Virbac Animal Health has launched an extra small version of its VeggieDent dental chews for dogs weighing less than 5kg. 

Research commissioned by the company shows that 9% of all dogs in the UK weigh less than 5kg¹ and that periodontal disease is over-represented in this group².

According to the Kennel Club, celebrity culture is boosting the popularity of small breeds. Apparently there was a 25% increase in Kennel Club registrations of Chihuahuas in 2011, following publicity about Paris Hilton and her Chihuahua. Virbac says numbers of other small miniature breeds such as pugs are also growing rapidly.

Virbac says VeggieDent chews are designed to work with the animal's chewing action, 100% vegetable, highly palatable and feature a special design to increase chewing time. A recent study³ showed that a daily XS VeggieDent reduced halitosis as well as significantly reducing gingivitis, plaque, and tartar accumulation.

Chris Geddes MRCVS, Product Manager at Virbac said:  "With growing numbers of very small dogs in the UK, we wanted to produce a chew which was exactly the right size for them.

VeggieDent Chews are already popular among dog owners because they are a nutritious and palatable plaque control aid, minimising tartar build up and improving breath odour.  With the launch of the extra small size, we now offer the perfect chew for every size of dog."

For further information, contact your Territory Manager or call Head Office on 01359 243243.

References:

1. TNS Sofres survey conducted for Virbac October 2011
2. Hoffman TH, Gaengler P. Clinical and pathomorphological investigation of spontaneously-occurring periodontal disease in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice 1996; 37: 471-479.
3. Clarke DE, Kelman M, Perkins N. Effectiveness of a vegetable dental chew on periodontal disease parameters in toy breed dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 2011; 4: 230-235.

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