Water Additives To Help Clean Dogs Teeth

Water additives for dental care earn their names by providing cleaning and freshening actions to your dog’s mouth. These are liquid formulations that can be added to the water bowl of your dog. No doubt, they protect against bad breath but they are also crucial for promoting the dental health of our canine companions.

At perfectpuppypal.com, we are not qualified veterinarians or animal nutritionists. The information that we provide is general and educational information only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

No one can claim that using these water additives will be able to replace daily tooth brushing but they can prove to be a fantastic addition when it comes to the well-being of your four-legged friend’s teeth.

They contain several ingredients that have the ability to combat dental issues in dogs. These generally include zinc chloride, which has an inhibitory effect on sulfuric compounds which can be found in dogs’ mouths and on their teeth. As well as sodium citrate which severely reduces tartar formation on your furry friend’s chompers, they contain many beneficial properties which seriously help to reduce bacterial growth in your dog’s mouth.

How much dental water additive should I use for my dog?

Generally, the instructions are present on the label of whichever water additive you decide to purchase when aiding your furry friend’s oral hygiene regime, eg, what amount of additives are needed for a certain amount of the water.

For example, one tablespoon, or about 15g of Nylabone Oral Care is sufficient for thirty-two fluid ounces, or about 1 litre of water.

Always make sure that you clean your favourite pal’s water bowl properly and adequately before adding the water additive to it and again after all the additive contained has been consumed. As with everything in life, be it for us as humans or for our furry companions, there are always pros and cons involved when introducing something different into what we do daily.

Pros of water additives for dog’s teeth

The use of water additives to clean your dog’s teeth can be very beneficial and there are many pros. Dental water additives;

• Help break down harmful plaque and tartar, thus preventing gingivitis from forming in the dog’s mouth.
• Act as an efficient tool for killing bacteria in dog’s mouths thus combating bad breath.
• Decrease the chances of brown stains forming and help to whiten the teeth.
• Are easy to use for all dogs, even the most stubborn ones which won’t let you anywhere near their mouths with a toothbrush!
• Are a cheaper method of cleaning your canine companion’s teeth than getting them cleaned by your vet, although I must add not as thorough.

Cons of Dental water additives

Just like nearly all other products you might purchase for your four-legged friend, dental water additives, although very beneficial, also have some cons.

There are a few chemicals in certain brands that can cause more harm than good, so I would always recommend reading the label thoroughly. If they contain any of the following ingredients, please avoid adding them to Fido’s water.

Or, at the very least consult with your vet before checking on their suitability for your beloved pet.

 

Chlorhexidine gluconate

• Its presence in dental water additives can actually increase the likelihood of your furry friend developing tartar formation on their teeth.
• By using products that contain chlorhexidine gluconate, dogs are more likely to suffer from inflammation of their gums and salivary glands.
• Chlorhexidine gluconate can also irritate your dog’s eyes if they are unfortunate enough to come into close contact with it.

Xylitol

• Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that manufacturers add to many of our foods and day-to-day items these days. But if consumed in only small quantities the effects on our dog’s health could prove to be dire.
• Xylitol can cause seizures, low blood sugar, and liver failure in dogs.
• Others may disagree, but in my opinion, always try to find water additives that don’t contain xylitol, and for that matter any foods that contain this substance too which you may feed your dog.

What are the best dental water additives for dogs?

1-Fresh Breath water additive for oral care

It has been formulated naturally and is one of the best on the market to help reduce the bad breath your favourite pal may suffer from.

One of the great features of this water additive for dogs is that its formula is not chemically intensive. The extraction of green tea leaves in it helps to freshen the dog’s breath. Additionally, it helps to prevent other underlying periodontal diseases which dogs may suffer from.

Notable features

• It is loaded with natural ingredients.
• Duration of fresh breath lasts for at least twelve hours.
• Green tea leaves and chlorophyllin work in conjunction to provide fresh breath.
• Daily amounts required for maximum efficiency are less than other leading brands.
• Has good all-round ratings from customers.

Look out for

• It should be used as a complement along with regular teeth brushing for maximum effect.
• Although advertised as tasteless, some dogs can definitely taste the difference in their water when added and therefore refuse to drink.

2-Oxyfresh Dental Care water additive

Oxyfresh Dental Care water additive is one of the most well-established pet dental products on the market. The company has previously established its name from the huge variety of other pet products that it offers. Oxyfresh will help to prevent bad breath in your canine companion’s mouth as well as aiding in reducing plaque build-up and preventing a number of dental dog issues.

Notable features

• Is available for testing beforehand in a small tester-sized container.
• The special formula promises to improve your dog’s breath.
• It comes with a thirty-day money-back guarantee if not satisfied.

Look out for

• There have been a few reports of dogs suffering from nausea after consumption.
• Trace evidence of sodium hydroxide may be found which has the possibility of troubling your dog’s stomach.

3-Dental Fresh for dogs

It comes with an original formula and provides a refreshing whitish look to your four-legged friend’s dentures. The other positive point of Dental Fresh is its efficiency in combating gingivitis. The company has been providing its services since 1999 and is ranked among the best in the market.

Notable features

• This product is available in various sizes and forms.
• There is no evidence that artificial sweeteners are contained.
• It helps to combat bad breath.
• It is readily available in the market.

Look out for

• Some customers have reported difficulties when opening the lid of the bottle.
• Presence of some preservatives like parabens have been found.

Final Thoughts

Providing good dental care can be a critical factor in ensuring the healthy life of our favourite domesticated friends. Of course, regular brushing is the most important thing we can do in regard to dental hygiene, but sometimes, when not possible, water additives for dental care can prove to be a highly efficient alternative.

Related Articles: What type of toothpaste is best for dogs?

I hope that the information provided here has helped you in some way to decide whether to use a dental water additive for your furry friend or not. If you have any experiences, whether good or bad when using such products then we would love to hear from you, and please leave a comment below.

Additional resource: rover.com/blog/does-dog-mouthwash-work/