How do I know if my dog has periodontal disease?
  - If you notice that your dog has any of of these symptoms listed below, be sure and   tell your veterinarian.

õ Bad breath (one of the first signs of periodontal disease)
õ Red or swollen gums
õ A yellow-brown crust near the gum line
õ Loose or missing teeth
õ Discomfort when mouth or gums are touched
õ Possible decreased appetite or weight loss due to difficulty chewing

 
 
Recognize any of these mouths? (Flip your dog's lip to find out)
peridontal problems
peridontal problems
peridontal problems
peridontal problems
 
 

Here are some suggestions for how you can routinely help:
õ Brush.  Preventing periodontal disease begins at home.  By brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis, you will help to reduce plaque buildup.  Be sure to use a toobrush and toothpaste specially designed for dogs.
õ Clean.  You visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and dental exams; you should take your dog to your veterinarian for the same type of care.  Regular professional cleaning under general anesthesia, including areas under the gum line will help remove plaque and tartar on teeth.  This can help reduce the bacteria's contribution to periodontitis.
õ Giving your dog appropriate chew toys and feeding him specially formulated dog food for dental disease will help remove plaque between cleanings.

Close page to return to Services page