Have you noticed a change in your pet’s breath, or perhaps some extra drool? These subtle signs could indicate something more than just a phase is occurring. Periodontal disease can creep up on your pet without obvious signs until the disease is advanced, affecting your dog’s or cat’s overall health and quality of life. Read our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team’s periodontal disease guide to learn how to detect the condition’s early signs and help ensure your pet’s smile stays bright and healthy.

Your pet has bad breath

Imagine waking up and not brushing your teeth for weeks. That’s essentially how your pet’s mouth is if you do not provide them with routine oral care. Bad breath is often one of the earliest periodontal disease signs, and while it’s easy to dismiss as “dog breath” or “cat breath,” the issue shouldn’t be ignored.

Bacteria build up in your pet’s mouth, leading to plaque formation, which eventually hardens into tartar. This accumulation can cause bad breath and if left untreated, may lead to more severe dental issues. Try to sniff your pet’s breath regularly. If it’s unusually foul, consult with our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team.

Your pet is drooling excessively

Pets naturally drool, but an unusual increase can signal dental problems. Saliva helps clean the mouth, but excess saliva might mean your pet is trying to cope with the discomfort or pain periodontal disease causes.

Watch for changes in your pet’s drooling patterns. Is your pet’s fur suddenly damp around their mouth? This could be a sign that they’re struggling with oral pain or irritation. If you notice that your pet is drooling more than usual, especially with a change in eating habits, contact our team.

Your pet stops eating

Imagine you have a sore tooth. Biting and chewing would be painful, right? That’s why pets with periodontal disease might be reluctant to eat or chew. In addition, consider whether they have been avoiding hard foods and favoring soft foods or not eating at all. This could be because they have mouth pain.

When your pet eats, do they drop food or chew on one side? They may also avoid their favorite toys, especially those that require chewing. Keep an eye on your pet’s eating and chewing habits. Any significant changes warrant a veterinary dental exam.

Your pet is pawing at their mouth

Your pet can’t tell you when they’re in pain, but their actions often speak louder than words. Pawing at the mouth or face can indicate they are feeling oral discomfort or pain, indicating that something isn’t quite right.

Your pet may have a dental issue if they paw at their mouth or rub their face against furniture or the ground. This behavior can indicate they’re trying to relieve pain or mouth irritation. Regularly observe your pet’s behavior. If you see them pawing at their mouth, schedule their dental checkup.

Your pet’s gums are red, swollen, or bleeding

Healthy gums should be pink and firm, not red, swollen, or bleeding. Changes in gum appearance indicate that your pet likely has periodontal disease. In addition, if your pet’s gums bleed while they are eating or chewing, they likely have periodontal disease.

Check your pet’s gums for any redness, swelling, or bleeding. You might also notice receding gums or loose teeth, which are advanced periodontal disease signs. Regularly lift your pet’s lip to look at their gums. If you spot gum redness or swelling, or your pet exhibits pain signs, visit our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team.

Look for periodontal disease signs in your pet’s mouth

Performing a basic dental check at home can help you spot issues early. Here’s what to do:

  • Check their breath — Gently sniff your pet’s breath. If it’s unusually foul, take note.
  • Examine their gums — Lift their lip and check for gum redness, swelling, or bleeding.
  • Look for drooling — Monitor if your pet’s drooling has increased.
  • Watch for pawing — Be vigilant to watch for your pet pawing at their mouth or face frequently.
  • Observe their eating habits — Monitor your pet when they eat to keep an eye out for reluctance or chewing on one side of their mouth.

Periodontal disease in pets can significantly impact their health and happiness if left untreated. By regularly monitoring your pet’s oral health, you can spot periodontal disease’s early signs.

Follow our guide to learn how to spot early dental disease signs in your pet. However, remember that professional dental care is necessary to resolve the issues. Schedule your pet’s thorough dental exam with our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team and ensure your pet’s smile stays healthy.