Are there any breeds predisposed to periodontal disease?
Small-breed dogs are frequently affected by periodontal disease-it is not uncommon to find periodontitis in dogs 2 years of age, and advanced periodontitis and tooth loss by the age of 4. Greyhounds are a larger breed commonly affected with periodontal disease. How do I know if my pet is suffering from periodontal disease? Periodontal disease hides under the lips and gums, and unfortunately, your pet can’t tell you when he or she is in pain. You may notice a foul odor from your pet’s mouth, but because the disease comes on gradually, you may miss it. Your pet may avoid chewing hard food or its favorite chew toys. Cats may swallow hard food without chewing. The best way to detect periodontal infection in your pet is to have an oral examination performed by your veterinarian. How will my veterinarian detect periodontal disease? Since three of the four areas infected by periodontal disease are under the gum, your veterinarian will need to use a special instrument, a periodontal probe, to
