Dental disease is one of the most common health problems veterinarians see in dogs, and one of the most overlooked. By age three, most dogs already show some sign of periodontal disease. Left unchecked, it does not stay confined to the mouth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. The good news is that a professional dog dental cleaning, combined with some care at home, prevents most of this. Here at Eastside Veterinary Clinic in Kingston, Ontario, we walk every dog owner through exactly what happens during a dental cleaning, and how to tell when your dog needs one. Why dental health matters more than owners expect Pets are experts at hiding pain. A dog with a fractured tooth or an infected gum will often keep eating and acting normal, simply because showing weakness is not in their instincts. That means dental disease can progress for months or years before it becomes obvious. Left untreated, it typically leads to: ...