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dental disease in senior cats and dogs
Most pets develop dental disease by age 3, but risks increase significantly in older pets due to weaker immune systems, bone loss, and other age-related factors.
If left untreated, dental disease can lead to chronic pain and other illnesses for your older dog or cat. Here's how to care for your senior pet’s teeth.
What are the symptoms of dental disease in dogs and cats?
- Bad breath
- Tartar on teeth
- Red and/or inflamed gums
- Loose, damaged, or missing teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Pawing at face
- Bleeding gums
- Facial swelling
- Nasal discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Behavior changes
- Weight loss
Ways to help prevent dental disease in dogs and cats
- At-home teeth brushing
- Regular wellness exams
- Professional dental cleanings
The details on cat and dog dental disease
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, most dogs and cats have dental disease by the age of three! And, unfortunately, the likelihood and severity of disease goes up the older they get. Cats generally enter their senior years at age 10 or older. Smaller dogs enter seniorhood around 8 to 11 years old, but large or giant breed dogs become seniors earlier around 6 to 9 years old.
How to spot dental disease in your senior dog or older cat
The first sign of dental disease will vary from pet to pet. Early signs generally include bad breath and inflamed gums. Once dental disease gets more advanced, signs include loose or missing teeth, incessant pawing at the mouth, and difficulty chewing.
While your vet will perform an oral exam of your senior pet during their checkup, it’s important to tell them if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.
What causes dental disease in cats and dogs?
Dental disease can result from poor oral hygiene. However, even pets with tip-top brushing habits may experience dental issues due to certain predispositions. Smaller dogs and senior pets often suffer from dental disease, although all animals with teeth are susceptible to diseases of teeth. Even people who brush their teeth daily need to get professional cleanings from dentists, so it makes sense that our pets do too.
Prevention is possible
Your best defense against dental disease in dogs and cats is regular at-home brushing, wellness exams, and regular professional dental cleanings.
Hygiene starts at home
Cleaning your pet's teeth at home can help prevent dental disease in dogs and cats.
A few pointers:
- Ditch the human toothbrush and toothpaste
- Recruit a pet-loving friend to help during your brushing sessions
- Aim for a one-minute session at least three days a week
Get more info on brushing your pet’s teeth and watch a helpful how-to video
Visit the pros
Even the best at-home brushing can’t replace the value of a professional dental cleaning.
The first step typically happens during your senior pet’s wellness exam. Your vet will examine their chompers and make an initial assessment. If they recommend doing the professional cleaning, here’s what to expect...
- Drop-off appointment and tests
A dental cleaning requires a separate appointment from your pet’s wellness exam as the dental cleaning can only be provided while your pet is under anesthesia. You'll typically drop off your pet in the morning and pick them up later that day. Your pet will receive a pre-anesthetic exam with blood test. If there are any concerns, we may run more tests or reschedule.
- Anesthesia
Since pets aren’t the best at holding still for a teeth cleaning, veterinary prophylactic dental cleanings are always done under general anesthesia. We understand this can make pet owners nervous (especially when their pet is older), but your senior dog or cat’s vitals will be monitored the entire time. Speak with your veterinarian to discuss any concerns you have with your pet's anesthesia plan or comfort level. Want to know more about this part of the process? We’ve got a video on anesthesia
- The cleaning
A dental cleaning includes tooth scaling above and below the gumline as well as polishing. Removing the plaque and tartar helps us take a closer look at your pet’s teeth and gums. We’ll also chart the mouth, which means examining the pockets surrounding each tooth and evaluating specific areas of the mouth for abnormalities. We may find concerns we didn’t see before. If we need to do more testing, take dental X-rays, remove teeth, or anything else, we’ll contact you for approval.
- Time to go home!
Once the cleaning's commenced, we’ll let you know it’s time to pick up your sweet senior dog or older cat. We’ll also provide instructions on how to care for your pet while they recover.
Medically reviewed by Ari Zabell, DVM and Heidi Cooley, DVM.
Custom care that grows with your pet
You can save more than 30% by bundling your pet’s preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. On top of comprehensive exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, these convenient packages also include unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, discounts on most Banfield products, and more.
Our NEW Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plan includes our most in-depth diagnostic testing yet. This helps us detect changes in organ function and overall physical health, so that we can begin any recommended treatment as soon as possible.
Senior Care
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness.
This plan combines essential services like vaccinations and exams with in-depth diagnostic testing.
See what’s included in Senior Care
Senior Care Plus
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness and support additional dental needs.
This plan includes all the services in our Senior Care plan plus a dental cleaning.
See what’s included in Senior Care Plus
doggie dilemma? cat conundrum?!
