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42 results for “dog tartar”
Why Your Dog’s Teeth Are Bleeding
Bleeding from a dog's mouth is common and usually mild, but it is worth understanding the cause. Puppies around three to four months old often bleed a little as loose baby teeth fall out — normal, but watch the diet. In adult dogs, bleeding gums usually point to dental disease: tartar sitting at the gum line constantly irritates the tissue and causes gingivitis or periodontitis. Hard objects can also cut the gums, and a lack of vitamin C plays a role. Because persistent bleeding can signal serious dental disease, a veterinary exam is the safe move.
Dog Bad Breath: What It Might Be Telling You
A few minutes with your dog and you may notice bad breath—which can mean more than odor. Causes range from dental or gum disease (check for tartar and red gums) to kidney disease (breath smells like ammonia from waste buildup), ingested toxins (including rat poison—see a vet fast), diabetes (a sweet, fruity ketoacidosis breath), foreign objects (fishhooks, stickers) or coprophagia, oral tumors (grow fast, may necrose and smell; get checked), and diet (dry vs wet food each has pros and cons). Brushing often fixes mild cases, but a serious underlying cause needs professional treatment.
4 Things You’re Missing If Your Dog Has Bad Breath
A dog's bad breath is not normal—it often means disease. Leftover food builds bacteria that cause tartar, periodontal disease, and can spread to the liver, heart, and kidneys. Keep the mouth healthy with four habits: brush one to two times a week using pet toothpaste (human toothpaste can poison if swallowed; water and a pet brush work too); check teeth regularly and see a vet for serious issues; give chew toys and dental treats to wear teeth; and feed a balanced, mostly dry diet with supplements for micronutrients (deficiency causes mouth ulcers). About 80% of dogs without dental care develop oral disease by age three—prevent early.
Why Is Your Dog Suddenly Drooling a Lot? 4 Causes to Watch
Dogs pant to cool off, so some drool on a hot day is normal. But sudden, heavy salivation in normal temperatures can signal trouble. The causes worth flagging are oral disease, poisoning, heatstroke, and neurological problems, with severe kidney or liver disease and even rabies as grave possibilities. Teething, car sickness, or excitement explain milder cases. When drooling pairs with collapsing, seizures, or suspected toxin exposure, head to the vet at once.
Common Old-Age Diseases in Dogs
Dogs are seniors from about seven years, showing grey fur, clouded eyes, weaker hearing, slower movement and lost teeth, all normal aging. But the risk of heart disease, joint trouble and mouth disease also climbs. Aging hearts can cause fluid buildup and breathlessness, a fading pancreas can bring obesity and diabetes, joints stiffen, eyes cloud with cataracts, coats thin, and tartar and gum disease appear. Adjust diet to avoid excess calories and keep weight down to protect joints and metabolism.
Common Items in a Dog Health Checkup
A routine dog checkup covers coat and skin, weight, temperature, eyes, ears, teeth, feces, X-rays, and blood work. Many diseases show no early signs and become serious or even untreatable by the time they appear, and older dogs face organ decline and age-related illness, so yearly exams are worthwhile. A typical visit measures rectal temperature (normal 38-38.9°C), checks eyes and ears for cleanliness, assesses coat and weight, examines the mouth for gum or tooth disease, and may add fecal, X-ray, or blood tests as needed.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Gingivitis and periodontitis are common gum diseases in dogs and cats that cause red, swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, and eventual tooth loosening. They are managed by professional dental cleaning and at-home oral care.
How do I fix my dog’s bad breath?
Bad breath can hide dental or GI problems. Check for plaque or tartar and clean it; formed tartar needs a professional dental cleaning. If breath doesn't improve after oral care, see a vet for other health issues.
Why do dogs like to chew on bones?
Chewing bones is a natural instinct inherited from wolves, and bones are rich in nutrients and protein. Chewing also exercises the jaw, satisfies the urge to gnaw, eases anxiety, and helps scrub away plaque and tartar. Offer bones that suit your dog's size and digestion, with no splinters or hazards.
When can I start brushing my dog’s teeth?
Start brushing after 6 months. Use dog-specific toothpaste and brush (never human toothpaste), and build the habit early to prevent stomatitis, tartar, and oral ulcers.