circles, which is easy to control and clears food and film. Vet's Best say regular use helps reduce plaque build up and freshens breath. There are fifty single use wipes in the tub.
- Type
- Dental wipes
- Best for
- Dogs that prefer a finger wipe
- Price band
- £
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- 3
Vet's Best
Ear Relief Finger Wipes, 50
Why we picked it
Floppy ears and dogs that swim collect wax, and a wipe keeps the part you can see clean between checks. These slip over a finger, lift dirt and dissolve waxy build up, and they are made with plant based ingredients including witch hazel and aloe vera. Vet's Best suggest once or twice a week. There are fifty in the tub.
- Type
- Ear wipes
- Best for
- Routine ear cleaning
- Price band
- £
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- 4
Otodine
Ear Cleaning Solution, 100ml
Why we picked it
A wipe cleans the outer ear, and a liquid wash reaches into the canal where wax and debris gather. You fill the canal, massage the base for about a minute, then wipe the loosened material away with cotton wool. Otodine use chlorhexidine with TRIS-EDTA and describe it as non-stinging and gentle enough for puppies. It suits floppy eared breeds and swimmers.
- Type
- Ear cleaner
- Best for
- Floppy ears and swimmers
- Price band
- £
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Side by side
| # | Pick | Type | Best for | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Dental Kit, banana mint | Dental kit | Starting a brushing routine | £ |
| 2 | Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes, 50 | Dental wipes | Dogs that prefer a finger wipe | £ |
| 3 | Vet's Best Ear Relief Finger Wipes, 50 | Ear wipes | Routine ear cleaning | £ |
| 4 | Otodine Ear Cleaning Solution, 100ml | Ear cleaner | Floppy ears and swimmers | £ |
Questions people ask
How often should I use a dog toothbrush?
Daily is the target, and a few times a week still does real good. Start with a few seconds on the front teeth and build up, so the dog comes to enjoy the routine and the toothpaste flavour.
Can I use human toothpaste on a dog?
Use a toothpaste made for dogs, because it is meant to be swallowed and comes in flavours a dog looks forward to. A dog toothbrush kit comes with the right paste in the box, which keeps it simple.
How often should I use a dog ear cleaner?
As often as the ears need it. Floppy eared dogs and swimmers do well with a clean every week or two, and many dogs need it less. A vet check sorts any ear that is red, sore or being shaken.