Preventing periodontal disease in dogs

Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, a veterinary dental specialist at Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital in Boerne, Texas, discusses steps veterinarians can take to reduce the risk and severity of periodontal disease in dogs. She explains why smaller dogs face a higher risk, emphasizing the importance of early client education, and offers guidance veterinarians can share with pet owners about at-home dental care.

The following is a transcript of the video, lightly edited for clarity and cohesion:

Lobprise: From the very first [veterinary visit for puppies], you know, it’s tough to talk about it. [At that first visit] you’re doing vaccines and talking diet. But certainly by that second or third puppy visit, as you’re examining the teeth, make sure that owner is aware [of dental health risks and home care].

I used to say that dogs that were going to be about 20 lb at adult weight, ‘we have to be really more aggressive at taking care of their teeth,’ but now we see so many [dogs] that are under 10 lb, even. Definitely with those smaller dogs, we know there’s an increased incidence of periodontal disease. They don’t have as much bone, their teeth are more crowded, and what might be a 1-mm bone loss in a Great Dane doesn’t matter as much as it does in a Chihuahua.

So as we look at that, we educate owners early on—especially with these smaller dogs—and try to get them to do some level of home care. While brushing is best, it can be challenging. I even like using dental wipes, coming from behind the head and doing it that way, so it’s a little less assertive.

And then regular oral exams and regular dental cleanings under anesthesia. And while we still may have the occasional extraction or some problems with it, we can [absolutely] help decrease the impact of periodontal disease in these pets.