Keeping your dog or cat’s teeth and gums healthy is crucial for their overall well-being. With a vast array of pet dental care products available, from toothpastes and water additives to treats and rinses, it can be overwhelming to choose the most effective options. Statistics reveal that a staggering 93% of dogs and 88% of cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental or gum disease, highlighting the importance of reliable dental care products. To help pet owners and veterinarians navigate this market, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) plays a vital role by setting standards and awarding a Seal of Acceptance to products proven effective in reducing plaque and tartar buildup. This seal serves as a trustworthy indicator of quality and efficacy in the realm of dog and cat dental care.
What is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)?
Established in 1997, the VOHC was born from a collective need among veterinary dental experts for an objective system to evaluate and recognize superior pet dental products. It operates as a council of volunteer veterinarians, including board-certified specialists in veterinary dentistry. Their primary function is to review scientific data submitted by manufacturers and award a Seal of Acceptance to products that demonstrably reduce plaque and tartar by at least 20% through rigorous clinical trials. This process simplifies the decision-making for pet parents, ensuring they can easily identify products that meet high standards for their pets’ oral hygiene.
How Products Earn the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
The VOHC does not conduct its own trials; instead, it meticulously analyzes clinical data provided by manufacturers. Companies seeking the VOHC Seal must conduct two independent sets of clinical trials to prove their product’s effectiveness and repeatability. These trials are designed to assess a product’s ability to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and in some cases, gingivitis (gum inflammation). The VOHC’s review process ensures that only products that meet stringent criteria, comparable to the mechanical action of brushing, receive the seal. This rigorous evaluation empowers both veterinarians to make confident recommendations and pet owners to select products that genuinely contribute to their pet’s dental health.
The VOHC review process involves several key stages:
- Product Sponsorship: Manufacturers submit a Pre-Trial Protocol Form outlining their testing methodology and fund the trials.
- Trial Execution: A designated trial site owner or official, which can be the manufacturer or an independent entity, organizes and conducts the clinical trials.
- Data Submission: Manufacturers submit comprehensive data, product samples, and fees to the VOHC for expert review.
- Chemical Agent Policy: Products must utilize chemical agents that are safe for animal consumption, proven by FDA acceptance or a strong safety history.
- Two-Trial Requirement: Two distinct trial types—parallel or cross-over—are mandated to ensure consistent results.
- VOHC Acceptance: Products that meet the established criteria for plaque and/or tartar reduction are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.
Understanding the VOHC Seal Designations
When a product receives the VOHC Seal, it will indicate its specific benefits on the packaging. These designations help consumers understand what to expect from the product:
- Helps Control Plaque: This means the product has been proven to reduce the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, by at least 20%.
- Helps Control Tartar: This designation signifies that the product effectively reduces the formation of tartar, which is hardened plaque, by at least 20%.
- Dual Designation: Some products may carry both designations, indicating they are effective in controlling both plaque and tartar buildup.
The rigorous standards for achieving these designations mean that VOHC-accepted products are highly effective, often comparable to the benefits of regular tooth brushing. When choosing products, especially for specific needs like feline nutrition, looking for the VOHC seal on dental-specific items is a wise approach.
Prioritizing Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene
While VOHC-approved products offer significant benefits, daily tooth brushing remains the gold standard for maintaining your pet’s dental health. Aim to brush your dog or cat’s teeth at least every other day, if not daily. Complementing brushing with VOHC-accepted dental chews, treats, rinses, and water additives can further support excellent oral hygiene. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable dental care plan and products for your specific pet’s needs. For example, if you’re considering dietary changes, understanding cat vitamins for immune system could be part of a holistic approach, but specialized dental products are key for oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About the VOHC
What is the VOHC?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a distinguished group of board-certified veterinary dentists and experts dedicated to evaluating the efficacy of pet oral health products. They award a Seal of Acceptance to products scientifically proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar.
How do products obtain VOHC approval?
Manufacturers must successfully complete two sets of clinical trials demonstrating at least a 20% average reduction in plaque and/or tartar compared to control groups. These results are then rigorously reviewed by the VOHC.
Is the VOHC a legitimate authority?
Absolutely. The VOHC comprises highly educated and experienced veterinary dentistry professionals, lending significant credibility to their evaluations and the Seal of Acceptance they award.
References
- Bellows J. The Ultimate Guide to Veterinary Dental Home Care. DVM360. May 4, 2017. https://www.dvm360.com/view/ultimate-guide-veterinary-dental-home-care
