Dental Care at Home: Supporting Your Pet’s Oral Health Between Visits
Dental health plays a major role in your pet’s overall well-being. While professional dental cleanings are essential, what you do at home can make a meaningful difference in reducing plaque, slowing dental disease, and keeping your pet more comfortable over time.
Why At-Home Dental Care is Important
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats.
Left unaddressed, dental disease can lead to:
- Pain and inflammation
- Tooth loss
- Infection
- Effects on distant organs
At-home dental care helps:
- Reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Support healthier gums
- Lengthen the time between professional cleanings
- Improve comfort and quality of life
What Is VOHC and Why It Matters
When choosing dental products, it’s important to know which ones are truly effective.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is an independent organization that evaluates dental products for dogs and cats. Products that earn the VOHC Seal of Acceptance have been shown through independent studies to reduce plaque and/or tartar when used as directed.
The VOHC:
- Does not manufacture products themselves
- Does not test products themselves
- Reviews data from trials conducted under established protocols
Products that meet these standards are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.
At-Home Care Supports, But Doesn’t Replace, Professional Dental Care
While VOHC-accepted products are helpful, they cannot remove existing tartar or disease below the gumline or address advanced dental disease.
Professional dental cleanings allow us to:
- Perform a full comprehensive oral exam
- Take dental radiographs to assess tooth roots
- Treat disease that can’t be seen at home
At-home care works best as part of a complete dental health plan.
Finding the Right Dental Care Routine for Your Pet
There’s no single “best” dental routine for every pet. Our team can help you choose options that fit your pet’s needs and your lifestyle.
We’ll help you consider:
- Your pet’s current dental health
- Willingness to tolerate brushing or chews
- Safety and appropriateness of products
- How at-home care fits with professional cleanings
What the VOHC Seal Means for You
When you see the VOHC Seal on a product, it means:
- The product has met specific standards
- It has been shown to help slow plaque or tartar buildup
- It supports dental health when used consistently
VOHC-accepted products are a reliable starting point when selecting at-home dental care options.
Types of VOHC-Accepted Dental Products for Dogs & Cats
Not every product is right for every pet. Factors such as age, size, chewing habits, and existing dental disease all matter. All VOHC-Accepted Products
VOHC-accepted products may include: