The range includes a water additive which received a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approval after being shown to deliver a reduction in calculus of at least 20% in two studies¹.
The other products in the range are a gum spray and a malt flavoured toothpaste.
Animalcare says each has been designed to support owner compliance through ease of use and accompanying educational materials.
The company has also launched a website for veterinary professionals and pet owners: https://dental.pet.
For owners, the site has information on the importance of dental health in pets and advice on establishing a dental care regime.
For veterinary professionals, resources include 'talk tracks' to start discussions with clients about dental care and tools to help them recognise signs of dental pain.
Animalcare Product Manager Eleanor Workman Wright said: “Despite research showing that at least 80% of dogs and 70% of cats are likely to develop periodontal disease by the age of three², dental care is still often neglected.
"While tooth-brushing is cited as the gold standard, it has to be used daily to achieve a significant degree of efficacy.
"This is often just not possible in the ‘real world’ and a more flexible approach can be helpful, with products such as water additives and gum sprays offering a practical, less time-consuming solution in some circumstances."
“Products should be grounded in science which is why we are delighted that the Plaqtiv+ Water Additive has just become the first European product of its type to earn approval from the VOHC.”
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Hey Norman, good discussion! I don't think it's listed on the VOHC website, because their website is ancient :) They should have the products listed on a regular web page, but you see that they upload the list on a PDF, so I'd say they are just slow to add newly certified products.