July 3, 2025 –
By Dr. Slayter, DVM – NOCO Humane Shelter Veterinarian
As a veterinarian, I see firsthand how crucial dental health is for pets’ overall well-being. Much like humans, dogs and cats are prone to plaque, tartar buildup, and gum disease if their teeth aren’t well-maintained. Over time, poor dental care can lead to pain, infection, and even complications that affect the heart and other vital organs. In this article, I’ll share some effective ways to care for your pet’s oral health, how to recognize signs of dental issues, and why it’s vital to stay ahead of dental disease.
Ways to Maintain Your Pet’s Dental Health
The best way to support your pet’s dental health is with regular veterinary care. Scheduling an anesthetized dental cleaning every few years allows veterinarians to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar below the gum line, which helps prevent bacteria and tartar from eroding the bone structure. Though cost can be a concern, many clinics offer wellness plans to spread the cost over time, making dental care more accessible.
Between these professional cleanings, there are steps you can take at home to maintain your pet’s oral health. Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and a pet-safe brush is one of the most
effective methods; just remember, human toothpaste and toothbrushes should be avoided. Patience is key here, as many pets may need time to get used to the process.
Additional options include adding pet-safe oral rinses without artificial sweeteners to their water and providing daily dental chews labeled “VOHC Accepted.” The VOHC label indicates the chew has been clinically tested to reduce plaque and tartar (learn more at VOHC.com). Speaking of chews, be mindful of how hard the toy or bone your pet is chewing on. The bones in an animal’s body are softer than a nylon bone or a really stiff antler, and can potentially fracture your pet’s tooth, which would need to be taken care of right away. A helpful rule of thumb I like to go by: if your fingernail doesn’t make an indent on the item, it’s likely too hard for your pet’s teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Poor Dental Health
Common signs that your pet’s dental health may be declining include red or swollen gums, yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, receding gumlines, and foul-smelling breath. To distinguish normal bad breath from dental disease, examine your pet’s mouth for other potential signs as noted above.
Behavioral changes can also signal dental issues. Reduced appetite, preference for softer foods, reluctance to chew or play, or withdrawal from social activities may indicate discomfort. Dogs
may shy away from chew toys, while cats may hide more frequently or become lethargic. Cats may even favor dry food as the crunch can be soothing on inflamed gums.
Poor Dental Health Impacts Overall Health
Dental disease is painful for pets, and left untreated, it can impact their health. Pain from dental issues can cause a decrease in appetite, leading to malnutrition and weight loss. More seriously, dental infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging the heart and other organs. Our shelter sees many pets in need of dental care. In 2024 alone, NOCO Humane performed 252 dental surgeries for dogs and cats. One of those animals was Jasper, a 12-year-old longhaired Dachshund. Upon arrival, his medical evaluation determined he was in dire need of dental care due to severe root exposure and gum recession. It was apparent that he received little to no dental care throughout his lifetime. Due to his old age, we also detected a heart murmur, which made the dental surgery more complicated as we were concerned how he would do under anesthesia. While Jasper had access to exceptional care and resources at NOCO Humane, his dental care expenses would have cost more than $2,000 if this were at a private clinic. Jasper’s story serves as a reminder that consistent dental care can prevent painful, costly issues down the line.
Preventative medicine is a passion of mine because, not only is it easier and cost-effective in the long run, it is a humane approach to caring for our pets and ensuring their wellbeing. Consistent and proper dental care is a great way to prevent discomfort and complications down the road, not to mention fresher breath when they give you lots of kisses! Thank you for caring, and join me in staying on top of our pet’s dental health.
