The vet said that many dog owners make this mistake (stock image) (Image: Carol Yepes via Getty Images)
Owning a dog involves numerous responsibilities, but there’s one crucial aspect that a vet has highlighted that owners frequently overlook, yet it’s vital to maintain.
Whilst you’ll be well-versed in feeding them their favourite food, ensuring they have access to fresh water, and taking them for regular walks, how confident are you when it comes to your dog’s dental hygiene?
Amir the Vet revealed there’s a “common” error that dog owners make, noting that “dental care is one of the most ignored aspects of canine health”.
He described it as “truly so sad” to encounter a dog whose teeth haven’t been properly cared for, emphasising that dogs “use their teeth daily, and therefore, they need to be protected”.
In his TikTok video, Amir stated that he encounters dogs with poor dental health “every single day,” and when he asks the owners, “Do you do anything for your dog’s teeth? and they say, “No”. He noted that they insist they’ve attempted to brush their pet‘s teeth, but that their dog “hates it”.
When dogs have dirty teeth, their breath doesn’t just smell bad; it causes gingivitis, which is chronic inflammation, which can be very painful and can cause regression of the gums, can cause exposure of the nerves, and can cause teeth to actually fall out,” he cautioned.
What can you do?
Amir advised that if your dog’s teeth are severely dirty, you can bring them to a veterinary clinic and “have their teeth cleaned under anaesthetic”.
He remarked: “This is a very, very effective way to clean the teeth; however, this is done under anaesthetic, which isn’t something you should solely rely on”.
Amir emphasised that owners must take responsibility by brushing their dog’s teeth or implementing measures to maintain dental hygiene “on a regular basis”.
The “gold standard” for canine dental care involves cleaning two to three times weekly, though he acknowledged this can prove “difficult” when dogs attempt to escape or resist having their teeth brushed.
To address this challenge, many owners turn to “dental chews and treats,” but he warned that “unfortunately, most of these are completely ineffective” and merely serve as an “unhealthy treat” for pets.
He suggested considering a “dental powder” which you “sprinkle over your dog’s food, and as they chew it, it actively cleans their teeth”.
Amir recommended the product he personally uses, the Vets2Pets dental powder, which contains five active ingredients and is proven to reduce plaque and tartar. “It will make your dogs’ breath smell so much fresher, almost immediately. This is something that works in about three days”.
Remember, guys, your dogs only have one set of permanent teeth, so you need to make sure that you protect them,” he concluded.
