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Pet dental water additives: how they are used

What a pet dental water additive is, how it is dosed into a water bowl, what is on the label, and how pet shops and groomers can stock it sensibly.

By the DANJJAK team3 min read

A pet dental water additive is a liquid that owners measure into their pet's drinking water each day, as part of an oral care routine. It appeals to owners whose pets will not tolerate a toothbrush, which is a common story at any pet shop counter. This guide covers how these products are used, what to look for on the label, and how to stock them.

What a water additive is for

Most owners first notice their pet's mouth because of bad breath. Brushing is the routine vets usually talk about, but plenty of cats and dogs make it a wrestling match. A water additive is an easier daily habit: one measure into the bowl, and the pet drinks it through the day.

The Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive is sold for cats and dogs. Its listing describes it as targeting bad breath, plaque and tartar, and says it is tasteless and odourless, so pets do not notice it in their water. Its listing also says it is made in the USA.

It is worth being clear with customers about what an additive is. It is a convenience product for daily care. It does not replace a vet check, and a pet with sore gums, broken teeth, bleeding, drooling or trouble eating needs a vet rather than a new product.

What is in the bottle

The ingredients listed on the Oxyfresh additive are water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, stabilised chlorine dioxide (which the brand calls Oxygene), zinc acetate, sodium hydroxide and chlorophyllin-copper complex. The listing names the chlorine dioxide and zinc as the working blend.

Customers sometimes see "chlorine" and worry. The fair answer is to show them the full ingredient list, point out that the product is made to be diluted in drinking water at the stated dose, and suggest they ask their vet if they have concerns about their own pet.

How it is dosed

Dosing is by water volume, not by the size of the pet, which surprises some owners. The pack's chart gives these amounts:

  • 1 cup (8 oz) of water: 1/4 teaspoon, or 1/8 teaspoon for sensitive pets
  • 2 cups (16 oz) of water: 1/2 teaspoon, or 1/4 teaspoon for sensitive pets
  • 4 cups (32 oz) of water: 1 teaspoon, or 1/2 teaspoon for sensitive pets

The pack also suggests starting at half the dose for sensitive pets. Staff can help most by asking how big the customer's water bowl is, because that is what decides the dose. Owners with fountains or large bowls should measure the volume once so they know their number.

Sizes and who buys them

The additive comes in 100ml and 473ml bottles. The two sizes tend to suit different buyers.

  • The smaller bottle suits first-time buyers who want to see whether their pet accepts it. It is also the easier size for a counter display.
  • The larger bottle suits multi-pet homes and repeat customers, and suits groomers and boarding facilities that look after several animals.

Where it sits in a pet shop

Dental care is easy to overlook if it is shelved deep in an aisle. A few placement ideas:

  1. Put water additives next to bowls and water fountains. The customer is already thinking about water.
  2. Group them with other grooming care, such as pet ear cleaners. The Oxyfresh Pet Ear Cleaner is from the same brand, which makes a tidy brand block.
  3. Groomers can mention it at pick-up, when the owner is already talking about their pet's coat, ears and teeth.

The full range is in our Pet Care category.

Questions to pass on to a vet

Some questions should not be answered at the counter. Pass these on:

  • Whether the product suits a pet with a medical condition or on medication
  • Whether it suits very young, elderly or pregnant animals
  • Any change in eating, drinking or behaviour after starting it

Keeping that line clear builds trust with customers and with the vets in your area.

Ordering

If you run a pet shop, grooming salon or boarding facility and want to stock pet dental and ear care, add the products to your enquiry list or send us a message. We will come back to you with prices and availability. For other things to keep on hand for guests and residents, see our guide to travel laundry wash and stain removers.

This article is general product information for businesses, not medical advice. For questions about symptoms or treatment, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

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