What is Plaque Off?
Plaque Off is an all-natural supplement powder that helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup in cats’ teeth. The active ingredient in Plaque Off is kelp (Plaque Off for Cats). Kelp contains iodine, minerals, and other nutrients that help inhibit plaque from adhering to the surface of cats’ teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film composed of food particles, bacteria, and saliva that forms on the teeth. Over time, minerals in the plaque harden into tartar that sticks to the teeth. Plaque and tartar cause irritation in the gums around the base of the teeth. This can lead to periodontal disease if not removed regularly.
The iodine in kelp helps prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth and softens existing tartar deposits. By disrupting plaque adhesion and buildup, Plaque Off helps maintain good oral health and fresh breath in cats.
Is Plaque Off Safe for Cats?
Plaque Off is generally considered safe for cats when used as directed. The active ingredient in Plaque Off is delmopinol hydrochloride, which helps prevent plaque buildup by interfering with the way bacteria attach to surfaces in the mouth. Delmopinol has been extensively studied and is approved for use in cats in several countries.
According to PlaqueOff, the product can be safely used long-term in cats of any age. It is non-toxic if consumed. The company states that no significant side effects have been reported, although some cats may experience initial mild drooling or an unpleasant taste when first using Plaque Off.
Some veterinarians recommend introducing Plaque Off gradually and carefully monitoring cats, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Cases of vomiting and diarrhea have occasionally been reported. Plaque Off should not be used in cats with liver or kidney disease without first consulting a vet.
Overall, most evidence indicates Plaque Off is safe for regular use in cats for dental health purposes. However, as with any supplement, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian before starting it, particularly if your cat has any pre-existing conditions. Use the minimum effective dose and watch for any side effects like excessive drooling, GI upset, or changes in appetite.
Sources:
https://www.plaqueoff.gr/en/f-a-q/
https://stomatitisincats.com/review-of-plaqueoff-for-cats
When Should Plaque Off Be Used?
Plaque Off is designed to be used daily in cats over 6 months of age to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gingivitis and other dental issues.
The manufacturer recommends sprinkling the powder on the cat’s food once per day. It should be used continuously for best results. The natural enzymes and seaweed in Plaque Off work over time to reduce plaque, so it may take 3-8 weeks to see a noticeable reduction in tartar buildup (Swedencare).
Some sources say Plaque Off can be used 2-3 times per week for maintenance after the initial daily regimen (Chewy). However, many veterinarians and experts recommend continued daily use to keep plaque and tartar under control.
Plaque Off is safe for long-term daily use. It should be introduced as part of a dental care routine early in a cat’s life or as soon as signs of plaque buildup are noticed. Consistent daily use will provide the best tartar control and dental health benefits.
Are There Any Alternatives?
While Plaque Off can be an effective option for controlling plaque in cats, there are some other alternatives pet owners may want to consider:
Dental treats – There are some treats made specifically for dental health that are formulated to scrape plaque and tartar off teeth as the cat chews. These can be an easy option, but their effectiveness varies. Examples include Greenies Feline Dental Treats.
Dental diets – There are some veterinary prescription diets like Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d that are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar. These can be effective when fed exclusively.
Water additives – Adding an oral rinse or gel to your cat’s drinking water daily can help reduce plaque buildup between teeth. This allows the solution to pass over the teeth more frequently. Products like OraVet Hygiene Gel can be added to water.
Topical gels – Pet tooth gels like C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste can be applied directly to the teeth and gums to help break down plaque before it hardens into tartar. These are applied periodically by pet owners.
Oral rinses – Solutions like TropiClean Fresh Breath can be sprayed or wiped on the teeth and gums to reduce plaque and freshen breath. These help maintain dental health between more thorough cleanings.
While not as scientifically studied and vet-recommended as Plaque Off, these alternatives provide other options for controlling plaque in cats. Their effectiveness varies, so pet owners should consult their veterinarian.
Proper Dosing of Plaque Off
The proper dosage of Plaque Off for cats depends on the cat’s weight. Here are the general dosage guidelines according to the manufacturer Swedencare (<1>https://us.swedencare.com/product/proden-plaqueoff-powder-cat/):
- For cats under 10 lbs: 1/4 scoop daily
- For cats 10-15 lbs: 1/2 scoop daily
- For cats over 15 lbs: 1 full scoop daily
One full scoop of Plaque Off powder contains approximately 330 mg of active ingredients. Each scoop also contains a small amount of iodine from kelp, so cats with thyroid issues should use caution and consult a vet (<2>https://www.chewy.com/proden-plaqueoff-powder-cat/dp/141343). For kittens, the dosage is typically 4 soft bites daily rather than the powder (<3>https://us.swedencare.com/product/proden-plaqueoff-system-holistic-soft-bites-sweet-potato-and-chicken-flavor-kitten/).
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines and consult a vet if there are any concerns when giving Plaque Off to cats.
Administering Plaque Off to Cats
There are a few tips for administering Plaque Off powder to cats:
Mix it in wet food – Cats usually love the taste of wet food. Mixing a small amount of Plaque Off powder into a serving of wet food is an easy way to administer it. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per meal.1
Sprinkle on dry food – Sprinkle a small amount of powder onto your cat’s regular dry food. Use about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per meal. Make sure your cat eats all of the food with the powder on it.
Add to treats – You can sprinkle a pinch of powder onto dental treats or other snacks your cat enjoys. This adds variety to how they get the supplement.
Use a pill dispenser – If your cat is resistant to the powder, you can fill gelatin capsules with Plaque Off and use a pill dispenser to give it. Talk to your vet about proper dosing.
Give directly – With training and patience, you may be able to sprinkle a small amount of powder directly into your cat’s mouth. Go slowly so they get used to the taste and texture.
The key is mixing the powder thoroughly so your cat consumes the full dose. Plaque Off is tasteless, so mixing it into food or treats makes it easy to administer regularly.
Monitoring the Cat During Use
When giving your cat Plaque Off, it’s important to monitor them for any potential side effects or adverse reactions. According to ProDen PlaqueOff®, most cats tolerate the supplement well, but some reactions can occur.
Be on the lookout for signs of gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. These are not common but can happen, especially when first starting Plaque Off. If they persist more than a day or two, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.
Also monitor for signs of lethargy, confusion, increased thirst or urination, or other concerning behavioral changes. According to one reviewer’s experience on Stomatitis in Cats, her cat showed some lethargy and loss of appetite initially when using Plaque Off, but this resolved after a few doses.
Rarely, some cats may have an allergic reaction to the seaweed extract in Plaque Off. Look for signs like facial swelling, hives, or wheezing. Discontinue use immediately if a reaction occurs.
In most cases, Plaque Off is very well tolerated, but carefully observing your cat allows early detection of any potential issues. Contact your vet if reactions persist or seem severe. With proper monitoring, Plaque Off can safely and effectively reduce plaque and tartar in cats.
Potential Side Effects
Plaque Off is generally considered safe for cats when used as directed. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
Gastrointestinal upset – Some cats may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea after starting Plaque Off. This is likely due to the seaweed taste being unpalatable. These side effects are usually temporary as the cat gets used to the product. If vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 2-3 days, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. [1]
Allergic reaction – As with any supplement or medication, some cats may have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in Plaque Off. Signs can include itching, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. Discontinue use and see a vet immediately if these signs develop. Allergic reactions are rare but should be monitored for.
Thyroid effects – Plaque Off contains high levels of iodine from seaweed. Iodine can potentially affect thyroid function if given long-term. Plaque Off is not recommended for cats with over or underactive thyroid glands or those on thyroid medication without vet approval. [2]
Loss of appetite – Some cats may go off their food for a day or two when first starting Plaque Off due to the taste and odor. As long as the cat is still drinking water and side effects like vomiting aren’t present, this effect should pass after a few doses. If appetite loss persists more than 2-3 days, stop use and consult your vet.
Overall, Plaque Off side effects tend to be mild and temporary in most cats. However, it’s important to monitor for any reactions and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise. When used as directed, Plaque Off is considered a safe dental health supplement for cats by most vets and pet owners.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
Although Plaque Off is generally considered safe for cats when used as directed, there are some scenarios where you may want to consult your veterinarian before using it:
If your cat has any pre-existing health conditions, especially related to their kidneys or liver, check with your vet first. Plaque Off is eliminated through the kidneys and liver so problems with these organs may indicate the need for caution.
If your cat is on any other medications or supplements, check for potential interactions with Plaque Off. While no major interactions are known, it’s always wise to consult a vet when combining multiple products.
If your cat experiences any abnormal side effects like excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea after starting Plaque Off, stop use and contact your vet. These effects are rare but warrant a vet visit if they do occur.
If your cat’s dental health does not seem to be improving after using Plaque Off as directed for several weeks, a vet visit may be needed to rule out other dental issues requiring different treatment.
For kittens under 9 months old, check with your vet before starting Plaque Off, as safety has not been established in very young cats.
In general, consulting your vet whenever starting a new supplement can help ensure safe and appropriate use for your cat’s unique needs.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Plaque Off is a natural supplement that can help reduce plaque and tartar formation in cats when used properly. It contains seaweed extract that helps inhibit bacteria growth in the mouth. Plaque Off should be used cautiously in cats with hyperthyroidism due to the high iodine content. When administered correctly in the proper dosage for your cat’s weight, side effects are rare. However, some cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. It’s best to monitor your cat closely when first using Plaque Off. Consult your veterinarian if any concerning symptoms develop. Overall, Plaque Off can be an effective part of an oral health regimen for cats when used as directed.