Maintaining the health of your cat or dog’s teeth is an important part of pet care. Unfortunately, dental issues—especially periodontal disease—is a real problem for the majority of pets. When left to fester, your animal could develop a painful mouth and begin to lose their teeth.

Oral problems also put them at risk of developing a chronic infection, which could spread beyond their mouth to other areas of their body, including their liver, kidneys, and heart. Whenever you spot any of the dental problems listed below, it is best to consult your veterinarian immediately for proper treatment.

3 Important Signs of Dental Issues

1. Bad Breath

If your dog or cat is exhibiting halitosis, this means there is a development of odor-causing bacteria either in their mouth, lungs, or stomach. Most often, this smell is attributed to dental or gum disease, as pets are prone to plaque and tartar buildup; however, persistent bad breath could also point to more serious mouth, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract, or other internal organ troubles.

2. Loose Teeth 

While loose teeth are a normal problem for puppies and kittens, this could point to a trauma or illness in adult pets. For instance, advanced periodontal disease tends to cause gum loss, which would make the tooth loose in its socket. Having an X-ray performed by a pet care specialist is the best way to see what has caused the issue, but in most instances, the vet will probably have to extract it.

3. Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are one of the most prominent signs of periodontal disease. One of the best ways to spot this issue is to inspect your pet’s toys for signs of blood after they are done playing.  All pets are susceptible to this dental problem, but their immune system, age, diet, and chewing habits could all play a role in its development. The best way to prevent or limit the damage is by performing regular dental care; this includes at-home brushing, teeth-cleaning snacks, and regular dental checkups by your vet.

When you need a trusted veterinarian to look after your animal’s teeth and other pet care needs, bring them to Perry Animal Hospital. They provide a comprehensive range of pet services to the Houston County region in Georgia, and they have partnered with CareCredit to make it easy to pay for any unexpected procedure your furry friend might need. To schedule a dental checkup for your cat or dog today, give them a call at (478) 224-7387. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services and staff.