Dog owners are being told that owners mistake it as normal, and often do not seek help until the dog is in pain or distress
A vet is warning dog owners that a simple issue – often brushed off as normal – could pose a threat to their health. If you have a furry friend, it is crucial that they get check ups of not just their heart and lungs, but their teeth too – an issue often overlooked.
In fact, many dog owners dismiss their pet’s smelly breath as normal especially if they’re eating food that doesn’t quite smell like popcorn. But this could actually indicate something more sinister.
The fresh warning comes from Doctor Heather Burton, veterinary advisor at Budget Pet Products, who shared that many owners may not know the signs of dental disease. The expert is worried about people ignoring the signs, such as ‘bad doggy breath’, explaining: “Dental disease is one of the most common health problems we see in pets, with up to 80 per cent showing signs by the age of two yet many owners don’t realise their pets are suffering until the problem is severe and costly to treat.”
Untreated dental disease can lead to painful tooth loss, abscesses and severe infections. “In advanced cases, pets may need dental surgery costing thousands just to remove a few damaged teeth,” Dr Heather warns.
“Worse still, dental disease can allow harmful bacteria to spread through the bloodstream, affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.”
Unfortunately, many pet owners remain unaware of dental issues until they become severe. One of the earliest and most noticeable warning signs is persistent bad breath – ften mistaken for typical “doggy breath.”
In reality, it is often an early indicator of plaque and tartar accumulation. Other signs include:
- Yellow or brown staining on teeth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty eating
- Excessive drooling
- Swelling around the face
Since pets often keep eating normally even with advanced dental disease, owners might overlook the more subtle signs. In fact, certain dogs face greater dental challenges due to their facial structure. “We often see more dental disease in smaller breeds, especially those with flat faces or jaw misalignment,” the vet expert explains.
She added: “Their unique facial shapes create crowded mouths where plaque and tartar build up more easily, increasing their risk for severe dental problems.”
Dr Burton is now encouraging pet owners to begin dental check-ups for their pets starting at one year of age. Regular veterinary dental exams help detect plaque and tartar buildup early, before they lead to serious issues.
However, she emphasizes that at-home preventive care is just as vital. Offering practical tips for maintaining your pet’s oral health at home, she suggests the following:
- Daily or frequent tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste to reduce plaque buildup.
- Feeding dental-specific diets tailored to your pet and their needs can help reduce tartar buildup and promote healthier teeth through specially formulated kibble designed to clean as pets chew.
- Providing dental treats and chew toys that encourage mechanical cleaning through the chewing action. It’s important to select treats and toys that your pet can safely chew without breaking into dangerous pieces
Experts conclude that integrating these practices with professional dental treatments – like dental prophylaxis – can help slow the progression of dental disease. And as well as this, potentially save pet owners hundreds or even thousands of pounds in veterinary expenses.