Often Undiagnosed Signs of Periodontal Disease

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, ABVP, board-certified dentist at All Pets Dental in Westin, Florida, says the most common sign of periodontal disease is oral malodor.

Unfortunately, Dr. Bellows says clients feel that if their dog has "doggie breath," that's normal. That's why the most common sign of periodontal disease is not brought up to the veterinarian. He says that 99.44% of the time that malodor is caused by a periodontal pocket filled with putrefying food.