Does your pet have dreaded doggy breath? Don’t turn away as bad breath can kill. Bad breath is generally caused by dental disease, a sneaky condition that likes to hide in your pet’s mouth. Up to 80% of our pets might be suffering from this nasty disease and it is one of the most common problems we come across.

Plaque and tartar can build up around the teeth leading to irritation of the gum and an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Eventually the gum separates from the tooth allowing small pockets of bacteria to accumulate. This bacteria can travel around your pet’s body, affecting the overall health of your pet.

You should not ignore this disease as it is very painful and can impact the kidneys, heart and liver.

Signs of dental disease might include:

• Bad breath (also known as ‘doggy breath’)
• Drooling from the mouth or poking the tongue out
• Bleeding from the mouth
• A loss of appetite or weight loss

Sometimes the signs are subtle and you may not notice anything at all. This is just another reason why regular check ups with us are important as during a routine examination we will always examine your pet’s mouth.

If we diagnose dental disease early enough, we can implement a dental disease treatment plan and prevent further damage to your pet’s teeth, giving you and your pet something to smile about!