...
By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
An adorable video of a Chihuahua who loves to floss has delighted the internet, as TikTok users can't get enough of his love of dental hygiene.
The hilarious clip of Smidge, the black Chihuahua, was shared on TikTok (@alittlesmidge) showing exactly how happy he gets whenever his owner brings out the floss. Once his owner, from New Jersey, gets the floss out ready, the pup instantly lies down in her arm and looks so excited about what's to come.
At one point, the dog even holds his paws out and reaches out for the floss himself because he's just so eager. When it's finally time to begin, Smidge can hardly contain his joy as he works the floss between his teeth.
Read More on Pets
Since the clip was shared on TikTok, it has gone viral with more than 768,100 views and over 167,000 likes at the time of writing. The caption alongside the video jokes: "Not a cavity in sight."
Newsweek has contacted @alittlesmidge via TikTok for comment.
Dental hygiene can be just as important for dogs as it is for people. In fact, the OC Veterinary Medical Center suggests that it's just as fundamental as physical exercise, a healthy diet and vet checkups. With that in mind, owners shouldn't overlook caring for their dog's teeth and gums on a regular basis.
Not every dog will enjoy flossing as much as Smidge, but it can be helpful to do it with something that they can chew on. This could be accomplished with dental treats that clean their teeth while they chew.
Indeed, a study that was published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry concluded that giving a dog a daily dental chew could significantly reduce plaque and bacteria buildup in a dog's mouth. It was also found to improve bad breath and gum health.
...
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, owners should brush their dog's teeth at least three times a week. They report that 80 percent of dogs over age 3 have periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. Owners can try using a dog-specific toothbrush, dental wipes and dog-safe toothpaste. But these products should not include harmful ingredients, such as fluoride or xylitol.
Getting dogs comfortable with cleaning their teeth is a patient experience, as it's important to desensitize them to what you're doing. It's vital to build trust with them and create positive associations, which could be done through treats or giving them praise.
Dr. Hunter Finn, veterinarian and founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital, recommends brushing your dog's teeth instead, as it can clean the food deposited inside the gum line. Although dental chews also work, he suggests opting for ones that are VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved.
He previously told Newsweek: "If you want to go the all-natural route then go to the local market, buy whole carrots, and give those to your dog as a snack, under supervision of course."
He continued: "If your dog is a very heavy chewer, you may need to soak the carrot in bone broth and place it in the freezer for a few hours to make it a little more durable and enjoyable for them."
The TikTok Reaction
In the days since the video was posted on TikTok, Smidge's love of flossing has amazed social media users, with over 1,200 comments on the post so far.
One comment reads: "As a dental hygienist, I strongly approve. He's doing more than at least half of my patients."
Another TikTok user wrote: "okay we love a man who flosses."
"A dentist's dream patient," joked one person.
A commenter added: "The dog was a dentist in his past life."
Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines