1. What inspired the design of the Barkus 360° Toothbrush?

It stemmed from a common frustration shared within our own personal experiences. Existing brushes often felt jarring and uncomfortable, and the process was often a struggle for us and naturally our dogs. To address this, the Barkus and Fredicus teams collaborated closely. The design solution began with immersion – observing dogs during brushing, researching existing products, and deeply understanding the source of the discomfort. Fredicus’ ID team brought a fantastic level of rigor to the process, utilizing design thinking methodologies to identify core pain points and potential solutions. The collaboration blended a deep understanding of canine behavior with their expertise in ergonomics, materials science, and industrial design, resulting in a brush that prioritizes comfort and ease of use for both dog and owner.

2. What’s the story behind the materials used?

It really started with finding materials that were both gentle and effective. Silicone was a natural choice for the brush head – it's incredibly soft and flexible, meaning less poking and more gentle cleaning. It's also inherently safer if a dog happens to chew on it. And then there’s the aluminum handle. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it’s durable, feels amazing in the hand, and is a more sustainable alternative to plastic. It had to be something that felt premium and demonstrated our commitment to quality and minimizing our environmental impact.

3. How does the toothbrush reflect your design philosophy at Fredicus?

At Fredicus, we’re driven by a simple premise: thoughtful design should elevate everyday experiences. It’s about identifying those areas where existing solutions fall short and creating something genuinely better – not just trendy, but fundamentally improved. With Barkus, that meant deeply empathizing with the dogs (and their owners!) to understand their needs and discomforts. It’s about creating a product that seamlessly integrates into a dog’s routine, making dental care less of a chore and more of a positive, enjoyable experience. It’s about solving a problem with empathy and intention.

4. What challenge surprised you most in designing a product for dogs?

The biggest surprise was just how sensitive dogs are to texture and pressure. What felt perfectly fine to us in initial testing felt incredibly irritating to some dogs. We had to completely rethink our approach to the bristle density and head shape to find a design that was genuinely comfortable. It really highlighted the importance of prototyping and getting feedback from a wide range of dogs, considering their individual preferences.

5. How many prototypes did you go through before landing on the final design?

It was quite a journey! We can't give you a precise number, but let’s just say… many. Probably over 30+ distinct prototypes with hundreds of conceptual sketches. Each iteration brought us closer to a solution, but also revealed new challenges. We 3D printed countless variations, experimenting with different handle shapes, bristle types, and head sizes. Real-life pup feedback was invaluable – and sometimes brutally honest!

6. Why was a replaceable tip important to include?

Sustainability was a major driver, of course. We didn’t want to contribute to the mounting plastic waste problem. But beyond that, it's about functionality and longevity. The silicone tip was intentionally designed to be replaceable, allowing owners to swap it out as needed, significantly reducing overall waste compared to a traditional toothbrush. To offer flexibility and cater to varying usage patterns, we offer two convenient replacement options: Option 1 includes three replaceable tips, while Option 2 provides three tips plus one adapter, giving owners 9-12+ months of use. It allows us to minimize the environmental impact of the product while ensuring hygienic performance and extending the lifespan of the aluminum handle. This system allows owners to simply replace the silicone tip when it shows signs of wear, rather than discarding the entire toothbrush – a small change with a significant positive impact on waste reduction.

7. What makes the Barkus 360° Toothbrush design unique?

A key differentiator is the design of the individual silicone paddle bristles. They were engineered to be bi-directional, providing gentle resistance no matter which angle the brush is being used. This creates a comfortable and effective cleaning experience for the dog while minimizing strain for the owner.

8. What does “meaningful experience” look like in a product like this?

For us, it’s about the details. It’s about the comfortable weight in your hand, the gentle feel of the silicone on your dog’s gums, the quiet, consistent motion. It’s those seemingly small elements contributing to a feeling of trust and encouraging a routine. It’s about making a task that can often feel stressful into something positive and bonding.

9. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about dog dental health?

We wish people understood that dog dental health is about so much more than just fresh breath. It's about their overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health problems. Regular dental care is an act of love and preventative care – it’s an investment in a longer, healthier, and happier life for our furry friends.

10. What’s next for Barkus x Fredicus collabs?

We're incredibly excited about our upcoming work with Fredicus! Currently, we're deeply engaged in developing a truly revolutionary enrichment toy. We believe this toy has the potential to completely transform the category, offering dogs a new level of engaging and stimulating playtime. It's been a fascinating design process, combining Fredicus’s expertise in playful design and durable construction with Barkus’s understanding of canine behavioral needs. We can’t share too many details just yet, but it's something we believe will bring a lot of joy and enrichment to dogs and their owners – stay tuned for an official unveiling soon!