Sharing symptomatic remedies, not cures, Greg Tilford emphasizes working with veterinarians, taking a hard look at the food an animal receives, and including an occasional raw bone to scrub off tartar and build healthy gleaming teeth. His list of favorite herbs, plus kelp are options he suggests that minimize discomfort while enhancing the health of the pet’s teeth and gums and promote sweeter breath.
Source: Animal Wellness, March 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: As pet owners face the cost of care decisions, some turn to lay publications for DIY solutions. Consider reviewing this article and discussing it with the clinic team and colleagues. Then you can decide if it is an appropriate resource to share with pet owners.
We found the notion of kelp interesting as a beneficial food additive that destroys the plaque-causing biofilm, worthy of consideration and readily available OTC.
Also see: Kelp for dogs: benefits and uses, GreatPetCare, April 14, 2020. Link.
- Reviewed by Elizabeth Racine, DVM on November 30, 2021.