What are the signs of gum disease in dogs?
Persistent bad breath, brownish deposits around the gum line, especially on back teeth, red swollen gums, loose teeth, painful and or bleeding gums are all indicators of oral disease. Although bad breath or doggy breath is the most obvious sign of a problem, many pet owners fail to recognize it as an indicator of dental problems until it s too late. As part of a good dog dental care routine check your dog s mouth at the slightest sign of a persistent offensive odor. Other indications can be decreased appetite and weight loss, a change in chewing habits, lethargy, and pawing of the mouth or the face. What should I do if my dog’s mouth shows signs of gum disease? Dog dental care starts by checking your dog s mouth regularly. If you see any of these signs call your vet to schedule a dental exam. Your dog may just need a routine cleaning. The cleaning process is performed under general anesthesia. If the condition is minor, it s not much different than a dental cleaning that you or I would
