Teeth cleaning at home can be improved with dog mouthwashes and dental water additives. These products can help maintain a clean mouth and fresh breath for your dog by either killing or dissolving the bacteria on their teeth.
Although professional veterinary dentistry and brushing are still essential, dog mouthwashes can serve as a valuable supplement to your dog’s overall dental health care regimen particularly for those dogs who are susceptible to periodontal disease.
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However, how do you determine which water additives and dog mouthwashes are suitable and safe for your pet?First of all it’s crucial to remember that human mouthwash is not safe to use, only mouthwash made especially for dogs is. Since birch sugars and xylitol are poisonous to dogs you should also make sure by reading the label that the product is free of these ingredients.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is another excellent source and its website features an annual list of approved mouthwashes. As usual consult your veterinarian before adding any new items to your dog’s overall health regimen.
Dog mouthwashes and dental water additives have been flooding the pet industry lately promising to effortlessly clean your dog’s teeth and give them a fresher breath. A few even claim they can completely take the place of brushing at home.
But how true are these claims and is it really safe to give your dog mouthwash and dental water additives? We examine the many alleged advantages of dog mouthwashes and consult experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness.
Expert Reviews: Do Dog Mouthwash Work?
Enzymatic components are said to be used by dog mouthwashes and dental water additives to break down tartar and get rid of bad breath. In Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic in Seattle Washington which provides cutting-edge pet dentistry Monique Feyrecilde a licensed veterinary technician and behavior specialist claims that they accomplish this to some degree.
She explains There are several ways that these products function. A biofilm or layer is formed on a pet’s teeth by bacteria that reside in their mouth. While some of the ingredients are intended to kill the bacteria directly others function to break down the biofilm.
Dog mouthwashes and water additives are generally safe according to Feyrecilde but pet owners should always check the label to make sure they are free of birch sugars or xylitol which are toxic to dogs. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-researched and approved mouthwashes are another recommendation she makes.
Make sure to select a product that has been approved by the VOHC to avoid any negative effects she advises. A large number of unapproved products that have not undergone any kind of research or examination to ensure their efficacy are available on the market.
Any product that has been approved will have the VOHC seal directly on the label. And of course it goes without saying that pet parents should only use mouthwashes specifically designed for dogs (no human rinses!). Before adding anything new to your dog’s wellness regimen it’s also a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Are Dog Mouthwash so Good That You Can Skip Brushing?
The advantages of regular brushing veterinary care and even dog dental chews cannot be adequately replaced according to Fireside even though dog mouthwashes can be a great addition to your overall dental health care plan.
Mouthwashes and water additives according to her are useful supplements to thorough home care plans but wont replace brushing. As with people we still need to go to the dentist for X-rays and professional cleanings on a regular basis even though we brush our teeth every day.
Different Types of Dog Mouthwash
Your dog’s unique needs and your daily routine will determine the kind of dental water additive you select. Some dog mouthwashes have entire product lines devoted to particular health issues if you’d like to take a more comprehensive approach and address other wellness issues in one bowl.
For instance TropiClean provides a range of formulas such as ones intended to support your dog’s digestive system, encourage shiny skin and coats or assist with hip and joint health. Advanced teeth whitening and puppy mouthwashes are also available.
Pick an odor-and taste-free mouthwash such as the Dechra Vetradent Water Additive for finicky puppies and dogs with assertive snoots. Pet owners report that they are satisfied with the outcomes and that their dogs don’t seem to notice it in their water bowls.
This dental water additive which is made with Biotrate Technology lessens the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar while also assisting in maintaining the pH balance in your dog’s mouth. Seek mouthwashes with a mild flavor that specifically target bad breath if you shudder every time your dog opens his mouth.
To help freshen breath the Naturel Promise Dental Water Additive for example contains green tea leaf extract without any smell. Customers who have used the product attest to a discernible improvement in their dogs foul breath and describe it as one of the simplest and most efficient solutions they have ever tried. In light of this we’ve assembled a list of some of the best dog mouthwashes and water additives available.
1. TropiClean Dental Dog Mouthwash
TropiClean is not only a highly regarded dog mouthwash it also bears the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal and the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. This dental water additive which is made of naturally occurring materials contains green tea leaf extract to freshen your dog’s breath and zinc gluconate to combat bacteria.
In order to complement your dog’s overall wellness regimen TropiClean is available in a number of formulas. These include versions that focus on the digestion supporting skin and coat health and hip and joint health of your dog. Puppy and advanced teeth whitening lines are also available!
Key Features:
- The VOHC gave its approval
- Awarded NASCs Quality Seal
- Several formulations ranging from digestive support to teeth whitening
- Zinc gluconate fights bacteria and green tea leaves keep the breath fresh
2. Dechra Vetradent Water Additive
This colorless dog mouthwash is perfect for puppies who might be put off by an extra taste or scent in their drinking water because it is both odorless and tasteless. The fact that their dogs don’t seem to notice it is appreciated by pet parents and a measuring cup is useful for everyday use.
This water additive which is made using biotrate technology was created to help lessen the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar while also preserving the pH balance in your dog’s mouth. Sodium citrate citric acid and zinc chloride are the active components.
Key Features:
- Authorized by the VOHC
- Tasteless and without scent
- Formulated to keep the pH balance and combat plaque
- Includes a convenient measuring cup
3. Bluestem Oral Rinse for Dogs
The best oral rinse for dogs to reduce tartar is Bluestem. Bluestems coactiv+ dog mouthwash breaks down biofilm in your dogs mouth using proprietary technology. In essence binding agents soften tartar and facilitate its breakdown when your dog chews by attaching to the bacteria and washing it away.
The mouthwash was used by the dogs for 84 days and after a 25 point 4 percent reduction in tartar was observed by the company in a third-party study. Products from Bluestem are approved by Health Canada’s Veterinary Health Products (VHP) program because they are made in Canada using only food-grade components. The VOHC has approved this mouthwash as well.
Key Features:
- Given the VOHCs approval
- Utilizing science to disintegrate biofilm
- In vanilla mint and chicken flavors
- Food-grade ingredients used in a Canadian product
4. Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive
Naturel Promise Fresh Dental Water Additive is the best option for bad breath. This odor-free dog mouthwash which is made of naturally derived ingredients like zinc gluconate citric acid and green tea leaf extract claims to keep your dogs breath fresh for up to 12 hours.
Consumers who have used the product attest to a discernible improvement in their dogs foul breath and describe it as one of the simplest and most efficient solutions they have ever tried. Naturel Promise has plant-based ingredients and is packaged environmentally. Both the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and the VOHC have given it their approval.
Key Features:
- Accepted by the NASC and VOHC
- Created using organic components derived from plants
- Guarantees a 12-hour breath freshening experience
- Packaged with environmental considerations
- Also available in a formula for hips and joints
5. Oxyfresh Premium Pet Water Additive
This Oxyfresh mouthwash is a highly recommended option on Amazon since it does not contain artificial flavors or toxins which can aggravate dogs who have allergies or sensitive stomachs. This water additive is cruelty-free and made in the USA from non-GMO ingredients.
It’s odorless and tasteless which pet parents find appealing. This makes it a great option for finicky dogs. The VOHC has not yet identified this mouthwash though.
Key Features:
- Absent from chemical dyes and artificial flavors
- Non-GMO cruelty-free components
- Tasteless and unappealing for finicky dogs
6. Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Dog Mouthwash
The Best Enzymatic Brushless Dog Mouthwash for Dry Mouth is Oratene. This water additive from Oratene with its patented double enzyme system makes it difficult for plaque to adhere to your dogs teeth.
This product which is devoid of detergents like sodium laureth sulfate can improve the symptoms of dry mouth in puppies such as gum inflammation, tongue cracking and foul breath. Inexpensive for households with multiple pets, this mouthwash is flavor-free and appropriate for both dogs and cats. But remember that the VOHC has not yet approved it.
Key Features:
- Patented formula for two enzymes
- Detergent and flavor-free
- Can aid in reducing the symptoms of dry mouth
- Also appropriate for cats
Chlorhexidine Mouthwash For Dogs
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and disinfectant that is used on both humans and our canine companions to help stop or get rid of bacteria viruses and fungal growth. Most likely this ingredient has come into contact with you before.
You might have used a chlorhexidine dental rinse to support the health of your gums or cleaned your skin with a chlorhexidine wipe prior to surgery. Dog skin infections are the most common condition that chlorhexidine is used to treat. It can be purchased over-the-counter in a variety of forms including wipes, spray solutions, liquid additives and shampoos.
It comes in different concentrations for dog skin care products; it’s usually about 2 percent and for dental health products less than 1 percent. Chlorhexidine is a useful drug but too much of a good thing is never a good thing! If used improperly, products for dogs that contain chlorhexidine can cause skin rashes burning and itching. Before giving your dog chlorhexidine, speak with your veterinarian.
How Dog Skin Responds to Chlorhexidine
Dogs who have weak immune systems or allergies are particularly susceptible to skin infections. And our wrinkly canine pals with all their skin folds can get pretty smelly too! Chlorhexidine products are often a sound strategy to help combat skin problems as they help eliminate bacteria and fungi on the skin by disrupting the cell wall.
Dogs can finally bid a fond farewell to the discomfort of skin infections and help stop them from happening again by treating the issue at the bacterial source.
Signs of a Dog Skin Infection
- Red Skin
- Skin lumps
- Dogs that scratch or lick their skin indicate that they have itchy skin
- Flaky thickened or scaly skin
- Skin sores or crusty scabs
- Skin tone shifts
- Release on the skin
The Drawbacks of Chlorhexidine for Canine Skin
Although there are some potential negative effects to be mindful of, chlorhexidine is generally thought to be safe for dogs. A common complaint from parents of dogs with sensitive skin is that their dog becomes more itchy, dries out, loses hair, stings their ears or develops a scaly rash when they use ear wipes, body wipes or shampoos containing chlorhexidine.
Since chlorhexidine dog products are frequently more expensive than other dog skin care products you might want to try a different option if your dog has allergies or skin sensitivities first. Further avoid giving your dog medication for an ear infection such as chlorhexidine and instead seek advice from a veterinarian. If your dog has an ear infection and their eardrum is perforated, chlorhexidine may cause harm to their ear.
Antibacterial Mouthwash For Dogs
Vetoquinol Dentahex Dog & Cat Dental Rinse
- Possesses anti-calculus and anti-plaque qualities
- Applying it to teeth and gums is simple
- Makes a dog’s breath seem fresher
Arm & Hammer Products Complete Care
- Combats the accumulation of plaque
- Breath is naturally made fresh
- Both odorless and flavorless
HealthyMouth Topical Spray for Dogs
- VOHC-approved
- Applying it to teeth and gums is simple
- Natural components
TropiClean Fresh Breath Cleans Teeth
- Breath is instantly made fresh
- It is quick and simple to use
- Available in two tastes
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Dog Dental Spray
- Breath is immediately made fresher
- Simple to use and rapid
- Exists in two flavors
Magic Mouthwash For Dogs
Magic mouthwash is a medicated mouthwash composed of multiple medications. To relieve the symptoms of oral mucositis use magic mouthwash (also known as Mary’s magic mouthwash or Duke’s magic mouthwash). Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can result in oral mucositis.
It may be difficult to eat healthfully and practice good oral hygiene while suffering from this excruciating illness. Infections with bacteria viruses autoimmune disorders Behcet’s disease oral thrush and other conditions can also result in mouth sores that can be treated with magic mouthwash.
Prescription magic mouthwashes are available both premade and compounded. Some mix OTC medications to create their own unique blends. To find out which type is best for you, ask your doctor.
Usually magic mouthwash includes:
- To eradicate bacteria surrounding oral sores use an antibiotic
- An antifungal to prevent the growth of fungi
- To reduce pain take an anticholinergic or an antihistamine
- A local anesthetic for pain management
- A mouthwash that disperses the remaining ingredients throughout your mouth
Are Dog Mouthwashes Effective?
Absolutely dog mouthwashes and dental water additives can help keep your dogs teeth clean and breath fresh when added to your overall home care regimen. They are especially beneficial for:
- Encouraging you to brush at home
- Elevating the standard of your dog’s general dental care
- Keeping bacteria at bay to freshen breath
- As a temporary solution when puppies are unable to brush
However frequent brushing and veterinarian visits are still necessary and dog mouthwashes are not a panacea. Some dogs may even find the taste or odor offensive. If so the following substitutions can improve your brushing regimen:
- Superior dental chews for dogs
- More durable chews
- Dog food with tartar control
- Rubber dental chew toys
Conclusion
An efficient method of preserving your dogs dental health and general wellbeing is to include mouthwash in their oral hygiene regimen. Frequent use of mouthwash designed specifically for dogs helps prevent more serious dental problems like gum disease freshens breath and reduces plaque and tartar buildup.
It is imperative nevertheless that you select a product that is especially made for dogs and use it in accordance with the directions provided by the manufacturer or your veterinarian. Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your dog’s dental care but regular brushing and expert veterinary examinations should still be done in addition to mouthwash. Your dog’s comfort lifespan and quality of life are all impacted by maintaining good dental health.
