Teeth cleaning

[WhisperingJesse]

Our 9yo dog has had to have 7 teeth out today. I was surprised as the ones we could see looked fine and she eats mostly dry food and has regular chews of various types that ought to help.

Are there any products that are properly effective at keeping their teeth clean? I’ve seen various ones advertised involving seaweed or enzymes or whatever - but I don’t want to spend money if they’re not really effective.

The vet recommended enzymatic toothpaste but the process of training her to let us brush them seems daunting!

You need to look for products that are VOHC - veterinary oral health council approved that means they have research that backs their effectiveness. Plaque off powder does have VOHC approval.

The VOHC (US vetinary oral health council ) is not testing products on the market generally.

It works like this- In order to get their seal of approval, manufacturers must fund their own clinical trials, submit the evidence to VOHC then pay VOHC handsome fees to apply and maintain the seal.

As you can imagine that is very costly on both counts and many companies simply dont apply.

Just because something isn't approved by this one particular US body doesn't mean it does not work. It’s a helpful benchmark, but not the only one. Plenty of great products never apply, especially smaller or non-US brands. Or manufacturers that just don't feel the need to ask for their stamp.

If you are intent on buying with their approval then US brand Petsmile is the only dog toothpaste that is approved by the US vetinary oral health council. Plaque off is a different product (not toothpaste) that works by absorption into the blood stream and also has their approval, but be careful about too much iodine increase in smaller dogs.

Virbac C.E.T. has a dual-enzyme system (lactoperoxidase + glucose oxidase) that’s widely used by vets and is clinically backed, just not VOHC-approved.

Thanks both - I very much appreciate the info.

Will they let you brush their teeth? This is the best way but all of mine have always tolerated it well. Is there somewhere near you that offers teeth cleaning? My 12yo pup had hers done at the groomers with a sonic toothbrush and they look visibly better and is only £10.

Thanks@tealandteal- she doesn’t even like us looking at her teeth so we’ve never managed to brush them. I am thinking we should train her gently to get used to it.

I didn’t know groomers offered that service so it’s worth considering.

We’ve had great success with the seaweed powder. It’s made a huge difference to the plaque on Ddogs teeth which is nearly all gone after a few weeks. Before that I tried to get him to submit to cleaning with various toothpastes and gels including meat flavour but he was having none of it. I did not have high hopes for the seaweed but it’s been really impressive. He won’t eat it just sprinkled on regular kibble but he will if I put it in wet food on a licky mat.

Thanks for this - only just caught up, sorry! It’s good to hear a positive story so I’ll give it a try.