Does your canine pal have bad breath? If so, Fido may have some dental troubles. While Fido’s probably never going to have minty-fresh breath, his breath shouldn’t kill plants, either. This is actually often a sign of dental troubles, which can be both painful and debilitating for pups. A local Bellevue, WA veterinarian lists a few warning signs to watch for in this article.

Bad Breath

Bad breath can actually be an indication of many different medical issues, rather than just dental care. That said, if your furry friend’s breath could kill a house plant, he may need his choppers looked at.

Tartar Buildup

Fido may never have pearly-white teeth. However, icky yellow or brown buildup on the teeth is often a sign that a pooch is developing gum disease. Gum disease is extremely common in our canine buddies. In fact, over 80 percent of dogs over the age of three are afflicted. The disease is painless and asymptomatic in its early stages, but becomes very problematic as it progresses. It’s a leading cause of tooth loss in both people and pups, and has been linked to several health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Excessive Drool

Some dogs are kind of slobbery by nature. However, if your furry bff is suddenly drooling more than he used to, or if his saliva seems bloody, stringy, or excessive, there could be an issue with his choppers.

Reduced Interest In Play

Fido uses his mouth to play. Therefore, it really shouldn’t be a huge surprise that dental issues can put a damper on doggy playtime. If your pooch isn’t feeling very frolicsome lately, he may have dental trouble.

Changes In Eating Habits

If you’ve ever tried to eat with a toothache, you know it isn’t fun. That is the case for Fido, too. You may notice your canine companion dribbling food out of his mouth, taking longer eating, chewing on one side of his mouth, and/or not finishing his meals. He may also start preferring softer foods, and ignoring his chew toys and sticks.

Swelling

Swelling around the mouth or face is always a serious concern. This would typically be an indication of an infection, which can be extremely dangerous so close to the brain. Do you know or suspect that your dog has dental trouble? Contact us, your local Bellevue, WA animal clinic, anytime!