Crazy about Rover, but his breath is clearing the room? Don't despair –get him some doggie mouthwash. Animal lovers everywhere are paying much closer attention to their pets' oral hygiene and there are many products on the market to make your task easier – including, that's right, mouthwash!
If you're trying to figure out how you'll convince Fido to gargle, don't trouble yourself any further. Mouthwash for pets works differently than what you have in your own medicine cabinet and is a little more user friendly. Products like Oxyfresh's Pet Oral Hygiene Solution are actually a solution that is added to your dog or cat's drinking water. www.oxyfresh.com It is a tasteless, odorless solution that is safe for consumption, but contains ingredients that help eliminate bad breath. The active ingredient is Oxygene ® which is stabilized chlorine dioxide. This gets rid of odors, disinfects and works as an anti-plaque solution, which promotes healthy gum tissue. There are other products on the market that work similarly such as Pro Dental which is also added to your pet's water. You can investigate online or in your favorite pet store.
Another mouthwash that can be used on both dogs and cats is Petzlife Oral Spray. Petzlife products are made with grapefruit seed extract, which is a natural antibacterial solution. The product can be sprayed directly on to teeth, killing the bacterial that causes bad breath. For cats that have been taught to fear spray bottles, there's a salmon flavored gel that can be used instead. www.petzlife.com
There are more reasons other than wanting sweet-smelling kisses from your pet to use oral hygiene products. All pet crazy folks should consider preventative dental care for their pets. Dr. Daniel D. Aja, DVM and American Animal Hospital Association warns that, "By the age of three, nearly 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats already show signs of oral disease." This can be a real problem because dental disease can lead to serious health problems, including heart, lung and kidney disease. The same bacteria that is causing bad breath in your furry companions can get into their bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Aja notes that "Pets can live longer, healthier lives if oral health care is managed and maintained throughout their lives." This is a fantastic reason to keep your pet's breath fresh.
Dental care continues to evolve beyond just toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash for pets. If you are really crazy about your dog's smile you can visit one of more than 100 certified veterinary dentists in the United States and get your pup a little something extra. Dentistry is the largest growth area in veterinary medicine. Root canals, bridges and braces are becoming common place. How about a couple of gold teeth for Fido or Fluffy? Perhaps you prefer a more natural smile, but why try not a little mouthwash? No one, after all, should have to live with doggie breath!
