Oral health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Various natural and commercial remedies are available to maintain and improve dental hygiene. Natural remedies such as plant products have significant potential due to their anti-inflammatory, healing, and antimicrobial properties. 

On the commercial side, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that meet their standards for reducing plaque and tartar. These products undergo 28-day trials to ensure their efficacy and reliability. Many natural products have received VOHC approval, demonstrating the effectiveness of such formulations.

Why Are Oral Health Products Necessary for Dogs?

Despite most veterinarians advising that dogs be fed dry kibble to prevent plaque and tartar formation, studies have shown that dry kibble does not adequately prevent plaque and calculus accumulation. More than 80% of dogs develop oral disease by the age of three. Providing a species-appropriate diet and all-natural dental chews can aid in the prevention of dental disease.

What is the Veterinary Oral Health Council

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is an organization that awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that meet specific standards for reducing plaque and tartar on pets' teeth. The VOHC operates as a part of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and aims to improve the oral health of pets by identifying products that effectively control dental plaque and tartar.

The VOHC does not test products itself. The Mission of the Veterinary Oral Health Council is to review products for the VOHC's standards for effective plaque and tartar control in animals when used as directed. The Council reviews the submitted data to ensure it meets the clinical requirements to receive the Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded when a product demonstrates dental efficacy. 

The VOHC's primary function is to evaluate dental products for their efficacy in controlling plaque and tartar. Products that meet the VOHC's strict standards receive the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. This seal helps pet owners and veterinarians identify products that have been scientifically proven to improve pet oral health.

To earn the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, products must undergo rigorous testing following the VOHC's protocols. These protocols involve clinical trials conducted under controlled conditions to measure the product's effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Products must undergo two independent trials to demonstrate efficacy in reducing plaque and tartar. These trials can be parallel-group or cross-over designs, with a minimum duration of 28 days per trial leg. Cross-over trials must have a rest period of at least seven days between trial legs.

The trials must include appropriate control groups to establish a baseline for comparison. For products combining mechanical and chemical effects, three groups are typically required: a negative control group (e.g., dry food only), a positive control group (mechanical effect without the chemical agent), and a test group (product containing the chemical agent).

To earn the VOHC Seal, the product must show a statistically significant reduction in plaque or tartar compared to the control groups. Specifically, the reduction in plaque or tartar scores in the test group must be at least 15% greater than the negative control group in each trial and 20% greater than the average of the two trials.

Statistical analyses must be conducted appropriately and documented, ensuring that the results are reliable and valid. This includes describing the randomization methods, statistical tests, and adjustments for multiple comparisons if applicable.

Products must comply with all safety and regulatory requirements. The sponsor must certify that the product is safe for use and promptly report any safety concerns or regulatory actions. Safety assessments include monitoring for gingivitis, non-gingival inflammation, oral ulcerations, and other adverse effects. The trials must demonstrate that the product does not cause harm while effectively reducing plaque and tartar.

The Functions of Oral Care Products for Dogs

The primary goals of oral care products for dogs are to maintain oral health, prevent dental diseases, and improve overall well-being. One of the main objectives is to reduce plaque and calculus accumulation on teeth, which are significant contributors to periodontal disease. Effective oral care products help control and prevent gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums and a precursor to more severe periodontal disease.

These products aim to control plaque and calculus and reduce oral malodor, which is often caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. Studies have shown that daily use of dental chews or other oral care products can significantly reduce bad breath in dogs.

Enhancing dogs' overall oral hygiene through regular and effective cleaning routines includes using toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwashes, dental chews, or water additives that are designed to be easy to use and integrate into daily routines. This improves compliance among dog parents and reduces the stress and anxiety associated with oral care in dogs.

Moreover, some oral care products are formulated with natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, aiming to provide additional health benefits such as reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the gums. These products often contain ingredients like enzymes and plant extracts that have been shown to support oral health by inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing oral infections.

Commercial Dental Chews and Other Products

Although some natural dental chews and oral health products are VOHC-approved, many VOHC products' ingredient lists include the same starchy carbohydrates and synthetic ingredients as kibble. 

Simply having the VOHC symbol on the label does not mean that the product is a beneficial dental chew. For example, a kibble dental diet ingredient list consists of the same grains, animal by-product meal, seed oils, and premixes of synthetic minerals and vitamins in their standard kibble. 

Dental chews from other manufacturers contain starchy carbohydrates, premixes of synthetic minerals and vitamins, and powdered cellulose. All-natural oral health products contain herbs that effectively reduce plaque, tartar, and inflammation within dogs' oral cavities.

Species-Appropriate Diet for Oral Health in Dogs

The impact of diet on oral health is well-documented. Several fresh food diet options provide your dog with species-appropriate nutrition, including Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), the Real Ancestral (6X) Diet™  (Real Ancestral Diet™), the Prey Diet Raw Model, and commercially prepared premixed raw food. Although all three models provide a species-appropriate diet, the Real Ancestral Diet™ includes small fatty fish to provide omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. 

Raw meaty bones, seafood, organs, and fiber have all been shown to play critical roles in dogs' oral health. Caldogs' phosphorus, vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants also significantly maintain canine oral health. They contribute to reducing inflammation, supporting the structural integrity of teeth and bones, and protecting against oral infections. Ensuring a dog's diet is rich in essential nutrients can help promote healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.

Natural remedies can significantly improve dogs' oral health. Several studies highlight the effectiveness of natural products in reducing dental issues such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and bad breath.

One effective natural remedy is Ascophyllum nodosum, a type of brown algae. A study showed that edible treats containing this algae significantly reduced plaque and tartar buildup, improved oral health indices, and decreased volatile sulfur compounds (which cause bad breath) in dogs over 90 days. 

Green tea extracts are another natural remedy with proven benefits for canine oral health. The polyphenols in green tea have antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria. The research found that green tea extracts effectively reduced the growth of canine oral bacteria, including periodontal pathogens.

Herbal extracts such as those from pomegranate and propolis have also been shown to improve oral health in dogs. These extracts can reduce halitosis, gingival inflammation, and bacterial proliferation. Baked biscuits containing pomegranate peel extract and propolis effectively reduced dental calculus in dogs.

Chitosan gels, which incorporate essential oils like Schinus molle, have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria associated with canine periodontal disease. These gels can potentially be used as buccal delivery systems to prevent and treat periodontal disease in dogs.

Coconut oil benefits dogs' oral health by reducing harmful bacteria, preventing plaque buildup, and lowering the risk of periodontal disease. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil, especially lauric acid, have strong antimicrobial effects that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, helping reduce plaque formation, bad breath, and periodontal disease. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe inflamed gums and maintain moisture, reducing the risk of oral infections. Coconut oil can be applied directly to teeth and gums or as a natural toothpaste to enhance oral hygiene and overall gum health.

Garlic extract is another natural remedy that has shown promise in improving oral health in dogs. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been found to improve symptoms of gingivitis without adverse effects. AGE increases the concentration of salivary cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide that enhances the oral immune response.

A study comparing herbal mouthwash containing extracts of Myrtus Communis, Chamomile, and Echinacea to chlorhexidine found that it significantly reduced oral bacteria and prevented plaque formation, demonstrating its effectiveness in maintaining oral hygiene. Essential oils like Schinus molle L. incorporated into chitosan gels also showed antimicrobial activity against periodontal pathogens, suggesting their potential for preventing and treating periodontal disease in dogs.

Kelp positively impacts canine oral health by providing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and plaque-reducing benefits. Its nutrient-rich composition further supports overall dental and gum health, making it an effective ingredient in dental care products for dogs. One of the noticeable benefits of kelp is its ability to reduce bad breath. Reducing bacterial load and preventing plaque and tartar buildup contribute to fresher breath in dogs.

Kelp contains various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial effects. These compounds help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth, decreasing plaque formation and the risk of periodontal disease. Kelp's antimicrobial pKelp'sies help maintain a healthier balance of oral bacteria, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause dental issues.

Kelp effectively reduces plaque and tartar accumulation on teeth. Products containing kelp help break down and prevent the formation of these deposits, thus improving overall dental hygiene. A study demonstrated that dogs given edible treats containing Ascophyllum nodosum had significantly lower plaque and calculus accumulation than those in the placebo group. 

Kelp contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce gum inflammation. This makes it particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from gingivitis or other periodontal diseases. Reducing inflammation helps maintain healthier gums and prevent further oral health issues.

Kelp is rich in essential nutrients such as iodine, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. These nutrients support overall health and contribute to maintaining strong teeth and gums.

Probiotics can offer substantial benefits for canine oral health by reducing harmful bacteria, supporting the stability of the oral microbiome, and enhancing overall health. Specific probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have shown promise in improving oral health in dogs. Incorporating probiotics into a dog's diet can effectively maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental diseases. 

A study focusing on the use of a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus in dogs showed a significant decrease in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a critical factor in periodontitis, after four weeks of administration. Probiotics can help manage and reduce harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, contributing to healthier gums and reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

Another study assessed the stability of the canine oral microbiota after administering probiotics over seven weeks. While the overall microbial profile remained consistent, beneficial bacteria were maintained, supporting a stable and healthy oral environment.

Probiotics have been shown to improve not only oral health but also general health parameters in dogs. A comprehensive study found that probiotics significantly enhanced feed intake, weight gain, immunity, and intestinal microbiota balance. These benefits contribute to overall health, indirectly supporting better oral health by promoting a robust immune system capable of combating oral infections.

These herbs can be powerful allies in maintaining and improving your dog's oral health. Always use high-quality, organic sources and monitor your dog's response to these herbal treatments.

Organic Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): Alfalfa effectively reverses dental caries and fights plaque. Alfalfa is rich in calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which help remineralize the dog's teeth. Alfalfa is administered as a standard infusion with food or as part of a fresh spray or tincture applied directly to the gums and teeth.

Remedies for Dog Oral Health: Top Natural and VOHC-Approved Commercial Options

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