A study of 2,000 owners revealed most pet pooches only get their gnashers cleaned on a monthly basis.
And 23 per cent said their dog actively disliked or even hated getting their teeth brushed.
Trying to bite the toothbrush (21 per cent), tensing up (20 per cent) and running away (16 per cent) were the main reactions dogs have to getting their teeth cleaned.
Some of the main tactics deployed to get their canine to cooperate when brushing their teeth was to bribe them with treats (32 per cent) or distract them (30 per cent).
Meanwhile 17 per cent clean their dog’s teeth several times a week and more than one in four (27 per cent) do carry out checks in the same time frame.
Giving their dog dental chews (53 per cent), brushing with dog toothpaste (52 per cent) and using chew toys (36 per cent) were the most common ways people cleaned their furry friend’s teeth.
Dr Jayne Laycock, resident vet at YuMOVE which created its Dental Care Sticks to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth, said: “Doggy dental issues are one of the most commonly reported problem at UK vets.
“Issues occur when plaque and tartar build up on dog’s teeth over time, which is caused by excessive levels of bad bacteria in the mouth.
“While our research shows some people do brush their dog’s teeth and use dental products at home, many of those will only do the job of cleaning away the dirt and grime on the surface of the teeth, but it won’t necessarily tackle the root cause of the problem.“
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