Dog owners now have another option available to them when considering their canine's dental health. In addition to their routine dental brushing and cleanings by a veterinarian, dogs can receive a vaccine that helps prevent tooth decay.
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Manufacturer
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Pfizer is the only maker of the canine dental vaccine. It is marketed as the "Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin" or "porphyromonas vaccine."
What the Vaccine Does
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The porphyromonas vaccine helps the dog's body prevent the growth of certain bacteria in the mouth. This then reduces the chance of canine periodontal disease.
Vaccine Ingredients
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The main vaccine ingredients are three killed bacterial organisms associated with canine periodontal disease. These bacterium are Porphyromonas denticanis, P. gulae and P. salivos.
Administration
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The vaccine is give as a shot under the skin. The first time a dog is vaccinated they should receive a second dose after three weeks.
Research
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As of 2009, this vaccine is still in the research phase and is available on a limited basis; researchers continue to investigate its long-term effectiveness in preventing periodontal disease.
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