Did you know that small dogs have the same number of teeth (42) as large dogs but less space in their mouths to house them? This can make them prone to dental issues which can lead to systemic infections if not treated. Infections can affect your dog’s heart, kidneys and liver, so good dental care is essential.
I began brushing Charlotte’s teeth as soon as I brought her home and continued for a number of weeks, but it never got easier. Because she only gnawed the brush with her front teeth, I was never able to do a thorough cleaning. I tried the finger brush, but then she tried to gnaw MY finger, and with her sharp puppy needle teeth, that was a one and done test.
Next we tried Oravet dental chews recommended by our vet. Charlotte did enjoy her nightly Oravet treat, but she gobbled them up so fast, I wasn’t convinced they were getting the job done. And they were pricey for chews that may not have been doing what they were intended to do.
On to dental experiment number three. Woof makes a Doggy Dental Mix Powder that you mix with water, freeze in their proprietary silicone molds and pop into their Pupsicle treat dispenser. This, I thought, was genius! It took Charlotte about 20 minutes to lick the Pupsicle treat meaning the Dental Mix was coating her teeth for an extended period of time. I loved this until the Pupsicle failed us. (See my review of the Pupsicle.)
So after much trial and error, we have settled on our favorite dental solution – ProDen DentalCare Powder. It contains sea kelp, Ascophyllum nodosum – a nutrient-dense brown seaweed, which alters your pet’s saliva chemistry and prevents bacteria from sticking to their teeth and gums. In addition, it is rich in iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, which naturally support thyroid function and a healthy metabolism. According to the National Library of Medicine, it has “been shown to reduce both calculus and plaque accumulation after oral administration in both dogs and cats.” A vet clinic manager has also confirmed that dogs that have this added to their food show a remarkable reduction in plaque, helping to avoid or prolong time between costly dental cleanings that must be performed under anesthesia.
We use the ProDen DentalCare Powder daily with a very small (approx. 1/4 teaspoon) amount of the powdered kelp sprinkled on Charlotte’s food. She has had no objection to it, and so far her teeth are pristine. Also, the cost is minimal, and a container lasts a very long time.
If your dog has a thyroid condition, however, they should not be given seaweed supplements. Check with your vet before supplementing.