Dog Toothpaste – Whole Dog Journal
[ad_1]
The phrase “toothpaste for dogs” sounds like the punchline to a joke – the epitome of a ridiculous product that’s not necessary but is being marketed by an avaricious industry looking to profit by foisting useless gear on unsuspecting dog owners. I’m sure that some comedian somewhere could get a good five minutes of laughs out of the topic.
The truth is, though, that toothpastes that are formulated for pets are helpful. They improve the mechanical effect of the toothbrush, their abrasive ingredients improve the plaque-removing effect of brushing, and their enzymatic ingredients help reduce the population of bacteria present in a dog’s mouth.
Why is this so important? To prevent a cascade of ill effects for your dog. Bacterial overgrowth, also referred to as “biofilm,” causes infection and inflammation when it accumulates below the gum line. Biofilm becomes plaque; plaque promotes the formation of tartar, and both substances give the bacteria more surfaces to cling to and opportunity to proliferate under the gums. And bacteria can not only contribute to bad breath, but also contribute to periodontal disease, which has been linked to severe deleterious effects throughout the body, including the liver, kidney, heart, and lungs. Studies have established a link between canine dental disease and diabetes, “distant neoplasia” (gastrointestinal, kidney, pancreatic, and hematological cancers), chronic inflammation, and early mortality.
To recap: It’s critically important to help your dog keep his teeth clean!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DOG TOOTHPASTE
We’ll start by mentioning that there is an organization – the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) – that examines any applicable research studies that might prove the effectiveness of various veterinary dental products as they relate to one of two possible claims: “Helps control plaque” and “Helps control tartar.” Interestingly enough, only one pet toothpaste on the market carries one of those claims: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste, which earned the VOHC seal for “Helps control plaque.” That was enough to make this product our favorite, despite the fact that it’s way more expensive than its competitors.
The one thing that all pet toothpaste manufacturers seem to agree on is that these products should contain an abrasive ingredient. If that sounds alarming, relax: Abrasive ingredients make up at least 50% of human toothpastes!
Commonly used abrasive ingredients include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda), sodium chloride (salt), various forms of silica, and dicalcium phosphate.
Pet toothpaste should have a flavor that’s (at a minimum) not aversive to dogs and (at best) pleasant. It’s generally accepted that most dogs don’t particularly enjoy minty flavors, so you’ll see most pet toothpastes flavored with either an artificial sweetener, an artificial peanut butter, or meat “flavor.” We tasted every toothpaste we included in this review and not one, in our opinion, tasted like either meat or peanut butter. Some were vaguely sweet.
That said, dogs have far fewer taste buds than we do – about 1,700 compared to about 9,000 in humans – so, as long as the toothpaste doesn’t taste bad, perhaps the taste isn’t that important.
It’s well established that the mechanical action of brushing is the most effective home care that owners can provide to their dogs. But the use of products that contain antimicrobial agents can increase the efficacy of brushing. Antimicrobial agents reduce the bacterial population in the dog’s mouth and reduce the formation of the biofilm which, left undisturbed, would begin to form plaque and, eventually, tartar.
If your dog resists the brushing process, and you’re able to get only a little antibacterial toothpaste into his mouth, don’t despair. Several studies have indicated that the simple introduction of antimicrobial toothpastes into a dog’s mouth – even without the mechanical brushing action – is more beneficial to the dog than no action being taken at all.
WHAT DOG TOOTHPASTES SHOULD NOT CONTAIN
Photo Credit: Oleksii Stasiuk/Dreamstime.com
We hope that all dog owners are aware that they shouldn’t use toothpaste that is formulated for humans when they brush their dogs’ teeth. There are a number of ingredients in human toothpaste that are problematic – and even downright toxic – for dogs. Some of the ingredients are no healthier for humans to swallow than dogs, but you can tell humans not to swallow it, and they (usually) won’t. (Children’s toothpastes contain less fluoride than adult toothpaste because they are less able to follow this instruction than adults.)
Almost all human toothpastes contain fluoride, an effective anti-cavity agent, but it’s not in any pet toothpastes, as dogs are particularly sensitive to this agent; it’s considered a major toxin for them.
Xylitol is a sweetener that’s found in many human toothpastes, but is highly toxic to dogs and is never included in pet toothpaste.
Humans seem to love the foaming action of our toothpastes; it seems to help distribute the cleansing, refreshing agents all around our mouths. But given that we don’t want our dogs to swallow the toothpaste – and they have no way of knowing that, or of rinsing their mouths without swallowing – foaming agents should not be included in a pet toothpaste.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is the most commonly used foaming agent in human toothpastes. It also offers detergent properties (binds with impurities and helps them be rinsed away) and mild antibacterial properties. However, it can cause gastric upset in dogs – and its foaming action is more trouble than its worth in a dog’s mouth. We found it included in just one of the 10 toothpastes we reviewed (Nylabone Tartar Control Pet Toothpaste; see next page).
Need Motivation to Break Out the Brush?
I doubt that anyone enjoys brushing their dogs’ teeth; with the most cooperative of dogs, it’s a minor inconvenience, and at worst, a major hassle. But if you need a little motivation to convince you to put this chore on your to-do list, consider these dental-health facts:
✔ People who brush their dogs’ teeth regularly are more likely to notice problems such as tooth fractures or chipped teeth, loose teeth, gum inflammation, or growths in the mouth. Early detection of these problems is essential to successful treatment (especially of oral tumors).
✔ Reducing the amount of bacterial plaque at and below the gum line of the teeth is critical for preventing the development of gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Regular brushing has been shown in many studies to be the most effective means of reducing the amount of plaque on dogs’ teeth; it’s considered the gold standard for maintaining dental health. In fact, one (human) study found that professional cleanings were of little value without regular home care (brushing). Multiple studies have shown that bacterial plaque begins to attach to the tooth surfaces again within 24 hours of cleaning.
CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
We’re not picking any favorites other than the Petsmile product (with its VOHC seal). Use of any of the products will be better than none. We’d recommend trying various products and seeing which ones your dog accepts best.
That said, if your dog already has a significant tartar accumulation on his teeth, we’d definitely suggest a product with a tartar control agent (see the list of ingredients and what they do on page 21). Otherwise, just buy a pet toothpaste, introduce it to your dog as soon as possible, use it regularly, and monitor the appearance of his teeth and gums as time goes by. We think you’ll be amazed at the improvement you will see with regular use of any product.
DOG TOOTHPASTES
| Product Name Maker Information |
Price/Size | Ingredients | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm & Hammer Completecare Enzymatic Toothpaste www.fetch4pets.com (855) 430-8100 |
$6, 6.2 oz | Sorbitol, water, hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, polysorbate 20, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, cellulose gum, sodium chloride, flavor, sodium bicarbonate, zinc gluconate, proteases, thymol | Note that Arm & Hammer name is licensed by Fetch 4 Pets; product not actually made by Arm & Hammer. Flavors: Beef, banana mint, chicken, peanut butter, vanilla ginger. |
| Freshbarks Enzymatic Toothpaste freshbarks.com Phone # not made available |
$25, 7 oz (3.5 oz per tube) | Glycerine, aloe, pectin, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), glucose oxidase (enzymes), natural flavors | Sold only in a pack of two tubes with a unique two-headed toothbrush. One flavor. We’re not crazy about companies that can be reached only via email and that seem to take pains to hide their business location (in this case, the Netherlands). |
| Nylabone Tartar Control Pet Toothpaste nylabone.com (855) 273-7527 |
$4,2.5 oz | Sorbitol, hydrated silica, vegetable glycerin, purified water, ascorbic acid phosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, natural flavor, cellulose gum, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium copper chlorophyllin | Original and peanut butter flavors. We tried the original; we can’t tell you exactly what it tastes like. It’s vaguely sweet and sort of toffee-flavored. “Tartar control” in name is supported by more anti-tartar agents in the ingredients than some of the others. |
| Nutri-Vet Enzymatic Toothpaste nutri-vet.com (877) 729-8668 |
$3, 2.5 oz. | Purified water, sorbitol, glycerin, hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, artificial flavor, sodium saccharin, sodium benzoate, glucose oxidase (Aspergillus niger) | The box indicates “Chicken Flavor Paste,” but there is that vague, sweet toffee flavor again. Price seems like a bargain. |
| Petrodex (Sergeant’s Pet Care) Enzymatic Toothpaste Website not made available (800) 224-7387 |
$9, 6.2 oz | Sorbitol, dicalcium phosphate, water, hydrated silica, glycerin, poultry digest, dextrose, xanthan gum, acidified calcium sulfate, disodium phosphate duohydrate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, sodium benzoate, Aspergillus niger fermentation extract | Available in peanut butter and poultry flavors. We tried the poultry flavor, which, likely due to an actual poultry-originated ingredient and also its unappealing (to humans) brown color, we didn’t enjoy as much as our test dog did. |
| Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste petsmileusa.com (800) 784-7645 **WDJ’S TOP PICK |
$27, 4.5 oz. | Water, glycerin, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, citric acid, Calprox (calcium peroxide), flavor, sodium benzoate, EDTA, cetylpyridinium chloride, carbomer, potassium hydroxide, xanthan gum | This is the only product on our list that carries the seal of the Veterinary Oral Health Council for plaque inhibition – that’s actually a big deal (and justifies the high price); it’s been proven to work. Available in “Rotisserie Chicken” and “London Broil” flavors. We tried the latter; it was inoffensive but didn’t taste like steak. The dogs didn’t object. |
| Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste vetsbest.com (800) 690-9908 |
$5.50, 3.5 oz | Glycerin, aloe, pectin, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), glucose oxidase (enzymes), and natural flavors | Vet’s Best offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product. This is the most “natural” product included here. Comes in one unspecified flavor; tastes like aloe but also slightly soapy. No objections from the dogs. |
| Vet’s Preferred Advanced Enzymatic vetspreferred.co (855) 270-3578 |
$13, 3 oz. | Water, silica, sorbitol, peanut butter flavor, saccharomyces enzymes, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polysorbate 20, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate | Vet’s Preferred offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product. Available in one flavor: peanut butter. Our test dogs are good sports but we really didn’t like the taste of this. |
| Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste us.virbac.com (800) 338-3659 |
$10, 2.5 oz | Sorbitol, purified water, dicalcium phosphate anhydrous, hydrated silica, glycerin, poultry digest, dextrose, xanthan gum, titanium dioxide, sodium benzoate, potassium thiocyanate, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase | Virbac described this a “dual-enzyme system toothpaste” and it does, in fact, contain multiple antimicrobials. Comes in beef, malt, poultry, seafood, and vanilla mint flavors. We tried the poultry; the dogs liked it. |
| Waggletooth Dental Toothpaste waggletooth.com (800) 569-8616 |
$16, 4 oz. | Water, glycerin, xanthan gum, peppermint oil, salmon oil, grapefruit seed extract, rosemary oil, thyme oil, dried Bacillus subtils fermentation product, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, and grape seed extract | This product was developed by a dentist (rather than a veterinarian), and it takes a novel approach with the “targeted oral probiotics,” herbal extracts, and essential oils in its formula. One flavor; tastes just like you would imagine a product that contains peppermint and thyme would taste. |
INGREDIENTS IN PET TOOTHPASTES AND WHAT THEY DO
The following are ingredients that are commonly found in pet toothpastes. They are listed alongside their mode of action – or purported mode of action – the reason they are presumably included. Not all ingredients used by various manufacturers have proven to perform the tasks for which they were included in this application.
| Ingredient | Action |
|---|---|
| Aloe | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory |
| Ascorbic acid phosphate | Biofilm inhibitor |
| Calcium carbonate | Abrasive |
| Calcium peroxide | Whitener |
| Carbomer | Gelling agent |
| Cellulose gum | Thickener, stabilizer |
| Cetylpyridinium chloride | Antiseptic |
| Dextrose | Sweetener |
| Dicalcium phosphate | Abrasive, tartar control agent |
| EDTA (edathamil) | Reduces biofilm |
| Glucose oxidase | Antibacterial, helps break down plaque |
| Glycerin (also known as glycerine and glycerol) | Humectant (retains moisture, keeps product from drying out), improves gel texture |
| Grapefruit seed extract | Antibacterial |
| Grape seed extract | Antibacterial |
| Hydrated silica | Abrasive |
| Lactoperoxidase | Antibacterial |
| Neem oil | Antibacterial |
| Pectin | Thickener, gelling agent |
| Polysorbate 20 | Surfactant (reduces a liquid’s surface tension, thereby increasing its spreading and wetting properties); emulsifier (stabilizer, keeps product from separating) |
| Poultry digest | Flavoring agent |
| Potassium hydroxide | Neutralizes the acidic pH imbalance caused by other chemicals used in toothpaste |
| Potassium sorbate | Preservative |
| Potassium thiocyanate | Reduces gingival inflammation and supragingival plaque |
| Saccharomyces enzymes | Antibacterial |
| Sodium chloride (salt) | Abrasive |
| Sodium benzoate | Preservative |
| Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) | Abrasive, mild disinfectant, fungicide (may change a dog’s urinary pH) |
| Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose | Stabilizer |
| Sodium copper chlorophyllin | Antimicrobial |
| Sodium lauryl sulfate | Detergent |
| Sodium saccharin | Sweetener |
| Sorbitol | Sweetener, thickener, humectant |
| Tetrasodium pyrophosphate | Tartar control agent |
| Titanium dioxide | White pigment, thickener |
| Xanthan gum | Thickener, stabilizer (keeps ingredients from separating) |
[ad_2]
Source link
Cheap Sildenafil 100mg https://viagra.eus/# sildenafil over the counter
I would like to show my admiration for your generosity supporting those who need help with that idea. Your very own dedication to passing the message up and down came to be unbelievably good and have all the time allowed workers just like me to arrive at their desired goals. The interesting publication means a whole lot to me and still more to my office colleagues. Thanks a lot; from everyone of us.
Thanks for all of the efforts on this blog. Ellie delights in working on internet research and it is easy to see why. Most people hear all relating to the powerful method you deliver good thoughts through your web site and even recommend response from visitors on the matter plus our child is understanding so much. Have fun with the remaining portion of the year. You have been conducting a useful job.
I wish to show my thanks to you just for rescuing me from such a circumstance. As a result of surfing around through the world-wide-web and seeing methods which are not beneficial, I figured my entire life was well over. Living minus the solutions to the problems you’ve solved as a result of your review is a critical case, and ones which might have badly affected my career if I hadn’t discovered your web page. Your primary expertise and kindness in handling every aspect was important. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come across such a point like this. I can also at this point look forward to my future. Thanks so much for the expert and result oriented guide. I won’t hesitate to recommend your blog post to anybody who should have direction about this matter.
Thank you so much for providing individuals with an extremely wonderful chance to read articles and blog posts from this website. It’s usually very lovely and also full of a lot of fun for me and my office friends to visit your site no less than 3 times a week to study the newest issues you have. And lastly, we are certainly motivated concerning the special techniques you serve. Selected two ideas in this post are clearly the most beneficial I have had.
Thank you so much for giving everyone an extraordinarily splendid possiblity to read from here. It really is very pleasurable and also jam-packed with fun for me personally and my office acquaintances to visit the blog particularly three times per week to read the fresh stuff you have. And of course, I’m just actually pleased concerning the gorgeous things served by you. Certain 4 ideas in this article are certainly the finest we have ever had.
I enjoy you because of every one of your labor on this web site. Gloria loves engaging in research and it’s really easy to understand why. We hear all regarding the compelling ways you present reliable tips and tricks via the blog and as well invigorate contribution from other people on that article while our own princess is truly studying so much. Take pleasure in the rest of the new year. You’re carrying out a fabulous job.
It抯 exhausting to search out educated folks on this matter, however you sound like you understand what you抮e talking about! Thanks
I am glad for commenting to let you know what a exceptional discovery our child enjoyed visiting your webblog. She picked up too many details, which included what it’s like to possess a marvelous teaching spirit to let other folks effortlessly have an understanding of several specialized matters. You undoubtedly surpassed our own desires. Thanks for coming up with such practical, dependable, revealing as well as fun thoughts on that topic to Janet.
My spouse and i ended up being quite joyous that Ervin could complete his investigations with the ideas he acquired using your blog. It’s not at all simplistic just to possibly be offering tactics that many the others might have been making money from. And we all figure out we have you to give thanks to for that. The explanations you’ve made, the simple blog menu, the friendships your site aid to instill – it is mostly powerful, and it is letting our son in addition to the family feel that that article is interesting, which is pretty mandatory. Many thanks for all!
I wish to voice my respect for your generosity supporting all those that need help on the idea. Your very own dedication to passing the message along became unbelievably practical and have without exception permitted somebody much like me to arrive at their desired goals. Your warm and helpful help signifies a great deal to me and far more to my mates. With thanks; from each one of us.
I precisely desired to thank you so much all over again. I’m not certain what I might have made to happen in the absence of the entire solutions provided by you directly on my field. It had been the alarming difficulty in my position, but looking at the professional style you solved it made me to weep with fulfillment. I am just happy for your information and in addition have high hopes you comprehend what a great job that you are carrying out teaching other individuals through the use of your blog. I am sure you’ve never encountered all of us.
I wanted to create you that very little observation to be able to thank you very much yet again for your pleasant basics you have featured on this page. This has been simply strangely open-handed of you to supply unreservedly what most people would have marketed for an electronic book in making some bucks for themselves, primarily considering that you could possibly have tried it in case you considered necessary. Those pointers additionally worked like the easy way to understand that other individuals have the same interest really like mine to realize great deal more with reference to this issue. I know there are some more fun situations ahead for individuals that scan through your blog.
I would like to voice my passion for your kind-heartedness for people that really need help on the concept. Your real dedication to getting the message along turned out to be particularly important and have allowed others much like me to attain their ambitions. Your amazing important tutorial signifies a whole lot to me and substantially more to my office workers. Thank you; from all of us.
My wife and i got so ecstatic when Albert managed to deal with his inquiry through your precious recommendations he received from your web page. It’s not at all simplistic to simply find yourself releasing instructions which often other people could have been trying to sell. And we all recognize we have got the blog owner to thank because of that. The specific illustrations you made, the straightforward website navigation, the relationships you can help engender – it is everything remarkable, and it’s aiding our son and the family consider that the situation is thrilling, and that’s wonderfully essential. Many thanks for the whole lot!
I truly wanted to make a quick word so as to say thanks to you for the awesome tips and tricks you are showing at this website. My extensive internet lookup has at the end of the day been rewarded with extremely good ideas to go over with my close friends. I ‘d admit that we website visitors actually are really fortunate to exist in a great place with very many outstanding professionals with valuable advice. I feel really privileged to have discovered the web page and look forward to really more thrilling moments reading here. Thanks again for a lot of things.
I intended to write you this very little observation to be able to say thanks a lot yet again over the stunning principles you’ve contributed above. It’s so remarkably generous of you giving unhampered what a few individuals might have offered for sale for an electronic book to earn some profit for their own end, principally now that you might well have tried it if you wanted. The good ideas also acted like a great way to understand that some people have similar keenness like mine to realize very much more when considering this issue. I know there are many more enjoyable periods up front for individuals that scan your blog post.
I would like to show some thanks to you just for rescuing me from this trouble. Because of scouting through the world-wide-web and meeting proposals which are not beneficial, I thought my entire life was well over. Being alive devoid of the approaches to the difficulties you have resolved by way of your website is a serious case, as well as the ones which may have in a negative way damaged my entire career if I hadn’t discovered your blog post. That understanding and kindness in controlling all areas was precious. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not come across such a step like this. I can also now relish my future. Thanks a lot so much for the professional and result oriented help. I won’t think twice to propose your blog to any person who needs and wants assistance about this situation.
I’m just writing to let you be aware of of the useful discovery our princess encountered studying your site. She picked up a wide variety of pieces, including what it is like to have a marvelous helping nature to make many more smoothly learn about several tricky issues. You actually surpassed my expectations. I appreciate you for imparting such productive, trustworthy, educational and fun tips on your topic to Kate.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So nice to seek out any individual with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this web site is something that is wanted on the web, somebody with a bit of originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!
I really wanted to type a comment to be able to say thanks to you for those splendid tips you are giving here. My time consuming internet look up has now been recognized with high-quality content to exchange with my pals. I ‘d mention that many of us readers are unequivocally blessed to dwell in a useful network with so many perfect professionals with valuable solutions. I feel very much fortunate to have come across your entire web pages and look forward to so many more fun minutes reading here. Thanks a lot once more for everything.
I enjoy you because of every one of your efforts on this site. Ellie really likes doing investigations and it’s obvious why. My partner and i hear all concerning the lively method you give important techniques by means of this website and recommend participation from people on the area of interest then our own princess is now being taught a great deal. Take advantage of the remaining portion of the year. You are always performing a remarkable job.
I wish to express my respect for your kind-heartedness in support of folks who absolutely need guidance on this important question. Your personal commitment to passing the solution all over ended up being wonderfully valuable and have without exception encouraged folks much like me to attain their goals. This valuable report denotes much to me and especially to my fellow workers. Thanks a ton; from everyone of us.
Thanks so much for providing individuals with remarkably terrific opportunity to read articles and blog posts from this website. It is always very good and also packed with amusement for me personally and my office fellow workers to search the blog at minimum three times in a week to read through the latest guides you have. And indeed, I’m at all times fulfilled with the good guidelines you give. Some 3 facts in this posting are unquestionably the most beneficial we have had.
I enjoy you because of all your efforts on this blog. My mom enjoys going through research and it is simple to grasp why. We all know all concerning the dynamic tactic you render worthwhile steps on this web blog and as well recommend response from other people about this theme then our child is certainly starting to learn a great deal. Have fun with the rest of the year. You are conducting a terrific job.
I just wanted to construct a simple note in order to appreciate you for all the splendid instructions you are writing on this site. My particularly long internet research has finally been compensated with excellent details to go over with my friends and family. I would tell you that we visitors actually are unquestionably endowed to dwell in a great site with many marvellous people with interesting solutions. I feel quite fortunate to have come across your entire site and look forward to so many more amazing minutes reading here. Thanks once again for all the details.
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic. Thanks for the clarity!
Your post has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the guidance!
Thank you for consistently producing such high-quality content.
I’m amazed by the depth and b enjoy readingth of your knowledge. Thanks for sharing!
Your insights have added a lot of value to my understanding. Thanks for sharing.
This article is a perfect blend of informative and entertaining. Well done!
I appreciate the balance and fairness in your writing. Great job!
Your attention to detail is remarkable. I appreciate the thoroughness of your post.
I look forward to The posts because they always offer something valuable. Another great read!
I appreciate the balance and fairness in The writing. Great job!
I’m bookmarking this for future reference. Your advice is spot on!
Thank you for consistently producing such high-quality content.
The writing captivated me from the first paragraph to the last. It’s rare to find such engaging content.
I always learn something new from The posts. Thank you for the education!
The take on hard to understand topics is like a smooth ride in a luxury car—comfortable, yet exhilarating.
The creativity and insight left a big impression on me. Fantastic job!
The Writing is a go-to resource, like a favorite coffee shop where the barista knows The order. Always comforting.
I must admit, The depth of analysis is as attractive as The words. Great work has never looked so good.
The Writing is like a secret garden, each post a path leading to new discoveries and delights.
Every word you write sparkles with insight, like stars in my night sky. Can’t wait to navigate more skies together.