There are links between canine oral hygiene and overall health. Not only can the cleanliness of your dog’s mouth affect their health, but some health problems can be detected with a dentist check-up. It is important to have annual check-ups for your pet, including a dentistry check-up.

Your dog needs to have a clean and healthy mouth, if they do not it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, eating problems, and in severe cases bone degeneration leading to a broken jaw. Pets do not always show they are in pain, so if your furry friend has a cavity you may not know until it becomes unbearable for them.

There are signs that your pet does not have optimal oral hygiene, if you notice any of these you need to make an appointment with our expert veterinarians:

• Bad Breath: Generally bad breath is nothing too serious, but should always be checked out and your dog should have a good clean.
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums. Bacteria can get into your dog’s gums from dirty teeth and cause an infection that can spread quickly. You need to call the vet for an appointment if you notice any redness or swelling on your dog’s gums.
• Increased Plaque Build-up: Plague is a natural to find in your pet’s mouth. The problem comes in when there is a heavy build-up of plague. Unchecked plaque causes infections, cavities and broken teeth.
• Excessive Drooling: Drooling when getting a treat or drinking water is normal. Contact your vet for excessive drooling that is not linked to food or water.
• Lack of interest in food: Toothache will cause your pet to lose interest in their food and it will result in a drop in weight. Do not ignore this potentially dangerous symptom of tooth decay.