05/25/2026
Just a few photos from some small animal dental work this past Friday on one “rescue “ and one privately owned dog, both small breeds. One pet had 13 extractions, the other? 27! These teeth literally came out as we removed the tartar accumulation viewed in the before photo. You can see the difference in the after photo. We can not stress annual dental care enough for these small guys….. here’s why:
Small breed dogs have disproportionately large teeth for their jaw size, leading to overcrowding which will trap and hold to plaque more readily than large dogs and cats with plenty of room between teeth! Regular dental cleanings are vital to prevent severe periodontal disease, which causes chronic pain, agonizing tooth loss, jaw fractures, and deadly systemic infections that can damage vital organs like the heart
Small breed dogs suffer because of their small head size due to:
Overcrowding: Breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are highly prone to plaque buildup because their mouths are small and their teeth are crowded
This plaque accumulation leads to bacterial overgrowth and hair entrapment between teeth which can lead to Rapid Disease Progression: Tartar accumulation quickly escalates into gingivitis, which destroys the bone and gums supporting the teeth
In turn this bone loss and damage to their natural protective batteries can lead to Systemic Health Threats: The bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart, kidneys, and liver, posing life-threatening risks
While these two that are represented by the photos we posted today are facing yet more dental work and their owners/rescue facing another substantial cost to restore a healthy status to their dentition, Annual cleaning runs about the cost of yearly vaccines and, when performed on a regular basis can not only save $$ for the owner but, and most importantly, well extend the life and health of the animal!
At your next vet visit, ensure your vet takes a look inside that mouth! At the clinic here, this is part of every exam and we perform dental health cleaning or Comprehensive Oral Health Exam and Treatment (COHAT) by scheduled appointments Monday through Friday. Give us a call for more information or to schedule a visit!