Bad breath in your dog or cat is actually bacteria. In fact, approximately 70% of cats and 80% of dogs develop some degree or form of periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Additionally, calculus, gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth fractures are common oral issues among pets. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) states that the total pet industry expenditures average in the United States was USD $90.5 billion in 2018, which increased to $99 billion in 2020.
Maintaining a regular routine including daily brushing for your pet’s dental care can help to prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque. If your dog or cat appears to struggle to eat, is losing teeth, has bloody or inflamed red gums, or just has really terrible breath, it is likely that they may be dealing with a serious buildup of tartar.
It is important to understand the difference between pet plaque and tartar. Plaque is relatively easy to remove from pet’s teeth. Tartar looks like a yellow or brown material at the top of your pet’s teeth near the gum line. Tartar is actually plaque that has calcified and is extremely difficult to loosen or remove from pet’s teeth due to biofilms.
(image shown of dog with tartar)
Biofilms, a glue-like substance excreted by bacteria, attaches to surfaces and allows the bacteria (the cause of your pet’s bad breath) to survive and thrive in hostile environments. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “The mouth is home to thousands of bacteria. As these bacteria multiply on the tooth’s surface, they form an invisible layer called plaque and organize into a biofilm. In very simple terms, a biofilm is a collection of bacteria structured in such a way as to be very resistant to removal and difficult for antibiotics to access. Some of this plaque is removed naturally by the dog’s tongue and chewing habits. If allowed to remain on the tooth’s surface, plaque thickens and mineralizes resulting in tartar. Tartar is a rough material which attracts more plaque to “stick” to the tooth surface. Plaque bacteria which comes into contact with the gingiva (the gums) can result in inflammation (gingivitis).”
Kane Biotech’s patented coactiv+™ technology safely breaks down plaque and tartar biofilm and freshen breath. Its unique formulation of food-grade ingredients disrupts the plaque and tartar biofilm – a strong, web-like structure bacteria produce to protect themselves. Clinical results show bluestem™ water additive alone can reduce tartar by 25%, without brushing.
Meet Joey. At almost 16 years of age, it is hard to believe that his teeth are as clean and healthy as that of a puppy. What is Joey’s secret? bluestem™ oral care products. Joey’s teeth are clean and as healthy as a puppy’s because of his oral care regimen.
STEM Animal Health Inc. a joint venture between Kane Biotech and Animalcare Group, focuses on the research and development of novel animal treatments based on biofilm targeting technology. STEM was awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance in the “Helps Control Tartar” category for its pet oral care water additive in April 2022. This coactiv+™ technology is formulated to help control tartar (not just plaque) and now found in pet oral care products in North & South America as well as throughout Europe.
VOHC is recognized worldwide as a professional organization that evaluates products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in dogs and cats. Products are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance following a rigorous review of data from trials conducted according to VOHC protocols. This Seal authorizes the use of the VOHC Registered Seal on products intended to help retard plaque and tartar on the teeth of animals. STEM joins a select group of companies that have previously obtained VOHC acceptance for pet dental products since the establishment of the VOHC in 1997.
bluestem™ oral care products have been scientifically formulated with Kane designed coactiv+™ technology to fight plaque and tartar, freshen breath, and promote good oral hygiene for dogs and cats.
Calculus, gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth fractures are common oral issues among pets. Additionally, chronic pain in pets is commonly reported with dental disease, so it is critical to have a solid oral hygiene plan for your pet. Removing plaque from pet’s teeth underneath the gumline will ensure a healthier smile for your dog or cat AND fresher breath.
Kane Biotech
With 81 patents and patents pending, Kane Biotech is a leader in biofilm research. Kane has laboratory and clinical evidence that these technologies have the potential to significantly improve the ability to prevent and destroy biofilms.
Kane’s first Commercialization Vehicle formed in partnership with Animalcare Group, STEM Animal Health is an animal health company dedicated to targeting biofilm-related ailments. With a global oral care market valued at $5.2 billion, the joint venture will allow STEM Animal Health to reach beyond North America and deliver products to companion animals in the global market. STEM’s pet oral care products developed using Kane’s coactiv+™ technology, inhibit tartar formation and kill bacteria embedded in preformed dental plaque.
Kane Biotech has a growing pipeline of technologies based on their ongoing research on biofilm formation and how this process can be disrupted. Kane is committed to developing products to meet the demand for safe and effective anti-biofilm compounds for a variety of industries and applications. Learn more: https://kanebiotech.com/.