Vet Notes : dogs
← Return to ListPet Dental Care Month!
Celebrate a healthy mouth with your pet this month. February is the time to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a dental checkup. Your pet is very likely to have dental disease if he is older than 2 years. Dogs will develop plaque on the surface of their teeth, above and below the gumline. When the plaque forms below the gums (where it is not visible), it causes gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If this is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a destruction of the structures that hold the teeth in place and is often secondary to infections that develop when gingivitis goes untreated. The inflamed gums will bleed very easily, allowing the bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, your dog can develop heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease because of these circulating bacteria. Once your puppy loses those baby teeth and grows adult teeth, that's it. No second chances to care for those teeth - just like us. Keep your dog happy and healthy by keeping his mouth healthy. Even if you don't see the telltale signs of dental disease - discolored teeth, reddened gums, or bad breath - take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup that could prevent a problem from becoming a life-threatening disease.
Please note that this information does not replace onsite, professional, veterinary care. It is solely for educational purposes. Your pet's medical condition should be evaluated by a veterinarian before any medical decisions are implemented. If there is a potentially life-threatening emergency involving your pet, take your pet to a veterinarian or veterinary facility immediately.
Veterinary Technical Services Department