My Mouth Stinks Preventative Oral Healthcare for Dogs and Cats

by Cindy Charlier, DVM, Dip AVDC | Apr 30, 2013

 Periodontal disease affects more than 70% of dogs and cats over three years of age and can even affect younger patients. Your pets cannot raise their paw and let you know that their mouth hurts. Instinct tells them to hide pain, so often pets with painful oral disease continue to eat and show no outward signs of discomfort. What are the signs of periodontal disease that you should look for? You may notice bad breath, red, inflamed or bleeding gums, reluctance to eat hard food, or drooling. Dogs may stop playing with their favorite toys. Cats may be more aloof and may have an unkempt hair coat because they stop grooming due to oral pain. When you are with your pets every day it is sometimes difficult to notice subtle changes in their behavior which is why regular oral healthcare examinations with your veterinarian are so important. Remember that disease in your pet