Dental issues are one of the most common problems we see in our canine patients. Just like people, Fido can develop problems with his teeth and gums. These issues are not only very painful, they can also be quite dangerous. Therefore, it’s important for pet owners to know what to look for. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair pet clinic, a local veterinarian lists some signs of doggy dental woes.

Bad Breath

Fido isn’t exactly known for having winter-fresh breath, so you probably shouldn’t expect his affectionate doggy smooches to smell like mint. That said, extremely bad breath is often a symptom of dental problems.

Tartar

Does your furry friend have unsightly tartar built up on his teeth? This often goes hand-in-hand with gum disease, which affects a whopping 80 percent of adult dogs. Gum disease is very dangerous, as it can contribute to other health issues, such as heart disease. This is because the bacteria can spread from Fido’s mouth to his vital organs.

Swelling

Visible swelling is another red flag that something is going on with your pet’s mouth. This can be very dangerous, as it is often an indication of infection.

Bloody Streaks

Another thing you may notice are bloody smears on your furry buddy’s bowls or dishes. This is caused by bleeding gums.

Shying

If Fido’s teeth are bothering him, he may shy away from having his mouth or faced touched. (Note: this one doesn’t necessarily apply during doggy bathtime.)

Grumpiness

Toothaches can be extremely painful, and typically don’t do much for anyone’s mood. If your furry pal seems a bit crankier than usual, he may be suffering from dental troubles.

Changes In Eating Habits

Dental issues can have a pretty profound impact on how your canine buddy eats. Fido may start preferring softer food, chew on one side of his mouth, or take longer eating. He might also dribble food out of his mouth. In time, dental issues can even lead to weight loss and malnutrition.

Tips

Most of the symptoms above can actually be symbolic of a wide variety of health issues. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of them.

Please contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your local Cy-Fair pet clinic, if you see any of these symptoms in your pet. We are dedicated to offering great veterinary care!