Our dog’s teeth deserve more than a quick wipe or a generic chew—they need effective, proven dental care. When choosing products for your pet, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance is a reliable marker that a product has been independently tested and shown to reduce plaque or tartar. Knowing what the VOHC is, how its approval works, and how to use VOHC-approved items can help you make the best choices for your dog’s oral health.
Who Is the VOHC?
The VOHC, or Veterinary Oral Health Council, is a non-profit organization founded in 1997. It’s made up of an international panel of board-certified veterinary dentists who evaluate products intended to improve oral health in dogs and cats. The VOHC’s mission is practical and transparent: to identify products that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar so pet owners can rely on objective, scientific testing rather than marketing claims alone.
Enter the VOHC Seal of Acceptance
The VOHC Seal of Acceptance gives pet owners a quick way to recognize products that have met established clinical standards. Manufacturers submit independently run clinical trial data to the VOHC for review. If products meet the council’s criteria—demonstrating a meaningful reduction in plaque and/or tartar compared to controls—the product can carry the VOHC Seal. This seal appears on packaging, helping you spot effective dog dental chews, toothpastes, rinses, or other oral-care products while shopping.
The Standards for Dog Dental Care Products
For dog dental chews, the VOHC requires two independent clinical trials that follow a consistent protocol. Each trial typically runs 28 days, using the same size of chew and dogs appropriate for that size. To qualify, the trials must show a consistent, measurable benefit: the average reduction in plaque or tartar in the treated group must meet the VOHC’s threshold compared with untreated controls. This standardized approach ensures the seal represents real clinical performance rather than anecdotal or single-study results.
Are WHIMZEES® VOHC-Approved?
Yes—WHIMZEES® Brushzees have earned the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. Independent trials showed that dogs receiving a WHIMZEES dental chew daily experienced an average reduction in plaque and tartar of about 20% compared with dogs that did not receive the chew. In a separate head-to-head test, WHIMZEES® demonstrated roughly twice the effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar when compared to a leading competitor’s dental chew. These results indicate that WHIMZEES® chews can be an effective, VOHC-approved option for supporting your dog’s oral hygiene.
How to Choose and Use VOHC-Approved Products
Choosing a VOHC-approved product is a strong first step, but effective dental care is a combination of the right products and proper use. Keep these practical tips in mind:
- Read the label and choose the appropriate size and type of chew for your dog to reduce choking risk and ensure effectiveness.
- Follow the manufacturer’s feeding or use instructions—many dental chews are intended for daily use.
- Supervise your dog while they enjoy a chew to prevent swallowing large pieces or potential hazards.
- Combine dental chews with regular tooth brushing when possible; chewing helps control plaque and tartar but doesn’t replace mechanical brushing or veterinary dental care.
- Schedule regular veterinary checkups and professional cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian—VOHC-approved products support oral health but are not a substitute for treatments a vet may advise.
Look for the Seal
When shopping for dental products, look for the VOHC Seal of Acceptance on packaging. That seal signals the product has passed independent, repeatable clinical testing for plaque or tartar control. Choosing VOHC-approved dental chews or other oral-care items, and using them responsibly along with regular veterinary care, helps protect your dog’s teeth and gums, contributes to fresher breath, and supports overall health. Your dog will benefit from consistent care—and so will your peace of mind.