Dental Health for Pets: 5 Signs Your Dog or Cat Needs an Oral Exam

When was the last time your furry friend had a dental check-up? Just like people, dogs and cats need regular dental care to stay healthy and comfortable. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and even infections that affect major organs. That’s why pet dental care near Lodi, CA is more important than ever for your pet’s long-term health.

At Lodi Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive veterinary dental services in Lodi, including professional cleanings, pet dental X-rays, and pet periodontal disease treatment. In this article, we’ll help you recognize the top five signs your pet might need an oral exam — and why regular dental visits can make a big difference in their quality of life.

1. Persistent Bad Breath

If your dog or cat’s breath suddenly smells foul, it’s not just “dog breath” — it could be an early sign of infection or gum disease. Bacteria build-up in the mouth can cause unpleasant odors, inflamed gums, and even pain while eating.

Our Lodi animal hospital pet dentistry team uses advanced tools to identify the root cause of your pet’s bad breath. During an oral exam, we look for tartar build-up, gum inflammation, and hidden decay that may require treatment. A professional animal hospital dental cleaning removes plaque below the gum line and restores your pet’s fresh breath — and their confidence to give you those big, happy kisses again!

2. Difficulty Eating or Dropping Food

Has your pet started chewing on one side of their mouth, dropping food, or refusing kibble? These are strong indicators that something is wrong inside the mouth. Broken teeth, oral pain, or gum infections can make eating uncomfortable or even painful.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to visit your trusted pet dental clinic near Lodi, CA. Our veterinarians can perform a full oral exam to locate the source of discomfort. In some cases, pet dental X-rays in Lodi, CA are needed to reveal hidden tooth fractures, root infections, or bone loss that can’t be seen during a surface inspection. Early diagnosis helps us prevent complications and preserve your pet’s teeth for years to come.

3. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums should be pink, firm, and free of swelling. Redness, bleeding, or pus around the gum line are signs of periodontal disease — one of the most common dental issues in pets. If left untreated, gum infection can spread to the jawbone and cause severe pain or tooth loss.

At Lodi Animal Hospital, our pet periodontal disease treatment focuses on deep cleaning, infection control, and prevention. We use safe anesthesia and advanced ultrasonic scaling to remove harmful bacteria and restore gum health. Regular animal hospital dental cleanings also reduce inflammation and protect your pet from recurring dental problems.

4. Visible Tartar, Loose Teeth, or Drooling

Take a quick look inside your pet’s mouth — do you see yellow or brown build-up on the teeth, or notice excessive drooling? These are clear signs it’s time for an oral exam. Plaque and tartar not only cause bad breath but can loosen teeth and lead to bone loss.

Our veterinary dental services in Lodi include digital imaging and scaling to remove hardened tartar safely. In advanced cases, pet dental X-rays in Lodi, CA help identify tooth root damage that might require extraction or other treatment.

Professional dental care goes beyond cleaning — it’s about restoring full mouth health and preventing painful conditions that could affect your pet’s ability to eat, play, and enjoy life.

5. Behavior Changes or Pawing at the Mouth

If your pet starts pawing at their mouth, avoiding chew toys, or acting unusually irritable, it could be due to oral pain. Cats, in particular, often hide discomfort until dental problems are advanced.

Knowing when to schedule a cat dental cleaning in Lodi or a dog oral exam can help catch problems early. Our veterinarians recommend a dental checkup at least once a year — or more often for senior pets and breeds prone to dental issues.

A thorough exam at Lodi Animal Hospital ensures every tooth and gum is inspected. We use pet dental X-rays to detect hidden infections or resorptive lesions that cause pain but are invisible on the surface. Early care saves teeth and protects your pet from more serious health issues later on.

Why Regular Dental Care Matters

Your pet’s oral health is directly connected to their overall well-being. Bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular pet dental cleanings not only prevent pain and tooth loss but also reduce the risk of systemic infections.

Choosing affordable pet dental cleaning in Lodi, CA at Lodi Animal Hospital means giving your pet the expert attention they deserve. Our compassionate veterinary team tailors each dental procedure to your pet’s age, size, and comfort level — ensuring a safe and gentle experience every time.

We also provide preventive pet oral health education for owners, including tips on at-home brushing, dental diets, and chews that support clean teeth between visits.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam in Lodi, CA

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your dog or cat, don’t wait — oral problems can worsen quickly. Our experienced veterinarians at Lodi Animal Hospital specialize in pet dentistry, advanced imaging, and pet periodontal disease treatment to restore and protect your pet’s smile.

Visit our Pet Dental Care page to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today. Keeping up with your pet’s dental health ensures they stay happy, healthy, and pain-free for years to come.

In Summary

Your pet can’t tell you when their mouth hurts — but their behavior, breath, and eating habits can. By recognizing these five warning signs and scheduling regular animal hospital dental cleanings and exams, you’re taking an important step toward your pet’s long-term health and happiness.

At Lodi Animal Hospital, we’re proud to be your trusted source for pet dental care near Lodi, CA, providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary dental services in Lodi that keep tails wagging and smiles bright.