Not every dog or cat will accept tooth brushing — and even among those that do, compliance from busy owners can be inconsistent. Drinking water additives offer a practical supplementary oral hygiene tool for exactly these situations: they require no handling of the pet, no resistance to overcome, and no dedicated time. Simply add the measured amount to the water bowl each day and let the pet's normal drinking habit deliver the active ingredients to the oral cavity throughout the day.
ImRex BreathaLyser Green Tea Drinking Water Additive combines the antibacterial properties of green tea extract with an oral hygiene formula designed to reduce plaque-forming bacteria in the mouth, freshen breath, and support gum health with daily use. Green tea catechins — particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — are well-studied for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in the oral environment. They inhibit bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, reducing the initial step in plaque formation without systemic drug exposure.
The additive is odourless and flavourless to dogs and cats once diluted in water, meaning most pets will drink normally without hesitation. This sets it apart from some water additives that have a noticeable mint or chlorhexidine taste that causes pets to reduce water intake — a significant concern especially in cats, who are already prone to inadequate hydration.
Available in 250 ml and 500 ml bottles. The 250 ml is well-suited for single-pet households or as an introduction before committing to the larger size. The 500 ml provides approximately twice the supply at a more economical per-dose cost — practical for multi-pet households or long-term daily use. Use alongside brushing and other BreathaLyser dental products for a comprehensive oral health programme.
Key Features
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Green tea catechin formula: Polyphenols with clinically studied antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in the oral environment
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Tasteless and odourless when diluted: Most pets drink normally — no reduction in water intake
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Daily passive delivery: No brushing, no handling — oral hygiene with every drink
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Two sizes: 250 ml and 500 ml for different household needs
- Suitable for dogs and cats
Directions for Use
- Add the recommended amount to a fresh bowl of water each day (see label for dose by pet weight)
- Replace water and re-dose daily
- Use in addition to (not as a replacement for) regular tooth brushing
- Suitable for dogs and cats; use separate bowls for each pet if preferred
- Store bottle in a cool, dry location; refrigerate after opening
Supplement Advisor's Note
Green tea catechins have a meaningful but moderate effect on oral bacteria — they reduce adhesion and growth rather than eliminating established plaque. The real value of this product is passive daily dosing: unlike brushing, there is no compliance challenge. For cats particularly, where brushing acceptance rates are low and periodontal disease rates are high, a water additive provides meaningful protection that would otherwise be absent entirely. One important caveat: some cats are sensitive to taste changes in their water and may reduce intake. Always introduce this and any water additive gradually — add a small amount for the first week, then build to the full dose — and ensure an untreated water source is always available as backup.
FAQ
Will my pet be able to taste or smell this in the water?
When diluted at the recommended dose, ImRex BreathaLyser Green Tea Water Additive is tasteless and odourless to dogs and cats. Most pets drink normally without hesitation. If your pet initially avoids the bowl, introduce the product gradually starting at half the recommended dose.
What is the difference between the 250 ml and 500 ml sizes?
Both contain the same green tea formula. The 250 ml is ideal for single-pet households or as a trial before committing to a larger supply. The 500 ml offers a more economical per-dose cost for multi-pet households or long-term daily use.
Can water additives replace tooth brushing?
No — water additives are a supplement to, not a replacement for, mechanical plaque removal through brushing. They provide a useful baseline of daily antimicrobial activity and freshen breath, but brushing (even a few times per week) remains more effective at removing established plaque from tooth surfaces.
Is this different from the ImRex BreathaLyser Plus water additive?
Yes. The Green Tea formula uses green tea catechins as its primary active, providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits with a particularly mild taste profile. BreathaLyser Plus has a different active formulation. Both are designed for daily water bowl use, so the choice depends on your pet's taste preferences and your formulation preference.
How long before I notice a change in my pet's breath?
Most owners notice fresher breath within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use. The longer-term benefit — reduced plaque formation and gum inflammation — develops over 4–8 weeks of regular use.
