Benefits of fluoride for dogs
As with humans, an adequate intake of fluoride can also have a positive effect on dental health in dogs. Fluoride can help protect teeth from decay and periodontal disease by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing plaque formation.
Fluoride also plays a role in bone formation and metabolism. It can increase bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss).
Disadvantages of fluoride for dogs
Although fluoride is beneficial in small amounts, it can cause health problems if overdosed. In a dog with chronic stomach problems, an excess of fluoride would be noticeable. In young dogs, excess fluoride can lead to weak bones or impaired bone growth.
In addition, too much fluoride intake can lead to discoloration and damage to the teeth. Teeth can become brittle or stained.
How much fluoride does a dog need?
There is no precise information on how much fluoride a dog needs every day. The amount depends on various factors such as the dog's age, weight or diet.
However, as a general rule, a healthy dog normally ingests enough fluoride through its food and drinking water. Additional administration of fluoride-containing preparations or toothpaste is therefore not necessary and can even be harmful.
To avoid an overdose, care should be taken to ensure that the dog food does not contain more than 0.5 mg/kg dry matter fluoride2. Tap water should also not contain more than 1 mg/l fluorine.
