In the new edition of "All About Dogs" they are advertising a new product from Virbac which makes cleaning teeth SOOOOOO much easier!

You add this product to their drinking water - 1 capful (6ml) to 250ml of water daily! It apparently helps with bad breath, plague, improves gingival health and reduces halitosis (whatever that is!)

Just thought I'd share this because I find it hard to brush their teeth properly. They don't like it one bit!

This looks like a helpful product, but after a little googling, I'm worried. The Virbac Aquadent lists Xylitol as the third ingredient. Xylitol is highly toxic for dogs. Please read this article before you buy anything: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/xylitol.asp

Xylitol is even a little toxic to humans in high dosages. Can one perhaps write to the manufacturers and ask about the ingredients??

Interesting article about this product and xylitol: http://www.naturalnews.com/025335_health_oral_xylitol.html

Here is another piece of information I found:

By Dr. Lee Pickett

Dear Daisy Dog: I read your column on xylitol, the sugar substitute that causes life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver damage in dogs. I immediately checked the ingredient list on every sugar-free product in my home and was horrified to find xylitol in the Aquadent I add to my dog's water bowl to keep her breath fresh. Should I stop using Aquadent?

Daisy Responds: According to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), Aquadent is safe when diluted according to the label. However, ingestion of the undiluted concentrate could prove harmful.
The APCC reports an alarming increase in cases of xylitol poisoning over the last several years.
In 2002, only two cases were reported. Each subsequent year saw a steady increase in reports, to 1914 cases in 2007. The APCC expects almost 4,000 cases by the end of this year.
So play it safe. Keep the undiluted Aquadent concentrate -along with any sugar-free gum, candy and cookies -stored safely away from your dog.
And do what my mom does: Feed a dental diet and brush your dog's teeth. And as often as possible, kiss your dog's face, savoring her doggie breath.