Home dental care plays an important role reducing the need for a professional dental cleaning for your pet by your veterinarian. Professional dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian are proven to be important to your pet’s overall health, but it’s the treatment owners do at home between cleanings that can have a bigger effect!
Daily teeth brushing has long been the best way to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Many pet owners, however, find it difficult to make this a priority in their pets. For this reason, dental treats have gained in popularity as they are seen as a more convenient alternative to brushing.
Dental treats typically break up plaque as it forms on the teeth. There are two main ways this is accomplished. The first is associated with the mechanical action of chewing. Many treats are strategically shaped to help “brush” the teeth as they are chewed. Dental treats will typically take a bit longer for your pet to eat than a treat not meant to have this function. Many dental treats also contain enzymes which interact with developing plaque on the teeth. Together, the mechanical chewing action and enzymatic cleaning help slow the accumulation of tartar formation and periodontal disease development.
Which dental treats are the best? In general, look for an item which is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products typically have a seal of approval on them which states they are VOHC accepted. The VOHC is a group of veterinary dentists and dental scientists and their approval indicates regular use of that product will reduce the severity of periodontal disease in pets.
Professional dental cleanings will always be necessary to maintain oral health. Teeth brushing and treats can help slow the progression of plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease helping make your pet’s dental more routine. Look for the VOHC seal of approval the next time you are looking for a dental treat!
article written by:
Derek Williamson, DVM
Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills
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