We’ve all been there – you lean in for a pat and your dog’s breath nearly knocks you sideways. It’s easy to write it off as just “doggy breath”, but vets say it’s one of the clearest warning signs that something more serious could be brewing in your pet’s mouth.

Periodontal disease – the same gum disease that affects humans – is one of the most common health problems seen in Australian dogs and cats. According to the Australian Veterinary Association, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they turn three, and several Australian vet clinics report that more than 80 per cent of dogs over three are affected to some extent.

The tricky part is that our pets are experts at hiding pain. They’ll often keep eating and behaving normally even when their gums are inflamed or their teeth are loose, which means dental disease can be well advanced before we notice anything’s wrong.

What to look out for

The early warning signs are worth committing to memory: persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, loose or discoloured teeth, drooling, and changes in eating habits – such as chewing on one side, dropping food, or going off harder kibble.

If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar within a day or two. Left untreated, this can progress to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventually bone loss around the teeth – a process vets describe as irreversible once it sets in.

It’s not just about the mouth

Here’s the part that surprises many pet owners: untreated dental disease doesn’t stay confined to the mouth. Vets say the ongoing inflammation from advanced gum disease can place extra strain on the heart, liver and kidneys, and has even been linked to a higher risk of conditions like pancreatitis in dogs.

Certain dogs are more prone to trouble. Smaller breeds tend to develop dental disease earlier due to their compact jaws, while flat-faced breeds – think pugs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers – often have crowded or misaligned teeth that trap plaque more easily. The same goes for flat-faced cat breeds like Persians.

The good news: it’s largely preventable

The single most effective thing you can do is brush your dog’s teeth – ideally daily, though vets say brushing at least three times a week still makes a real difference. Use a soft, angled pet toothbrush (a human one won’t do the job properly) and a pet-safe toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride, since dogs will happily swallow it.

If your dog isn’t keen on a full brush straight away, ease them into it. Let them sniff the brush and toothpaste first, keep sessions short and gentle, and reward them with a treat afterwards so it becomes a positive routine rather than a wrestling match. Some groomers also offer toothbrushing as an add-on service if you’d rather leave it to the professionals.

Dental chews, toys and water additives can help slow plaque build-up, particularly for cats, who are often less tolerant of brushing than dogs. Just be cautious with anything too hard – vets suggest the “thumbnail test”: if you can’t press a dent into a chew with your thumbnail, it’s hard enough to risk cracking a tooth. And while chews help, they mostly clean the back teeth; brushing is still the only way to properly reach the front teeth and gumline.

When to see the vet

If your dog already has signs of dental disease, home care alone won’t fix it – a professional scale and clean under anaesthetic is the only way to safely treat the problem above and below the gumline. Costs vary depending on where you live and how much work is needed, but a straightforward clean typically starts in the hundreds of dollars, rising into the thousands for more complex extractions or specialist care.

It’s worth an annual chat with your vet about your dog’s teeth, and more frequent checks for small or flat-faced breeds. As the experts point out, a little prevention today goes a long way towards avoiding a painful – and expensive – trip to the dentist’s chair down the track.

Has your dog ever needed a dental procedure, or do you have a trick that’s worked for getting them used to brushing? Let us know in the comments.