Ingredients to Avoid in Dog and Cat Toothpaste, Oral Rinse and Dental Chews
Choosing a Good Toothpaste and Oral Rinse for Your Dog and Cat
Brushing your dog and cat's teeth on a daily basis, or at least several times a week; and or use of an oral
rinse on your dog or cat's mouth is a task that you hope will help to maintain your companion animals good health...but what if the product you are using contains ingredients that are toxic and carcinogenic? Do you know how to identify bad ingredients? This article will help you make informed decisions dental hygiene products.
Never Use Oral Health Products Intended for Human Use
Never use toothpaste or
liquid oral care products intended for use by humans to clean your dog’s teeth/mouth
as products intended for human use typically contain substances that are toxic
for dogs. Only use commercially produced oral care products that are
specifically made for dogs. But please don’t fall for the attractive packages
and eye-catching words ‘natural’, ‘safe’, etc…
Don’t Trust the Advertising
You may already be brushing your dog’s teeth or providing him/her with dental
chews or liquid oral care as an insurance against periodontal disease…but did
you know that many of these products
that are sold in pet stores and/or on-line are full of ingredients that are not
good for your dog?
Sure these products
may help remove plaque and tartar but if the preventative you are using is full
of additives and toxins - you are inadvertently creating another health hazard.
The drastic increase in cancer found in dogs is a direct result of all of the
carcinogenic additives and toxins in a dog’s daily environment and food.
Just because a
product is labelled and advertised as ‘safe’ or ‘all natural’ does not mean
that it is. Currently, the legislation (particularly in North America) defining
‘natural’ as pertains to ingredients (used in human and animal food, health
care and cleaning products) is not designed to protect the consumer - the
definition of ‘natural’ is very loosely defined in favor of the manufacturing
industry.
So, before you decide
to purchase a product do a little research - read the ingredients, make sure
the product is truly safe. Below is a list of ingredients you DO NOT want in your
dog’s dental treatment products…
What to Avoid in Dental Care Products
for Dogs
Artificial Colouring Agents and Artificial Flavouring
For example FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1. Artificial colouring agents are carcinogens, may be contaminated with heavy metals that are toxic to the brain, cause numerous health issues such as bladder cancer, brain tumors and the inability to concentrate. Also included - artificial colouring agents and additives such as glycerol monostearate, phosphoric acid and propylene glycol (this is used in antifreeze - antifreeze kills dogs!).
For example FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1. Artificial colouring agents are carcinogens, may be contaminated with heavy metals that are toxic to the brain, cause numerous health issues such as bladder cancer, brain tumors and the inability to concentrate. Also included - artificial colouring agents and additives such as glycerol monostearate, phosphoric acid and propylene glycol (this is used in antifreeze - antifreeze kills dogs!).
BHA, BHT, EQ (ethoxyquin), Propyl Gallate
Artificial preservatives, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens. Look for products that contain ‘natural preservatives’ and antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and mixed tocopherols specified as sourced from non-GMO oils only. Vitamin E and mixed tocopherols that are not noted as non-GMO are toxic and carcinogenic.
Artificial preservatives, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens. Look for products that contain ‘natural preservatives’ and antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and mixed tocopherols specified as sourced from non-GMO oils only. Vitamin E and mixed tocopherols that are not noted as non-GMO are toxic and carcinogenic.
Corn, Gluten, Soy, Corn
Used as a filler. These are inflammatory substances to dogs and cats - even if sourced from organic plants. Corn, soy and their derivatives are the number one trigger for allergies in out companion animals. Making matters worse, the majority of corn and soy in North America are grown from Genetically Engineered (GE) seeds, resulting in genetically modified organisims (GMO).
TAll of the long-term affects of eating GMO derived products is not known - GMO corn has been proven to cause the growth of tumors. For more information on the serious adverse affects of corn and soy on your dog and cat - go here.
DEA Related Ingredients - also MEA and TEA
These are used to make products such as soap and toothpaste foam, these ingredients are suspected carcinogens;
These are used to make products such as soap and toothpaste foam, these ingredients are suspected carcinogens;
Fluoride
Fluoride is considered a toxin and too much can cause
skeletal fluorosis resulting in joint pain, limited range of movement, brittle
bones and a high rate of fracture
Gelatin and Stearic Acid
An animal by-product derived from rendering miscellaneous
animal parts such as bone, cartilage, ligaments, skin, etc. - typically sourced from animals raised in confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). The body parts from these animals are very high in toxic and carcinogenic residues, including antibiotics, growth hormones, herbicides - for more information go here.
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate (HSH)
Artificial sweetener,
sugar alcohol that is not good for dogs, toxin;
Parabens
Parabens are used as a preservative. Parabens are a suspected endocrine disruptor, interfere with hormone production and are suspected carcinogens;
Parabens are used as a preservative. Parabens are a suspected endocrine disruptor, interfere with hormone production and are suspected carcinogens;
Saturated or Trans Fat
These fats are sourced from rancid fats and oil by products that are not sold for human consumption. May be from 4-D animals. Unhealthy at best, toxic and suspected carcinogen at worst.
These fats are sourced from rancid fats and oil by products that are not sold for human consumption. May be from 4-D animals. Unhealthy at best, toxic and suspected carcinogen at worst.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate and other ingredients with the
letters ‘eth’
Used to make products foam, suspected carcinogen;
Used to make products foam, suspected carcinogen;
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is used as a preservative and is a sugar alcohol sweetener used in toothpaste. Although it does not cause tooth decay it is a laxative and can have many other negative side affects. Sugar alcohols are seriously bad for dogs and can cause mild to severe health problems and death.
Sorbitol is used as a preservative and is a sugar alcohol sweetener used in toothpaste. Although it does not cause tooth decay it is a laxative and can have many other negative side affects. Sugar alcohols are seriously bad for dogs and can cause mild to severe health problems and death.
Soy Protein Isolate
Allergen, suspected carcinogen and derivative of GMO
product;
Sugar
Sugar causes tooth decay, suppresses the immune system - making it easier for diseases to attack your dog’s body. Sweeteners also cause of allergies, arthritis, cataracts, hypoglycaemia, heart ailments, nervous energy, obesity, etc.
Sugar causes tooth decay, suppresses the immune system - making it easier for diseases to attack your dog’s body. Sweeteners also cause of allergies, arthritis, cataracts, hypoglycaemia, heart ailments, nervous energy, obesity, etc.
Propyl Gallate
Preservative, carcinogenic;
Preservative, carcinogenic;
Tin (II) Fluoride also known as Stanous Flouride
Used to make tooth enamel more resistant to damaging bacteria. Tin can cause anemia, skin and eye irritation, kidney and liver problems, stomach aches, cancer and ultimately death.
Used to make tooth enamel more resistant to damaging bacteria. Tin can cause anemia, skin and eye irritation, kidney and liver problems, stomach aches, cancer and ultimately death.
Triclosen
Suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance;
Suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance;
Xylitol
An artificial sweetener that can cause liver damage and
death.
Now That You Know What to Avoid
You can choose a good
commercially made oral care product for your dog. You can also make your own
natural, herbal oral health care products for your dog.
Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat
For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.
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For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.
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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.
