A groundbreaking advancement in pet dental care has emerged, offering hope to millions of dogs and cats suffering from gum disease. ioTech International has introduced ioVet™ Oral, a drinking water additive containing molecular iodine (I2) that has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing dental plaque in pets, surpassing the results of daily brushing.
According to holistic veterinarian Dr. Babette Gladstein, gum disease affects an alarming 85% of dogs by the age of two, making it the most diagnosed condition in dogs and cats. Despite its prevalence, periodontal disease often goes untreated, leading to severe health consequences including oral infections, tooth loss, and an increased risk of localized cancer. More critically, it can contribute to kidney, liver, lung, and heart diseases, as well as diabetes.
The primary culprit behind periodontal disease in pets is the buildup of dental plaque. Traditional methods of plaque control, such as daily brushing, have proven challenging for pet owners to maintain consistently. Dr. Herb Moskowitz, dental educator, research scientist, and Chairman of ioTech International, highlights the significance of this new technology: 'A major technological breakthrough and recent clinical studies confirm that adding a nutritional amount of the essential nutrient molecular iodine to your pet's drinking water each day is far more effective in reducing dental plaque than if a veterinarian supervised the brushing of your pet's teeth.'
The effectiveness of ioVet™ Oral was demonstrated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies following Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) guidelines. The studies, conducted over 28 days with 25 kenneled dogs each, showed an average plaque reduction of 44% in dogs treated with molecular iodine compared to those given a placebo. These results significantly outperformed daily veterinarian-supervised teeth brushing for dogs.
The implications of this innovation are far-reaching. With periodontal disease being a widespread issue in pet health, a simple, effective solution could dramatically improve the overall well-being of millions of pets. The ease of use – adding 1 milliliter of ioVet™ Oral per 8 oz. of water to a pet's water dish each morning – makes it a practical option for pet owners who struggle with daily brushing routines.
Beyond its efficacy in plaque reduction, ioVet™ Oral offers additional benefits. It is safe, nutritional, and does not cause microbial resistance. The non-staining formulation acts as an effective breath freshener and provides a cost-effective preventative care option for pet owners.
The introduction of this molecular iodine technology represents a significant shift in pet dental care. By addressing the challenges of traditional oral hygiene methods, it offers a promising solution to combat the 'epidemic proportions' of periodontal disease in dogs and cats, as noted by Dr. Moskowitz.
As pet owners become increasingly aware of the importance of dental health in their animals' overall well-being, innovations like ioVet™ Oral could play a crucial role in preventive care. The potential reduction in severe health complications associated with untreated gum disease could lead to longer, healthier lives for pets and reduced veterinary costs for owners.
The success of ioVet™ Oral in clinical trials, culminating in its receipt of the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for Plaque Control, marks a significant milestone in veterinary oral health care. As this technology becomes more widely adopted, it may reshape approaches to pet dental hygiene, offering a simple yet effective tool in the ongoing battle against periodontal disease in companion animals.
