Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Bad breath, yellow teeth or sore gums? These are common signs of pet dental disease. At Cara Veterinary Group, we help pet owners in Dublin 15 and Dublin 7 prevent and treat dental disease in dogs and cats — keeping their teeth clean and their organs healthy.

BOOK ONLINE NOW • Call 01 885 3253 • Join our Pet Healthcare Plan and save 20% on dentals.

What Causes Dental Disease in Pets?

Every time your pet eats, tiny food particles remain on the teeth. Within days, this film becomes plaque, which quickly hardens into tartar - a yellow-brown crust that traps bacteria. These bacteria infect the gums, causing gingivitis and bad breath. As infection spreads, gums recede and teeth lose support, eventually falling out even if the tooth itself is healthy.

Why Dental Disease Is Dangerous

The chronic inflammation caused by gum disease doesn’t stop in the mouth. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs such as the kidneys, liver, joints and heart. This ongoing infection weakens your pet’s immune system and overall health. Because the decline happens slowly, owners often assume their pet is “just getting old.”

Early dental care prevents serious illness and keeps pets happy, pain-free and active for longer.

Common Signs of Dental Disease

• Bad breath or drooling
• Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Difficulty eating or chewing on one side
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Loose or missing teeth
• Reluctance to play with chew toys

Learn More About Your Pet’s Dental Health

• Dental Radiography (X-rays)
• Erosive Lesions
• Signs & Symptoms of Dental Disease
• How to Check Your Pet’s Teeth
• Six Steps to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
• Top Tips for Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Book a Dental Appointment

• For dental cleaning or treatment, please call 01 885 3253 - our team will guide you through the process and provide a tailored quote.
• For routine check-ups: BOOK ONLINE NOW

Our Locations

Cara Veterinary Hospital - Unit 233, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 (D15 Y384)
Cara Veterinary Clinic - 1A North Circular Road, Phoenix Park Gate, Dublin 7 (D07 HE48)