A veterinarian has identified three common mistakes that pet owners make, which he claims can significantly shorten the lives of their animals. Amir Anwary, a vet who shares advice on TikTok, highlighted these issues in a recent video, urging owners to take proactive steps to protect their pets' health.
The first mistake, according to Anwary, is overfeeding. He warned that consistently overweight pets are at risk of chronic inflammation, heart disease, joint degeneration, and insulin resistance. "If you have a pet and they are consistently overweight and you are feeding them way too much, then this may cause... problems," he said, adding that allowing obesity to persist is one of the fastest ways to reduce a pet's quality of life and lifespan.
The second mistake is neglecting oral health. Anwary explained that a dirty mouth in dogs or cats indicates excessive bacteria, which can spread to the bloodstream and internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen. He advised owners to brush their pets' teeth or use dental powder to maintain oral hygiene.
The third mistake is delaying veterinary visits. Anwary noted that many owners wait until their pets are seriously ill before seeking help, by which time conditions like cancer, joint degeneration, or kidney disease may have progressed. "Bring them in sooner rather than later," he urged, noting that early treatment is often cheaper and preserves quality of life.
Anwary's advice resonated with viewers, with one asking for tips on dental care and others sharing their own routines. The vet emphasised that while pets' lives are already short, avoiding these mistakes can help maximise their time with their owners.
