“Doggie breath” or foul odor from your pet’s mouth is more than just a nuisance, it’s a sign of an unhealthy mouth.  Bacteria within the mouth can cause not only bad breath but also tarter accumulation on teeth and periodontal disease.  Dental disease can lead to your pet experiencing pain in their mouth which will show through excessive drooling, discomfort while chewing, bleeding from the mouth, loss of appetite or weight, and loose or missing teeth.  If dental disease is left untreated the bacteria can get into the blood stream and affect other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

 

If your pet is showing signs of having dental disease, the first thing to do is to schedule an appointment for a veterinarian to examine your pet’s teeth and the rest of their mouth.  After a brief visual examination, we may recommend a more detailed examination (which requires anesthesia), a dental cleaning, or options for at-home dental care.  Bloodwork may be required to ensure the anesthetic procedure is as safe as possible. 

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Even if you think your pet’s teeth and gums are fine, we can offer advice and products to help you keep teeth that way! Dental health should not be taken for granted.  Dogs and cats live much longer and healthier lives due to the advancements in dental care.

 

Fortunately, many dental problems can be managed through at-home care and by bringing your pet to us for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.  Daily brushing of their teeth is the best way to prevent dental problems.  We have multiple chews, treats, diets and rinses available to help control the bacteria within their mouth.

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“Doggie breath” does not have to be a part of normal pet ownership.  Call us today to schedule a dental evaluation and let us help you to keep your dog healthy and happy.