Study Highlights Effective At-Home Dental Care for Dogs

Research indicates that by the age of two, 80% of dogs exhibit signs of dental disease, yet many owners hesitate to seek dental cleaning due to concerns about cost, anesthesia, or lack of awareness. This underscores the necessity of implementing effective home care routines.

A study in the 2024 Journal of Veterinary Dentistry confirms the benefits of two at-home dental products: VeggieDent FR3SH dental chews and Aquadent FR3SH water additive. Used daily, these products significantly improved canine oral health, even in dogs not having undergone previous professional cleanings.

The randomized controlled trial involved 125 healthy dogs with no recent dental treatments, divided into seven groups over an eight-week period. The groups were:

1. Control (no oral hygiene)

2. Brushing every other day with an effective toothbrush and toothpaste

3. Daily use of VeggieDent FR3SH

4. Daily use of Aquadent FR3SH

5. Weekly brushing with daily VeggieDent FR3SH

6. Weekly brushing with daily Aquadent FR3SH

7. Daily use of both VeggieDent FR3SH and Aquadent FR3SH

Clinical evaluations of periodontal health and dental deposits were conducted at three intervals: Day 0, Week 8, and Week 16.

The findings revealed that all treatment groups had less plaque and tartar at 16 weeks compared to the control group. However, only two methods showed significant improvement in overall periodontal health: weekly brushing combined with daily use of Aquadent FR3SH and the combination of both dental chews and water additive used daily.

Despite brushing being considered the gold standard for dental care, compliance is often low. This study suggests that practical solutions like dental chews and water additives can be more effective than inconsistent brushing. The use of both VeggieDent FR3SH and Aquadent FR3SH presents a viable option when daily brushing is not feasible.

VeggieDent FR3SH has received the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for its effectiveness in controlling plaque and tartar, and Aquadent FR3SH is an easy-to-use water additive designed to assist in plaque control.

The study's clinical recommendations include:

✔ Being realistic in suggesting dental care routines that owners can maintain.

✔ Promoting effective combinations, as evidenced by the significant improvements seen with VeggieDent FR3SH and Aquadent FR3SH.

✔ Starting preventive care early in healthy dogs.

✔ Tailoring dental care plans according to the lifestyle and temperament of each pet.

In conclusion, while brushing remains the preferred method, the use of VeggieDent FR3SH and Aquadent FR3SH can effectively support canine dental health when brushing is not regularly practiced.