Does your dog have "Doggie Breath"?

Did you know that tartar buildup on your pet's teeth can not only cause bad breath but can also be detrimental to their health? Periodontal disease is the number one disease in pets. Dental disease can affect pets as early as 3 years of age. And, as a pet ages, periodontal disease can affect the heart valves, lungs, liver and kidneys. Almost every day, I see a dog or cat that has severe gum disease and resulting health issues.

Before

These are "before" and "after" pictures of "Buddy", a 13 year old mixed breed dog. Notice the "gray/brown" tartar accumulation on his teeth before dental prophylaxis or cleaning. Then compare his teeth after cleaning. This tartar is removed with manual and ultrasonic scaling. The teeth are then polished. Fortunately, Buddy did not need any extractions. Many times, I see pets with severely infected gums and loose, rotten teeth which need to be extracted. The most I have ever extracted at one time was seventeen teeth in a Chihuahua. And while dogs get along fine without all their 42 teeth, proper dental care and at home brushing can prevent tooth and gum loss. And yes, I did say at home brushing of your pet's teeth. Daily brushing is recommended but even 2-3 times weekly helps. We commonly hand out complimentary "doggie" and "kitty" toothbrushes and sample toothpaste to aid in brushing your pet's teeth.

After

So remember, that "doggie" breath you notice from Fido might just indicate he has periodontal disease!