You've tried everything to get Fido to let you brush his teeth. Begging, pleading, and yes, even hog-tying your pup, and still, he fights it every single time. It's exhausting, we know.
While brushing your pet's teeth is the most effective (82%) way to keep plaque and bacteria at bay, it's not the only weapon you have in your dental arsenal to help your pet keep those pearly whites clean and healthy.
Chews — The next-best method of daily plaque management is dental chews. Dental chews can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and massage gums. Pet dental chews can be up to 70% effective in promoting oral health in dogs, but they should not be relied upon as the sole method of dental care.
It's important to choose dental chews that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits and to supervise your dog while he chews to ensure he doesn't choke or swallow pieces that are too big. It's also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine if dental chews are a good choice for your dog and to discuss the best type and frequency of use for the best results.
Water Additives — Dental water additives can be a helpful supplement for promoting oral health in pets and are about 55% effective. These additives can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and support healthy gums. Still, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of dental care.
It's important to choose a dental water additive specifically formulated for pets and follow the recommended dosage instructions. Also, consult with your veterinarian to determine if a dental water additive is a good choice for your pet and to discuss the best type and frequency of use for optimal oral health.
Keep in mind that not all pets will readily accept the taste of dental water additives, so it may take some time for your pet to get used to the new flavor. If your pet refuses to drink water with the additive, it may be best to try a different product or consider alternative methods of promoting oral health.
Dental Diet — Dental diets for pets can be up to 39% effective in promoting oral health, as they are specially formulated to clean teeth and freshen breath. The chewing process of consuming these diets can help remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
It's also important to choose a dental diet appropriate for your pet's size, age, and health status and follow the recommended feeding instructions. Also, the dental diet should be 100% of your pet's diet and not be used as a treat or in addition to another diet. Your pet's veterinarian can help you determine if a dental diet is a good choice for your pet and discuss the best type and frequency of use for optimal oral health.
If you choose to do more than one of the above-mentioned dental preventatives, dental chews (70% effective) and water additives (55% effective) for example, the effectiveness is not going to be 125%. In this scenario, the maximum effectiveness is 70%. Just be sure to follow your pet’s veterinarian for dental prevention and when your pet will need a dental cleaning.
