3 ways dog owners can tackle pet's smelly breath 'before it gets worse'
A vet has shared his go-to trick to improve your dog's smelly breath before it becomes a daily problem
Every dog owner has recoiled in disgust after catching a whiff of their pet’s breath, but one vet says it doesn’t have to become a permanent problem.
Amir Anwary, who is known online as @amirthevet, has shared three simple things owners can do at home to help tackle bad breath in dogs before it gets worse.
In a video posted to social media, the vet explained that dental hygiene is often overlooked by pet owners - despite it playing a huge role in their dog’s overall health.
He said: “If you have a dog with stinky breath and dirty teeth, these are three things you can do at home to help fix that.”
The first tip, he explained, is also the most important - brushing your dog’s teeth regularly.
@amirthevet I would also recommend raw bones. They can be very effective as well ! But to be used with absolute caution ! #vet #teeth ♬ original sound - Amir Anwary
READ MORE: Not Labradors or pugs – vet lists 10 breeds she'd recommend
READ MORE: Rescue dog nobody wants to rehome because he doesn't have any eyes
READ MORE: 'I'm a vet and pets always fake illness and injuries for adorable reason'
He added: “Okay, first, and I’m mentioning this because I always have to mention this, is brushing your pet’s teeth.
“That is the absolute gold standard. If you can brush your pet’s teeth three to four times a week, that will be absolutely incredible and you get number one prize for being able to do that.”
Next, Amir warned owners not to be fooled by every dental chew advertised in pet shops.
Instead, he recommends choosing products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), saying many popular treats are ineffective and unhealthy.
He explained: “Most dental treats and chews on the market are actually completely ineffective and just really unhealthy.
“If you’re gonna use a dental chew or a treat, use one like Veggiedent or Whimzees. Those are actually proven to be effective.”
Finally, the vet suggested trying dental powders that can be sprinkled over food to help freshen breath and clean teeth while dogs eat.
Read more: Man creeped out after finding what previous owner left behind in house
Read more: Drivers urged to avoid clothing mistake in May or face £100 fine
Read more: Rescue dog nobody wants to rehome because he doesn't have any eyes
Read more: Poor dog looking for forever home after being returned to kennels yet again
Read more: 'I'm a vet and there's 5 cat breeds I'd never own as pet'
He said: “A dental powder is basically a concentrated version of the beneficial ingredients that go into your doggy chews and treats.
“All you do is sprinkle it over your dog’s food, it coats the pellets and as they chew, it actively cleans the teeth and freshens the breath.”
However, he advised owners to avoid products with only one active ingredient.
He added: “Use one that has between four or five active ingredients. Those are generally a lot better.”
Commenting on the video, one owner joked: “How do you brush a chihuahua’s teeth? Mine is a piranha.”
Another added: “My dogs are 13 and 11 years old and I’ve brushed their teeth since they were five months old. Their breath doesn’t smell and the vet says their teeth are great.”
A third user shared: “I brush my rescue poodle’s teeth every night with a baby toothbrush and coconut oil. At first she resisted, but now she knows she gets a treat afterwards.”
