The best dental rinse for dogs is one with a clearly listed active ingredient, no xylitol, and a routine your dog will keep up every day. The research still points to brushing or a daily chew as the main way plaque comes down, so a rinse works best as a sidekick.
Choosing a dental rinse for your dog
If your dog bolts from the toothbrush, a rinse or water additive can keep a routine going. A 2023 trial of 40 dogs saw lower plaque scores with one pomegranate-based additive after a professional scale, though it tested a single product for 30 days. A 2025 comparison found deposits dropped mainly when brushing or a daily chew was part of the plan.
Chlorhexidine is the antiseptic vets talk about most. Products sold in Australia vary in what is registered and how they are labelled, so check the label and ask your vet which one suits your dog. No rinse dissolves tartar that has already formed; that needs a vet exam and possibly a scale and polish. See dog tartar vs plaque for the difference.
Safety: xylitol and human mouthwash
Skip human mouthwash and check every label for xylitol. Even a small amount can drop blood sugar fast, so if your dog gets into any, call your vet or your nearest after-hours emergency clinic straight away, especially on hot days when dogs drink more.
A no-rinse option
If rinsing is a fight, our dog dental powder is a brushless option you sprinkle on dinner. It is designed to support cleaner teeth and fresher breath as part of a daily routine; it is not a rinse and the studies above were not run on it. Made in North America, a certificate of analysis on every batch, and free worldwide shipping to Australia. Our guide to dental powder vs brushing goes deeper.
See your vet for red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, thick brown crust or sudden bad breath.
Sources: Gawor et al. 2023; Gawor et al. 2025; Murphy & Dunayer 2018.