Having a dog means taking on numerous duties, but according to one vet, there’s a crucial responsibility that many owners overlook. Whilst you’ll be well-versed in providing your pet with their favourite meals, ensuring they have constant access to clean drinking water, and maintaining a routine of regular exercise, how confident are you about managing your dog’s dental hygiene?
Amir the Vet has highlighted a “common” error amongst dog owners, noting that “dental care is one of the most ignored aspects of canine health”. He described it as “truly so sad” when encountering a dog whose teeth have been neglected, stressing that dogs “use their teeth daily, and therefore, they need to be protected”.
In his TikTok clip, Amir revealed that he encounters dogs with poor dental health “every single day,” and when he enquires with owners, “Do you do anything for your dog’s teeth? and they say, “No”.
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He noted that whilst they claim to have attempted brushing their pet’s teeth, 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 steps can you take?
Amir outlined that if your dog’s teeth are severely soiled, you can visit a veterinary practice 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 as a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to maintain their dental hygiene “on a regular basis”.
The ideal frequency for brushing a dog’s teeth, he said, is two to three times a week. However, he acknowledged that this can sometimes be “difficult” as dogs often resist having their teeth cleaned.
Many pet owners resort to “dental chews and treats” to overcome this challenge, but Amir warned that “unfortunately, most of these are completely ineffective” and merely serve as an “unhealthy treat”.
A potentially beneficial alternative, he suggested, could be a “dental powder” that you “sprinkle over your dog’s food and as they chew it actively cleans their teeth”.
Amir recommended the Vets2Pets dental powder, which he personally uses. It contains five active ingredients and has been 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”.
In conclusion, he reminded viewers: “Remember, guys, your dogs only have one set of permanent teeth, so you need to make sure that you protect them”.
