By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.

You’ve seen it firsthand – a decline in your horse’s overall demeanor and health following routine vaccinations. Inflammation is the reason for this reaction. A new study from the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, monitored the inflammatory response to vaccinations using a marker known as Serum Amyloid A (SAA).[i]

SAA is protein which increases in the blood in response to acute infection, injury, or stress. Because it rises so rapidly, it is a good biomarker in determining inflammation or infection.

The study looked at thirty-six clinically normal horses. Twenty-eight horses received booster vaccinations that are commonly recommended: Rabies, tetanus, West Nile virus, Eastern and Western equine encephalitis, equine herpesvirus 1 and 4, and influenza. The control group consisted of eight horses, and they only received saline injections instead of vaccines.

Body temperature was recorded, and blood samples were collected daily for 10 days after the vaccinations.

Results:

• SAA temporarily increased for up to 10 days following vaccinations. Most horses (85.7%) returned to normal levels within 10 days.
• Most horses (78.6%) developed a fever of greater than 101.12°F (>38.4°C). Normal body temperature of horses ranges from 99 to101°F (37.2 to 38.3°C).

Elevated SAA levels did not necessarily indicate illness. Instead, the researchers advised horse owners to be aware of their horse’s overall health and provide a recovery period prior to travel or competition.

Implications for your horses

Not all horses exhibit negative symptoms, even when inflammation is present. But when the horse does not respond well, inflammation can present itself as specific symptoms, including reduced appetite, depression, irritability, sensitivity to touch, or reluctance to move. Or your horse may simply have a general malaise, where he is not feeling or acting normally.

It may be worthwhile having a discussion with your veterinarian about the necessity of certain vaccines, depending on your horse’s age, living arrangements and travel schedule. While the study showed inflammation declining back to normal levels within ten days, it can remain challenging to the immune system and horses who are already immunocompromised (such as with PPID), may experience a longer impact on their health.

Older horses often benefit from spacing out vaccinations to prevent overwhelming the immune system. As horses age, they often experience a phenomenon called immunosenescence, which refers to a gradual weakening of the immune system.[ii]

Preventive care

Feed an anti-inflammatory diet:[iii]

• Balance essential fatty acids. These are crucial for a horse’s health but are frequently underestimated. Omega 3 fatty acids, along with omega 6s, in a 4:1 ratio will improve your horse’s immunity by reducing inflammation. Chia seeds and flaxseeds are both excellent sources and mimic the omega 3 to 6 ratio found in healthy pasture grasses. If your horse grazes on pasture for more than 8 hours per day, he is likely eating enough omega 3s. But when growth slows due to seasonal changes, the level of omega 3s in pasture grasses lessens. Consequently, a source of omega 3s must be added to the diet every day since the horse’s body cannot produce them.

• Avoid soybean, corn, and sunflower seed oils. Commercial feeds typically contain these to add more fat to their formulas. However, they are exceedingly high in omega 6s with hardly any omega 3s. Too many omega 6s will increase inflammation.

• Feed a low sugar/low starch diet. Horses do not need refined carbohydrates to be healthy. Added molasses as well as starchy cereal grains are broken down to glucose when they are digested, which raises insulin. Insulin is an inflammatory hormone.

• Avoid feedstuffs that contain glyphosate. Glyphosate is the toxic herbicide found in RoundUp®. Exposure can lead to cancer and absorption problems.[iv] Soybeans and soy-based feeds are genetically modified to tolerate glyphosate unless they are organic. It’s worth noting that beet pulp and alfalfa products could potentially be contaminated with glyphosate.

• Fill in nutritional gaps. While hay is a staple in most horses’ diets, it is essential to recognize that it is not a complete source of all necessary nutrients. To address this issue, consider providing your horse with a well-rounded vitamin and mineral supplement in addition to incorporating high-quality, protein-rich whole foods into the diet. When seeking protein sources, it is advisable to avoid non-organic soy. Instead, consider including hemp seeds in your horse’s diet—they provide high-quality protein.

• Strive for organic and non-GMO. Organic feeds and most non-GMO supplements do not contain chemical preservatives. This will lessen the level of oxidative stress in the body, resulting in an improved immune system.

Reduce stress. Stress makes horses more susceptible to developing infections, allergies, and enhanced inflammatory responses. The main stressors horses experience includes intense exercise, travelling, forage restriction, isolation, confinement in a small space, not enough companionship, and inability to roam. The more you can allow your horse to live like Nature intended, the healthier he will be. For articles that discuss stress and ways to reduce it, visit the Getty Equine Nutrition Resource Library.[v]

Bottom line

This research study used Serum Amyloid A (SAA) as a measure to confirm an inflammatory response after horses receive vaccinations. Individual responses, however, vary depending on the horse’s overall health and immune system. Discuss with your veterinarian which vaccinations are necessary and which to avoid for your horse’s specific needs, and work on ways to keep your horse healthy through an anti-inflammatory diet and reduced stress.

This article originally appeared on Getty Equine Nutrition and is published here with permission.

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by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

Horse owners, veterinarians, and researchers can measure a horse’s body temperature in multiple ways. By far the most common method is the use of digital rectal thermometers. While simple to use, these devices may offer inconsistent readings and pose a safety risk to handlers and horses.

Though less common, other ways of recording body temperature include a disposable sensor attached to the underside of the horse’s tail, primarily used for tracking temperatures over long periods, and an infrared thermometer, thought to have a weak correlation to core body temperature and to be easily influenced by external factors.¹

At Kentucky Equine Research, caretakers often record body temperature several times daily. For this reason, they rely on percutaneous thermal sensing microchips (PTSMs), which provide faster and more accurate readings than traditional methods.

As their name implies, PTSMs are small devices, no larger than the microchips used for pet identification. They are implanted into specific muscles of the horse. Thirty-three horses across three farms at Kentucky Equine Research have PTSMs placed in a gluteal muscle, with an average muscle depth of 1.81 ± 0.56 cm for the horses residing in Florida at the Kentucky Equine Research Performance Center.

Twelve of the 33 have a second microchip in the pectoral muscle at a muscle depth of 1.42 ± 0.31 cm.² The gluteal muscles form the large mass over the horse’s croup, while the pectoral muscles lie between the front legs along the chest.

Once implanted, PTSMs can be scanned immediately with a HomeAgain microchip reader, which displays the horse’s temperature instantly on-screen. Users can also link the microchip to a unique identification number for each horse and keep a record of the data using the EquiTrace app.

This process can be repeated as many times as needed, as the microchips have lifelong battery power, and the microchip readers are rechargeable.³

Ease of reading is especially important at Kentucky Equine Research. With PTSMs, researchers can safely track a horse’s body temperature while the horse is exercised on a high-speed treadmill, a feat impossible with traditional rectal thermometers.

The use of PTSMs has greatly influenced the welfare of horses by detecting early signs of unusual changes in body temperature, such as fever or heat stress. This is especially important in horses undergoing strenuous exercise in hot and humid conditions where heat dissipation is difficult.¹

Kentucky Equine Research has put this technology to good use during research trials, allowing scientists to better understand the efficacy of different cooling methods after exercise.²

Percutaneous thermal sensing microchips represent a major advancement in equine health monitoring and research.

This article was written by Kelly Dawkins, a year-long intern at Kentucky Equine Research. As part of the intern program, participants are encouraged to contribute to Equinews. Learn more about the internship program.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry.

Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

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By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.

p>The quantity of protein in the diet is important but even more so, is its quality. To achieve this, we need to include additional protein sources to a forage-based diet. It all has to do with the way the body digests and utilizes protein.

Hay provides protein, but it’s of poor quality

Its protein is digested down to individual amino acids. This process starts in the stomach and is completed in the small intestine. They are absorbed into the blood stream and travel to tissues within your horse’s body to be reassembled into long, branched chains of amino acids to create proteins that are specific to your horse’s needs.

There are hundreds of proteins in the body, some of which include those in the muscles, joints, skin, and hooves, as well as digestive enzymes, antibodies, and some hormones.

Grasses and grass hays should offer the foundation of your horse’s diet. But their protein content is of poor quality. That means that while they do offer amino acids, including essential amino acids (those which the horse’s body cannot produce or produce in sufficient quantity), they are inadequate in number and proportion.

So, when the amino acids from hay digestion reach a tissue, muscle for example, the muscle requires specific amino acids in the right number and proportion to build new muscle proteins.

Left over amino acids cannot be saved for later

With a poor-quality protein, there will be many amino acids left over because some key amino acids are not available in sufficient quantity to produce muscle protein, as in our example. The left over amino acids cannot be saved for later. Instead, they go to the liver where they are broken apart - a process known as “deamination.”

The amino acid is divided into two components: ammonia (which later gets converted to urea and excreted in the urine**), and an organic acid. The organic acid portion can undergo biochemical changes in one of three directions:

1. Converted to glucose. Most amino acids, once deaminated, can be converted to glucose. Glucose is the predominant blood sugar and is the necessary energy source for your horse’s nervous system, including his brain.

Once blood glucose rises, the pancreas responds by secreting insulin to get the glucose into many of his body’s tissues. This should raise a “red flag” for owners of insulin resistant horses, since it’s not just sugar and starch that raises blood glucose - excess amino acids can, as well. This will only occur, however, if the diet is low in carbohydrates.

Forages are generally high enough but if you are restricting forage to help your horse lose weight, he will need to get glucose from somewhere. He will likely lose muscle mass, since muscle offers a large amount of available amino acids, which can be deaminated and converted to glucose (through a process known as gluconeogenesis).

In addition to muscle loss, he will utilize what protein he has in his diet to also offer glucose to keep his nervous system functioning.

2. Burned for energy. If your horse’s diet is low in calories (referred to as “digestible energy” on your hay analysis report), he will use protein, as well as carbohydrates and fats, to meet his energy needs. Carbohydrates (sugars, starch, and digestible fibers), as well as fats are supposed to be used for energy.

But protein is not; it’s supposed to be used for body protein synthesis. If your horse is not getting enough carbohydrates and fat in the diet, the dietary protein will be “wasted,” burned for energy, and not used for its intended function.

3. Converted to fat. Now isn’t that ironic? If you are feeding a low starch/low sugar hay to help your horse lose weight, and this is the only source of protein, that protein could actually be converted to body fat!

This would only happen, of course, if the glucose and caloric needs have already been met. But feeding an appropriately low sugar/low starch hay, free-choice, without any additional source of protein (amino acids), could make your horse get fatter.

The solution is not reducing forage. That would only make the amino acids be used for energy, for glucose (raises insulin), or encourage muscle loss. The solution is to provide enough quality protein so that the fourth and desirable outcome occurs: amino acids from hay digestion can be kept intact, not deaminated.

Add a different protein source

When amino acids are kept whole and not destroyed in the liver, they can be “strung” together in specific patterns to produce the protein needed within the body. The best way to ensure this is to add another protein source that has a different amino acid profile. That way, it can enhance the amino acid pool diversity.

Hence, more amino acids are available for your horse’s health maintenance and repair.

An analogy would be making a beaded necklace where every fourth bead is red. You buy a bag of beads and there are some red ones, but you find that you cannot make a necklace at the length you’d like it because the bag does not have enough red ones (like feeding poor-quality protein such as only hay).

So, you go out and buy a different bag of beads with lots of red ones (another protein source). Now you have enough red ones to make a necklace, and maybe even more than one necklace.

The amino acid variety is far more important than the protein percentage

If your hay is high in protein, but it is the only source of protein, many amino acids will be destroyed. To reduce this, you'll want to start by feeding a variety of grasses, not just one type of grass hay. Adding alfalfa will also help.

But a preferable approach is to offer a small amount of non-grass feedstuffs such as ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and other whole foods. This results in an assorted group of amino acids, sufficient to meet your horse’s needs.

Bottom line

To offer your horse the amino acid building blocks he needs to build and repair body proteins, it is important that the diet contain a variety of protein sources to maintain an adequate amino acid pool. If this pool is missing too many specific amino acids, many will ultimately be deaminated in the liver, rendering them unusable for body protein production.

Instead, they can be burned for energy, converted to glucose, and even stored as fat. Adding a small amount of protein-rich whole foods increases the number of intact amino acids, helping your horse remain strong and healthy.

** If your horse’s urine seems particularly strong-smelling, don’t necessarily assume that it is because he is getting too much protein. It could be because his protein intake is of poor quality, causing deamination of unused amino acids. Improving the protein quality will reduce the urea content in the urine.

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This article originally appeared on Getty Equine Nutrition and is published here with permission.

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The American Quarter Horse is considered the most popular horse breed due to its extraordinary versatility, calm temperament, and historic role in the American West. These horses excel in a wide range of activities, from demanding ranch work and high-speed rodeo events to recreational trail riding and show competitions, making it a reliable and adaptable horse for both professional and family use. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), which is the world's largest equine breed registry, has registered over six million horses since 1940.

Versatility and athleticism

American Quarter Horses are "all-rounders" that can excel in a wide array of disciplines, making them a practical choice for many owners.

• Western events: Their muscular and compact build is perfectly suited for rodeo events like barrel racing, roping, and cutting, where explosive speed and agility are essential.
• Ranch work: With a natural "cow sense," they are invaluable for working with cattle, a tradition dating back to the ranches of the American West.
• Racing: True to their name, they are the fastest breed over a quarter-mile distance, with some clocking speeds up to 55 mph.
• English disciplines: Though famous for their Western abilities, they also compete successfully in English disciplines like jumping, dressage, and equitation.
• Recreational riding: Their dependable nature makes them a popular choice for pleasure riding and trail riding.

Calm and trainable temperament

Quarter Horses are known for their gentle and easygoing disposition, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels. This cooperative and intelligent nature makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of uses, from competitive show horses to quiet family companions.

Deep American historical roots

The breed's long history is closely linked to the development of the United States.

• Colonial beginnings: The breed traces its origin to the 1600s, when colonists bred imported English Thoroughbreds with native Spanish horses to produce a compact, swift equine.
• Western expansion: As settlers moved west, the Quarter Horse's speed and ability to work cattle cemented its place as the iconic horse of the cowboy and the open range. This legacy continues to resonate with many horse owners today.

Largest breed registry

The sheer numbers of registered Quarter Horses reflect the breed's popularity. As mentioned, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is the largest horse breed registry in the world, with over six million horses in its registry. This large community also contributes to the breed's continued growth and recognition through shows, events, and youth programs.

For all of these reasons, we love Quarter Horses too! Learn about more Horse Breeds on EIE.

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Goats are used as companions for horses primarily because of their calming presence, herd instincts, and cost-effectiveness compared to other horses. This practice is common in racehorse stables, where highly-strung and nervous horses can benefit from a goat's soothing company.

In fact, the phase, “Getting someone’s goat” is known to have racehorse roots!

One widely circulated story suggests that trainers would place a goat in the stall of a high-strung racehorse to keep it calm before a big race. Opposing trainers would sometimes steal the goat, hoping to upset the horse and cause it to perform poorly.

"Getting someone's goat," in this sense, meant intentionally causing a person or animal distress.

Calming influence

• Reduces stress: Horses are prey animals and feel safer in a herd. A goat can serve as a non-threatening and predictable "barn buddy" that reduces anxiety in a single or nervous horse. This can help curb nervous behaviors such as pacing, stall-walking, or cribbing (chewing on stall edges).
• Reliable companion: Goats tend to be steady and predictable, which can be comforting to horses, particularly young thoroughbreds in high-pressure training environments. The bond can become so strong that both animals may show signs of stress if they are separated.

Cost and convenience

• Lower cost: Keeping a goat is far less expensive than owning a second horse, which involves significant costs for food, veterinary care, and farrier work.
• Less space: For horse owners who only have enough space for one horse, a goat is a manageable addition that doesn't require a large extra pasture.

Herd animal instincts

• Natural bonding: Both horses and goats are herd animals, and when raised together, they tend to bond easily and quickly. They can become deeply attached and even protective of one another.
• Playful interaction: Goats are naturally sociable and playful creatures, which can provide entertaining and engaging company for a horse.

Pasture maintenance

• Complementary grazing: Goats are browsers, meaning they prefer to eat weeds, shrubs, and brush that horses, as grazers, typically ignore. This can help improve pasture quality by clearing out undesirable plants without competing with the horse for grass.
• Parasite control: Because horses and goats are susceptible to different internal parasites, they can safely graze together without increasing the risk of infection for either species.

Potential challenges

While often successful, using goats as horse companions is not without risks.

• Injury risk: A large horse could accidentally step on or kick a smaller goat, especially if they are not well-socialized or if the horse is territorial.
• Dietary needs: While they can share a pasture, horses and goats have different dietary needs. Goats can be sensitive to the copper content in some horse feeds, so it's important to feed them separately.
• Fencing requirements: Goats are notorious escape artists and require more secure fencing, such as woven-wire or electric fencing, than horses do.

We’ve seen many horses who welcomed a goat in their lives and it’s a way for a lonely or nervous horse to have some calm company!

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If your blue jeans were two sizes too small, it’s likely your body would show signs of (major) discomfort, such as pinching and red marks. Now, unless they’re the last pair to your name, you’re likely not wearing those jeans again, let alone tomorrow, the next day, or for days to come.

Now, imagine how your horse might feel, if he is consistently ridden in an improperly fitted saddle.

How Does Your Saddle Fit Your Horse?

Your horse’s comfort, happiness and your proper positioning as a rider all weighs on your saddle’s fit. An improper saddle fit causes your weight to be distributed unevenly, which can result in pressure points, rub marks, soreness, or the development of white saddle spots on your horse.

Monitor your horse’s attitude and behavior while riding, which can clue you in on a painful saddle fit, but keep in mind: some horses are more stoic than others. It’s best that you take a step back and take a close look at your horse while he is saddled to determine fit.

Your saddle fits just right if it sits level on your horse’s back and the bars of the tree do not pinch. The front of your saddle should be positioned behind your horse’s shoulder blade, allowing him freedom of movement.

Your saddle is too narrow if the front of the saddle sits high. When the saddle is sitting directly upon the horse’s withers, pinching can often occur.

Your saddle is too wide if the front of the saddle is low. This also results in pinching but at the top of the saddle’s bars. In this scenario, the gullet of the saddle may be too low and rest on your horse’s withers causing pain and discomfort.

Shop Western saddles

Continue reading for additional guidance to help ensure you and your horse enjoys the most comfortable and secure ride possible.

What to Consider When Selecting a Saddle Pad

Selecting a saddle pad is an important decision that should not be based on look and color patterns alone. Some saddle pads are uniquely designed and contoured to fit your horse’s back immediately, relieve wither pressure and wick away sweat and moisture.

Be sure to avoid over-padding your horse, a common practice that can result in your saddle rolling and sliding more easily. Choose a saddle pad that offers your horse the support he needs. Shop saddle pads and blankets

How to Measure For a Cinch

For your saddle’s fit and proper positioning on your horse, it is important that your horse’s cinch fit well, too. In the video above, Professional’s Choice representative and professional rodeo cowboy, Brodie Poppino, shares how to properly measure and fit a cinch to your saddle.

Keep in mind, though: non-nylon cinches could stretch up to a full size, so based on your preference, consider the material before ordering a cinch for your horse.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cinch

When choosing a cinch for your horse and saddle, keep in mind there are two different types of cinches: Western cinches and roper cinches. A roper cinch is wide and contoured, so when they are cinched up and stop quickly, the weight is distributed more evenly over a wider area of the horse, reducing uncomfortable pressure on the horse’s abdomen.

When tightening your horse’s cinch for an everyday ride, consider how tightly you wear your belt, and offer your horse the same level of comfort. Overtightening a cinch can add pressure and discomfort for your horse before you even step into the stirrups. Shop cinches

Remember that the longevity of your saddle and tack all depends on how well it is cared for over the years. Cleaning and oiling your tack regularly helps to prevent cracking and protect the leather. Oiling your saddle also aids in a safer ride, as dry, cracked leather can result in breakage, which can potentially lead to a mishap and rider injury.

For safety, closely observe your tack and the quality of your leather pieces. Are they oiled and secure, without any sign of dry rot or cracking? If so, happy trails. If not, for the safety of your ride, it is time for repair or replacement. Shop leather care

This article originally appeared on Valley Vet and is published here with permission. Valley Vet Supply was founded in 1985 by veterinarians for people just like you - people who want the very best for their four-legged friends and livestock.

All photos courtesy of Valley Vet.

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by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

Time, weather, and suitable facilities, rather than an owner’s knowledge and ability, were the three main factors limiting how much human-led exercise (HLE) a horse receives, said the authors of a U.K.-based survey exploring exercise as a means of weight management.

Many horses in the U.K. are maintained in “obesogenic environments,” defined as a setting that promotes gaining weight and one that is not conducive to weight loss. Even though horses are turned out for self-directed exercise (SDE), the pasture is too often nutrient-rich. As a result, horses get the benefits of turnout, including free movement, socialization, and grazing, but overconsume calories. Obesity is therefore common, and 40% of the 804 survey respondents admitted that their horses were either overweight or obese.

“This number is probably much higher than suspected, as previous research found that owners frequently underestimate their horse’s weight and body condition,” explained Ashley Fowler, Ph.D., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research.

Obesity is a welfare issue because horses are at risk of developing osteoarthritis, laminitis, and metabolic problems.

Traditional means of managing obesity center on nutrition, primarily reducing dietary intake by restricting grazing and maintaining horses in individual stalls. This approach breaches the three “f’s” of equine welfare: freedom, friends, and forage.

“Instead of solely focusing on nutrient restriction, another approach to weight management is increasing energy expenditure either by HLE including longeing and riding or encouraging voluntary movement (SDE) during turnout,” Fowler said.

Based on the survey, most owners indicated that their horses had daily turnout even in the winter. The bulk of the horses also engaged in HLE, primarily hacking or flatwork three to five times per week.

“The top three barriers to HLE were weather, time, and the availability of suitable facilities in which to exercise,” Fowler indicated.

But even with HLE, horses were believed to be overweight or obese because exercises were low-intensity and “unable to neutralize the obesity risk promoted by grass-rich environments,” stated the survey authors.

While owners indicated that they realized exercise was important in managing obesity, they felt increasing SDE rather than HLE would be a more realistic option due to lack of time combined with weather and lack of suitable facilities in which to exercise their horses. The researchers then suggested “track systems” for improving SDE. These are low- or no-grass tracks built around the perimeter of a field. Resources are then distributed throughout the track to promote movement.

Even though this study was conducted in the U.K., research on horses in the U.S. has also indicated a high prevalence of obesity in the equine population. Further, one U.S. study found horse owners also felt that caring for overweight horses increased time and labor input.^**

As stated by the researchers, exercise plays a vital role in weight management, reducing the risk of insulin dysregulation, a key feature of equine metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, dietary restriction still plays a key role in weight management, and Fowler reminds owners the importance of forage.

“Horses require at least 1.5% of their body weight in forage each day to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract and to minimize the chance of developing equine gastric ulcer syndrome,” she said. “Even though overweight horses require a reduced-calorie diet, they still need to be fed sufficient vitamins and minerals. Including a ration balancer or vitamin-mineral supplement can help achieve this goal without overproviding calories.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

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A dog's dental health is much more than a cosmetic concern; it is a critical component of their overall well-being and longevity. Neglected oral hygiene in canines can lead to painful conditions, such as periodontal disease, and even more severe, systemic health problems affecting major organs. While traditional brushing is a gold standard, consider using a dog dental powder for your pet! Dog dental powders have emerged as a convenient and effective supplement to help owners combat plaque and tartar buildup. These powders, added directly to a dog's food, offer a non-invasive solution for promoting oral health, especially for those dogs who resist having their teeth brushed.

The critical importance of canine oral health

Just as with humans, a dog's mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. When these bacteria combine with food particles and saliva, they form plaque, a sticky, colorless film on the teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, or dental calculus, which creates a rough surface for even more bacteria to accumulate. The accumulation of plaque and tartar is the primary cause of periodontal disease, a progressive condition that can wreak havoc on a dog's health.

Periodontal disease: The silent epidemic

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs, with up to 80% of dogs showing signs by age three. It progresses in four stages, ranging from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis with significant bone and tissue loss around the teeth.

• Stage 1 (Gingivitis): The gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. At this stage, the condition is reversible with proper veterinary dental care.
• Stage 2 (Early Periodontitis): The supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone, start to become compromised.
• Stages 3 & 4 (Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis): The damage becomes irreversible. There is significant bone loss, gum recession, and a high risk of tooth loss.

 

Beyond the mouth: Systemic health risks

The consequences of untreated periodontal disease extend far beyond the oral cavity. The bacteria from a dog's mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, posing a serious threat to vital organs. Studies have linked advanced dental disease in dogs to microscopic changes in the kidneys, liver, and heart muscle. In fact, poor oral hygiene has been shown to potentially shorten a dog's lifespan by several years.

Dog dental powder: An easy and effective solution

For many pet owners, daily tooth brushing is a challenge. A dog's resistance or anxiety can make the process stressful for both parties. This is where dental powder provides a valuable alternative or complement to other oral care routines.

What is dog dental powder?

Dog dental powder is a dietary supplement designed to support oral hygiene from the inside out. It is a finely textured powder, typically made from natural ingredients like brown algae (Ascophyllum nodosum), cellulase, kelp, probiotics, and green tea extracts. It is simply sprinkled onto a dog's food once a day, where it mixes with the saliva and is ingested.

How does dental powder work?

The effectiveness of dental powder comes from its active ingredients, which work systemically to combat plaque and tartar. For example, the specific kelp found in some formulas is absorbed into the bloodstream and helps to reduce plaque and soften existing tartar deposits. Other ingredients, such as probiotics, target the bacteria that cause bad breath and can neutralize the compounds responsible for foul odor.

Key benefits of using dental powder

• Ease of use: The primary advantage of dental powder is its simplicity. Pet owners who struggle with brushing can easily incorporate this into their dog's daily feeding routine, eliminating the stress and struggle of a difficult task.
• Targets hard-to-reach areas: Unlike brushing, which can miss certain areas, dental powder's active ingredients work systemically, reaching all surfaces of the teeth and gums. This is particularly beneficial for hard-to-reach molars.
• Reduces plaque and tartar: Consistent daily use can significantly reduce and control plaque and tartar buildup over time. While results are not instant, many owners report seeing improvement within a few weeks to months.
• Freshens breath: Many dental powders contain ingredients like mint or green tea extract that help to freshen your dog's breath by tackling the odor-causing bacteria at the source.
• Supports overall oral health: By maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the mouth, dental powder promotes healthy teeth and gums and can help prevent the onset of more serious conditions.

 

Combining dental powder with other care methods

It's important to understand that dental powder is not a replacement for professional veterinary dental care or brushing, especially for dogs with pre-existing or advanced dental disease. Instead, it should be part of a comprehensive oral hygiene plan.

• Routine vet check-ups: Annual or bi-annual dental check-ups with your veterinarian are essential for catching any problems early. Dental X-rays can reveal issues below the gumline that aren't visible to the naked eye.
• Professional cleanings: For dogs with moderate to severe tartar buildup, a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia is necessary to remove deposits from below the gumline and treat existing disease.
• Other home care options: In addition to dental powder, dental chews, water additives, and specialized dental diets can all contribute to better oral health.

 

Choosing and using dog dental powder

With a variety of products on the market, it's important to choose a high-quality dental powder that is both safe and effective for your dog.

What to look for

• VOHC-approved products: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards a seal of acceptance to products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and tartar retardation. Checking for this seal is a good way to ensure a product is scientifically proven to be beneficial.
• Natural and safe ingredients: Opt for powders with natural, food-grade ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives or chemicals. Always check the ingredient list for potential allergens, especially if your dog has sensitivities.
• Positive reviews: Reading reviews from other pet owners and veterinary professionals can provide insight into a product's real-world effectiveness.

 

How to use dental powder effectively

• Follow instructions: Always adhere to the product's specific dosing instructions based on your dog's size. Consistent daily use is crucial for the powder to work effectively.
• Mix with food: Sprinkle the recommended amount of powder directly onto your dog's wet food. If your dog eats dry kibble, you can add a little warm water or broth to help the powder adhere to the food.
• Be patient: It can take several weeks or months to see visible results, especially for tartar reduction. Continued, consistent use is key.

 

Understanding the risks and limitations

While dental powder is a convenient option, it is not a cure-all and has limitations.

Not a replacement for veterinary care

Dental powder cannot reverse advanced periodontal disease, remove existing significant tartar buildup, or treat tooth infections or abscesses. These conditions require professional veterinary intervention, which often includes anesthesia, dental X-rays, scaling, and polishing.

Anesthesia-free dental cleaning concerns

Some grooming facilities and pet stores offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings. These procedures are not recommended by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) because they are largely cosmetic and do not address the crucial areas below the gumline where periodontal disease takes hold. Furthermore, a dog's stress levels and the risk of injury are high during these non-anesthetic procedures.

Conclusion

The importance of a dog's oral health cannot be overstated. It directly impacts their comfort, happiness, and overall lifespan. While professional veterinary cleanings and at-home brushing remain the cornerstones of good dental care, dog dental powders offer a modern, low-stress, and effective supplement to this routine. By understanding the signs of dental disease, embracing preventive care, and incorporating easy-to-use products like dental powder, pet owners can take a proactive and compassionate approach to ensuring their furry companions enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.

There are more interesting articles in our section on Health & Education.