What is VOHC? Understanding Veterinary Oral Health Council and what they do

There are a variety of product options when it comes to dental treatment for dogs and cats.

The number of these products has steadily increased over time, including pet toothpaste, water additives, treatments, and even rinsing teeth. Having such a huge demand for pet dental care makes sense when you know a lot 93% of dogs and 88% of cats over 3 years old There is a certain degree of teeth and periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease and dental disease are serious health concerns for cats and dogs, so it’s important to know which products stand out in the pack as they are most effective in reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Founded to set standards for these products, it has given acceptance marks to certain products that pet parents can easily find while buying ways to keep their pet teeth and gums healthy.

What is the Veterinary Oral Health Council?

VOHC was founded in 1997 with sponsorship from American Veterinary Dentistry College After years of discussion among industry experts, the need for an objective way to assess and recognize excellence in the growth of pet dental products.

VOHC is a volunteer veterinarian organization that includes board-certified veterinary dentists and other veterinary dental professionals.

These experts provide accepted seals for products that have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar by at least 20% in two sets of clinical trials conducted by companies seeking VOHC seals.

Is VOHC examed?

VOHC itself does not test PET Dental Care products, but acts as an expert organization that analyses scientific research and allows you to place visual cues of quality (VOHC seals) on your products.

This makes it easier for both pet parents and veterinarians to choose a product that helps pets that control plaque, tartare, or both (called “double designation”).

Without the VOHC review process, pet parents can easily be confused by the number of products they can buy and the amount of research they need to figure out which products are truly safe and effective.

Additionally, VOHC reviews can help general veterinarians decide which best dental care products to recommend for their patients.

What does the Veterinary Oral Health Council do?

The primary responsibility of VOHC is to review the application of VOHC seals from manufacturers based on data from independent testing.

Before the trial begins, the manufacturer will submit a form to VOHC explaining the trial protocol. This reviews the trial protocol and answers any questions the manufacturer may have about the process.

Once the trial is complete, the manufacturer submits the data to VOHC, along with product samples and submission fees. VOHC claims that the product reduces plaque, tartar, or both, depending on the score for “mean mouth score” (the level of plaque and tartar seen between test groups and in teeth before and after the test) and gingivitis (gingival inflammation or swelling).

Through this in-depth evaluation process, VOHC can easily grasp which products are of higher quality for both veterinarians and pet parents, and increase the amount of research being done on pet oral health products.

What is a VOHC sticker?

VOHC seals are special designations given to products from manufacturers who conducted two sets of clinical trials, and found at least 20% reduction in subjects’ plaque and tartar.

The criteria for awarding VOHC seals are very strict, so established standards ensure that only the best products get seals and that high quality products stand out from other products.

If a product is given a VOHC seal, they will be labeled in either two categories (Helps Control Plaque is controlled by Tartar) or both.

Generally speaking, these products must be as good as the mechanical action of brushing to meet these criteria.

What is the VOHC Review Process?

To specify a VOHC seal for a particular product, the manufacturer must go through a process involving clinical trials and data submission to the VOHC for review. The VOHC review process includes:

Product Sponsors

First, product sponsors (manufacturers) need to flip through the pre-trial protocol form, explaining how to test how the product works. The manufacturer will also fund the trial and send final data, statements and fees to VOHC.

The owner or official of the court site

The owner/staff of the testing site are individuals organizing clinical trials either in a laboratory animal facility or a veterinary clinic, with scaling and scoring procedures being carried out. Product sponsors and trial site owners/employees can be the same company.

seal

Seals accepted by VOHC are given to products that meet the specified criteria for plaque, tartar, or both control after conducting both clinical trials and obtaining approval from VOHC.

Chemical Agent Policy

When selecting chemicals to use in the product, the manufacturer should ensure that the product is not harmful to the animal (no increase in gingivitis), is generally considered safe (also known as GRA), or in the case of new chemicals, accepted by the FDA as safe. For new chemicals, the manufacturer must send a safety history to VOHC along with other applications.

Two trial requirements

The manufacturer must set up two trials of the product. This is to ensure that the results are repeatable, the product works consistently and the manufacturer makes a point.

Types of exams

Manufacturers can use two types of tests when testing products. Crossover or parallel:

• Crossover trials involve using the same group of animals in two stages of the trial, including no treatment in the first half or the manufacturer’s products in the second half.

Once the review process is complete, the manufacturer will check if the product has acquired a VOHC seal.

Popular VOHC approved dog dental treatment products

Popular VOHC approved cat dental treatment products

Keep your pet dental care in mind

The best way to maintain a healthy pet’s teeth is to have it every other day at least every other day.

Apart from brushing, various dental chewing, treatment, rinsing and water additives can also be used to support good oral hygiene in your puppy.

I’ll look for VOHC acceptance sign Pet Dental Care Products ensure that they have the highest quality and effectiveness.

Depending on what your pet needs, it’s best to work with your vet to find the best dog and cat dental supplies.