Feeding & Safety
Brushing, a dental gel and daily dental chews make a strong at-home routine — but chews are still food and still a chewing hazard if given carelessly, and oral care products have their own rules. This page covers how to use everything in the Dog Dental Care Kit safely.
The short version
- Always supervise your dog while they chew. Any chew is a choking and blockage risk if swallowed whole.
- Keep fresh drinking water available at all times.
- Follow the directions printed on each pack — they take precedence over anything here.
- Match the kit to your dog's weight, not their breed or enthusiasm. A chew that's too small for a dog can be swallowed whole instead of chewed.
- Our kits cover dogs 2 to 18 kg. Whimzees Toothbrush chews are for dogs over 9 months.
- Chews are extra calories. Reduce meal portions accordingly so your dog doesn't gain weight.
Which size should I choose?
The kit size follows the manufacturer's weight rating for the Whimzees Toothbrush chews inside. If you're not sure what your dog weighs, your vet or a pet shop will have scales.
| Kit size | Dog weight | Whimzees Toothbrush | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 2–7 kg | X-Small · 48 treats | Chihuahua · Yorkshire Terrier · Pomeranian · Toy Poodle · Papillon · Miniature Dachshund · Maltese · Shih Tzu |
| S | 7–12 kg | Small · 24 treats | Pug · West Highland White Terrier · Miniature Schnauzer · Boston Terrier · Jack Russell Terrier · Cavoodle · Cavalier King Charles Spaniel · Bichon Frise |
| M | 12–18 kg | Medium · 12 treats | Staffordshire Bull Terrier · English Cocker Spaniel · Kelpie · Whippet · Brittany · larger Beagles |
Breed lists are guides, not rules — weigh your dog if you can. Sitting right on a boundary (7 kg or 12 kg)? Email us and we'll tell you which size we'd send. We don't stock a kit for dogs over 18 kg.
Brushing — Pet-Rite Dental Kit
- Use pet toothpaste only. Never use human toothpaste on a dog.
- Start slowly: let your dog lick a little paste first, then brush a few teeth at a time and build up over days.
- The finger brush is a gentler start for dogs who aren't used to a toothbrush handle.
- Aim for short, calm, regular sessions and reward your dog afterwards.
- Rinse the brushes after use and replace them once the bristles are worn.
Mavlab Dental Spray Gel
- Contains chlorhexidine gluconate 1.2 mg/mL. Mavlab states it aids in the control of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Always follow the directions on the label. For animal use only.
- Don't use it if your dog has reacted to chlorhexidine before, and stop and see your vet if you notice irritation.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Whimzees Toothbrush chews
- One per day. For dogs over 9 months.
- Choose the right size so your dog chews thoroughly rather than swallowing pieces. Take the last piece away once it's small enough to swallow whole.
- Vegetarian and free from grains, gluten and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
For reference, the full Whimzees Toothbrush size range is: X-Small 2–7 kg · Small 7–12 kg · Medium 12–18 kg · Large 18–27 kg · X-Large 27 kg+. Our kits use the first three.
Puppies and senior dogs
Whimzees are recommended for dogs over 9 months. If your dog is still teething, or is a senior with dental disease, sore gums or missing teeth, check with your vet before starting brushing, a dental gel or hard chews.
Storage
Store everything in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and reseal the Whimzees pack after opening. Check use-by dates before use. These products are for dogs only — not for human use. Keep out of reach of children.
When to stop and call your vet
Stop and contact your vet if your dog shows any of the following:
- Gagging, retching, or difficulty swallowing
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite or unusual lethargy
- Bleeding from the mouth, or a broken or loose tooth
- Swelling, redness or irritation of the gums or mouth
If you think your dog has swallowed a large piece of chew whole, treat it as urgent and call your vet straight away.
An honest note on home dental care
Brushing, dental gels and dental chews help reduce plaque and tartar and freshen breath. What they don't do is replace professional veterinary dental care. If you're worried about your dog's teeth or gums, see your vet.
Questions
If you're unsure whether something suits your dog, ask us before you order — barkly.square9090@gmail.com. We'd rather talk you out of the wrong size than sell you one.