Dental disease is one of the most common problems that we see in dogs and cats, particularly in small dog breeds. Pets don’t always show obvious signs of dental pain in the beginning. Yet once dental disease advances, it can devastate your pet’s mouth, causing chronic pain, eroded gums, missing teeth, and bone loss. Pets often feel so much better after having dental care that their owners are surprised in hindsight just how painful they were.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Though dental disease in dogs and cats is regrettably common, it can be prevented. Some symptoms of severe gum disease include:
• Problems picking up food
• Bleeding or red gums
• Loose teeth
• Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• “Talking” or making noises when a dog eats or yawns
• Bumps or lumps in the mouth
• Bloody or ropey saliva
• Not wanting the head touched (head shyness)
• Chewing on one side of the mouth or eating slower. Just because your pet is eating doesn’t mean they’re not painful
• Sneezing or nasal discharge (advanced gum disease in the upper teeth can destroy the bone between the nasal and oral cavity)
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, or just hasn’t had a dental exam in the last year, call us to schedule an appointment.