While nothing beats brushing for doggie dental health, a water additive is safe to use if you want to combat your pup's rancid respiration. (Getty)(Getty Images)
I have a 12-pound poodle, and every time we visit the vet, the doctor explains that small dogs are more susceptible to periodontal disease and that I should be brushing his teeth every day. Well, that's easier said than done — my little guy hates getting his teeth brushed. We've tried a range of toothpastes, brushes and treats, but it's always a struggle. Needless to say, we don't brush his teeth every single day, but we try to as often as we can. Our vet said we could try a dog-water additive to supplement our brushing, which would help prevent plaque buildup and freshen his stinky breath.
The suggestion had me curious, and I was also unsure of which additive product to choose, so I reached out to experts for further help. But first ...
If you’ve never heard of it, a dog-water additive is a liquid solution you add to a dog's water bowl that contain ingredients (more on what those are in a minute) intended to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup and freshen breath. While a lot of brands are marked as a “no-brush” solution, most vets recommend that you continue to regularly brush your pup’s teeth even when using an additive. They should be an additional part of canine dental hygiene and, if you brush your dog’s teeth every day, might not even be necessary.
Many dog-water additives are tasteless and only require a few drops per 8 ounces of water. They shouldn’t discourage your dog from drinking their water. (If they do, you’ll probably want to stop using them or try a different one.)
Dr. Shalom Cebollero, DVM at VCA Noah's Place Animal Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, agrees that dog-water additives can be safe to use, but gave me a few shopping tips. First, she says, look for products that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). "This ensures the product has been tested and shown to help reduce plaque or tartar," she says. Pro tip: The VOHC has a handy list on its website of approved dental products, including water additives.
Next, she says, look for a dog-water additive with a transparent ingredient list. "Chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride is an antimicrobial agent effective against oral bacteria. Zinc compounds (like zinc gluconate) help control plaque and reduce bad breath. Enzymes such as glucose oxidase can help break down plaque biofilms. And green tea extract [is a natural] antimicrobial and commonly used in dental products."
If you're already using an additive that isn't on the VOHC "safe" list, check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn't contain Xylitol — a sugar alcohol that is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts — alcohol, as it can cause gastrointestinal issues, or artificial dyes and sweeteners, which are unnecessary and can cause irritation, Cebollero says.
This water additive is VOHC-approved and safe for dogs over 12 weeks old. Mix half a capful into 8 ounces (one cup) of water. Your dog likely won't notice because it's tasteless without any added flavors or dyes.
This VOHC-approved water additive is minty fresh and, according to the brand, can gradually freshen your pet's breath in as little as 14 days. "Our Dachshund has been using this product for seven years now and it's awesome," said a Petco reviewer.
This dual-headed toothbrush has a smaller brush head on one side and a larger one on the other, so it's suitable for any size dog (or cat). It also has BPA-free, soft nylon bristles that won't irritate your dog's gums. Purchase it on its own or in a bundle with the brand's toothpaste ($37), which is also VOHC-approved.
"I tried several types and several different brands of toothbrushes over the past four years. This is the best — good design for dogs’ pointy teeth, and [I'm] able to brush the teeth at the end without upsetting my dog. The brush is firm but not hard [enough] to hurt the gum," explained a Chewy customer.
Before you rule out toothbrushing entirely, Vaid-Sidhu says your dog could view flavored toothpaste, such as this one with a meaty flavor, as a treat. It also comes in cheese and rotisserie chicken options.
"We’ve been using this toothpaste for a month and can already see a big difference in our dog’s teeth," said a reviewer. "... noticeably whiter and his breath is significantly better. I apply a pea-sized amount to a toothbrush and then smear the toothpaste across his teeth as best as I’m able to, and then I let the toothpaste do the rest!"
The short answer: No. (Would you replace your regular teeth brushing with mouthwash or eating mints?) I spoke to Dr. Ambika Vaid-Sidhu, an integrative veterinarian and veterinary advisor to Badlands Ranch, which specializes in pet nutrition, surgery and dental procedures. She recommends brushing your dog's teeth daily and said there's no real replacement for an old-fashioned toothbrush and toothpaste
"Toothbrushing is the only way to prevent dental disease," she stresses. "I know it can be difficult to brush daily, or even weekly, so when you aren’t able to brush as often as your veterinarian recommends, you can try supplementing with a treat to aid in breaking tartar accumulation while chewing." For instance, "a Kong filled with your pet’s favorite snacks and then placed in the freezer is a great option that requires chewing."
If you want to go for a more holistic approach, give your dog raw carrots. "[They're] a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene and can naturally strengthen enamel," she says.
Of course, you should also talk to your vet at each checkup. They may recommend professional dental cleaning, which is advice you should heed when possible.
"Periodontal disease can lead to significant systemic disease if left untreated for too long. It is an underrated disease and prevention is highly effective in keeping your pet healthy for much longer," Vaid-Sidhu says. To avoid costly professional dental cleaning, "ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. If this is not possible, as often as you can."
To help keep your dog healthy and freshen its breath, consider upgrading your dental routine with a few of the doggy dental products below. All have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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