Introduction
Dental health issues are unfortunately very common in dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by the age of 3, 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease. Left untreated, these issues can lead to serious health complications. Thankfully, using a veterinarian recommended dental water additive is an easy and effective way to improve your dog’s oral health from home.
In this article, we will explore the risks of poor canine dental health, the benefits of dental water additives, provide vet recommended products, and share tips on choosing and using dental water additives. We aim to provide dog owners with the information they need to improve their furry friend’s oral hygiene.
Dental Disease in Dogs
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs, with over 80% of dogs aged 3 years and older affected to some degree (https://www.wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2023/04/15/common-dog-dental-diseases). The most prevalent dental diseases in dogs are tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It is composed of bacteria, food particles, and minerals from saliva. As tartar accumulates, it provides an environment for more bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums known as periodontal disease (https://brownvethospital.com/blog/dog-dental-disease/). Periodontal disease can cause receding gums, tooth loss, and bone loss in the jaw.
Tooth decay is also a common problem, occurring when plaque bacteria produce acids that demineralize and damage the tooth structure. This can lead to cavities, inflamed pulp, and tooth abscesses. Small dogs are especially prone to severe dental decay.
The main causes of dental disease in dogs are poor oral hygiene and buildup of plaque bacteria. Contributing factors include genetics, age, diet, and certain health conditions. Maintaining good oral health through brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings can help prevent these widespread dental problems.
Risks of Poor Dental Health
Poor dental health in dogs can lead to a number of serious health complications. According to PetMD, neglecting your dog’s teeth can result in gum inflammation, pathologic jaw fracture, kidney and liver disease, heart disease, and weight loss.
Gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases in dogs. It occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and leads to inflammation and infection in the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause permanent tooth loss and damage to the jaw bone, according to Autumn Trails Veterinary Clinic.
In advanced cases of gum disease, pathologic jaw fractures may occur. This is when the jaw bone becomes so damaged from infection that the jaw actually breaks. Treatment often requires surgical intervention.
Bacteria from gum infections can also spread through the bloodstream to major organs. According to PetMD, this can lead to liver, kidney, and heart disease in dogs.
Dental infections are painful and can make it difficult for dogs to eat. This often leads to weight loss and malnutrition. Proper dental care is essential to protecting your dog’s health.
Benefits of Dental Water Additives
Dental water additives can provide significant benefits for your dog’s oral health. Unlike brushing, which requires cooperation and effort, dental water additives work passively as your dog drinks. The active ingredients help reduce tartar and plaque buildup by:
- Loosening plaque and tartar, allowing them to be swallowed or rinsed away
- Inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing plaque from hardening into tartar
- Reducing bad breath by fighting bacteria in the mouth
- Slowing the formation of plaque and tartar to help prolong the time between professional cleanings
Using dental water additives is much easier than brushing for both dogs and owners. Dogs are more likely to accept drinking treated water than having their teeth brushed. Owners don’t have to struggle to brush their dog’s teeth daily.
While brushing may remove more plaque in the short term, dental water additives reduce plaque accumulation over time. The additive is incorporated into every sip of water, providing constant cleaning action. Brushing also cannot reach plaque under the gumline, whereas water additives help combat bacteria throughout the mouth.
Types of Dental Water Additives
There are several types of dental water additives that provide oral health benefits for dogs. The main categories include:
Antimicrobial Dental Additives
Antimicrobial dental additives contain ingredients that help kill bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Common antimicrobial agents found in these products include chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), zinc gluconate, and essential oils like thymol.
Anti-Plaque Dental Additives
Anti-plaque dental additives help prevent plaque from sticking to your dog’s teeth. They typically contain enzymes like glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase that interfere with plaque formation.
Anti-Tartar Dental Additives
Anti-tartar dental additives help prevent tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. They usually contain tetrasodium pyrophosphate or hexametaphosphate which bind to calcium to inhibit tartar formation.
Some products combine multiple ingredients and benefits. For example, a dental additive may have anti-plaque enzymes as well as antimicrobial ingredients to provide plaque control and kill bacteria for cleaner teeth and fresher breath.
Vet Recommended Brands
When choosing a dental water additive for your dog, it’s best to look for products that are recommended by veterinarians. Here are some of the top brands vets suggest:
Oxyfresh Pet Dental Solution
(Source) – This all-natural additive comes highly recommended by vets for its ability to reduce plaque and tartar. It uses stabilized chlorine dioxide to neutralize bacteria in the mouth.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath – (Source) – Tropiclean contains natural ingredients like green tea extract, zinc gluconate, and vitamin C to promote healthy gums and fresh breath. Many vets suggest this product.
Vet’s Best Dental Water Additive – Contains grapefruit seed extract, aloe vera, and chlorophyll to help prevent plaque buildup. Vets often recommend it as an easy dental care solution.
Pet King Fresh Breath Drops – These mint-flavored drops can simply be added to your dog’s water to kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and make their breath smell better. Vets recommend it as an effective daily dental care product.
How to Choose a Product
When choosing a dental water additive for your dog, there are several factors to consider:
- Ingredients – Look for natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and essential oils like peppermint oil. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Dosage – Follow dosage instructions carefully based on your dog’s weight. Using too much can cause stomach upset.
- Vet approval – Check that the product is veterinarian recommended and safe for regular use.
- VOHC approval – The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) tests and approves products that meet certain dental health standards. VOHC-approved additives provide the most benefit.
- Dog preference – Pick a flavor your dog enjoys, like chicken or peanut butter, to encourage drinking.
- Odor and stain control – Some additives help with bad breath and remove stains.
- Price – Dental additives can range from $10-$50 for a month’s supply. Choose one that fits your budget.
Talk to your veterinarian for personalized advice on choosing the best dental water additive for your dog’s needs. Pay close attention to ingredients, dosage guidelines, and VOHC approval to ensure effectiveness.
Using Dental Water Additives
When starting to use a dental water additive for your dog, it’s important to follow the instructions for proper introduction and ongoing use. This will help ensure your dog adjusts well and receives the full benefits.
Most veterinarians and manufacturers recommend introducing dental water additives gradually over a 7-10 day transition period. Start by adding a small amount of the additive to your dog’s water, following package directions. Slowly increase the amount added each day, until reaching the full recommended dose for your dog’s weight.
This gradual introduction allows your dog’s stomach time to adjust to the additive and reduces chances of gastrointestinal upset. It also allows time for plaque and tartar to slowly break down, rather than shedding all at once which could be uncomfortable.
For ongoing use, continue adding the dental water additive to your dog’s fresh water daily, aiming to maintain the full recommended dosage. Make sure to follow all usage and storage instructions to preserve the additive’s effectiveness. Shake or stir the water well before giving it to your dog.
Most dental water additives are safe for continuous, long-term use. They provide the best plaque prevention results when given consistently over time. Periodically check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is receiving the right dosage and the additive is providing good dental health benefits.
Additional Dental Care Tips
While dental water additives can be very beneficial for dogs’ oral health, they should be used in conjunction with other dental care practices for optimal results. Some additional tips for keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy include:
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily or several times per week with a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that is formulated to be safe if swallowed. Brushing helps remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.[1]
Offering dental treats and chews formulated to help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. Look for treats with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval.[2]
Having your veterinarian examine your dog’s teeth and oral health at annual wellness exams. Your vet can spot early signs of dental disease and recommend any needed treatment.
Following your veterinarian’s advice on professional dental cleanings. Some dogs may need periodic deep cleanings under anesthesia to fully remove tartar and plaque below the gumline.
Monitoring your dog’s eating habits and breath odor, which can indicate dental issues. Report any abnormalities to your veterinarian promptly.
Asking your vet about prescription dental diets or treats that may help control plaque and tartar. Some foods are designed to scrub teeth during chewing.
With vigilance and a proactive approach to dental care, you can help ensure your dog’s teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come.
The Takeaway
Proper dental care is extremely important for your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Dental disease, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, infections, pain, and other serious health complications. Using a vet recommended dental water additive is an easy and effective way to improve your dog’s dental health.
Look for dental water additives that contain ingredients like stabilized chlorine dioxide, zinc gluconate, or tetrasodium pyrophosphate. These active ingredients work to reduce tartar buildup, fight bacteria, and freshen breath.
When using a dental water additive, be sure to follow the package directions. Add the recommended amount to your dog’s water bowl daily. Combining dental water additives with brushing, dental treats, and professional cleanings will provide the best results.
Giving your dog plenty of dental chews, avoiding sugary treats, scheduling regular vet dental exams, and monitoring for signs of dental disease are also key to protecting your furry friend’s smile. With some simple preventative steps, you can help set your dog up for good oral and overall health.