
Did you know that as many as 80 percent of dogs over the age of three have gum disease? Gum disease is painless and asymptomatic at first. However, as it progresses, the bacteria can spread from your dog’s mouth to his vital organs, via his bloodstream. Left unchecked, gum disease can cause or contribute to some very serious issues, such as heart disease and liver trouble.
It’s important for you to have your pet’s choppers checked regularly. You’ll also need to watch for signs of trouble at home. Some common ones include bleeding gums, bad breath, tartar buildup, swelling, and ropy, bloody, or excessive drool. Changes in eating habits are another red flag. For instance, your pet may dribble food, take longer eating, or refuse hard foods. He may also be grumpy and/or uninterested in play.
If you see any of these warning signs in your dog, contact your pet clinic Mesa, AZ immediately.