TAMPA, FL – November 04, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Harbourside Animal Hospital is outlining dental warning signs in aging pets as November 2026 marks Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Not every dental problem is as noticeable as a broken dog tooth, since dental disease can progress without obvious signs. The hospital generally considers dogs senior at around age seven and cats at around age ten, though larger dog breeds may reach senior age sooner.

Dental disease is common in dogs and cats. In its September 28, 2026 guidance on catching dental disease early, the American Veterinary Dental College cites studies suggesting roughly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show some degree of periodontal disease by age two. Because infection can spread unseen beneath the gumline, advanced disease can often go unnoticed.

Dental Pain in Pet

An exam of the visible teeth alone does not always show how far a problem has progressed. The same guidance reports that researchers identified clinically important abnormalities on X-rays in about 28% of dogs and 42% of cats whose teeth looked completely normal to the eye. The hospital uses dental X-rays to find fractures and bone loss. These images also reveal root problems.

The hospital recommends senior wellness exams every six months for older patients, giving owners and the veterinary team regular opportunities to review daily comfort and other changes. Changes in appetite are among the signs the hospital lists for older pets and can also reflect dental trouble.

Signs of dental trouble include bad breath and yellow or brown deposits along the gumline. Red or swollen gums are additional warning signs. Owners may also notice difficulty eating or excessive drooling.

Because animals cannot say when something hurts, owners may mistake subtle signs of hidden dental pain in pets for normal aging. Chewing on one side or dropping food while eating can also signal mouth discomfort.

Pawing at the face is another possible sign of dental pain. In dogs, a bump near the jaw or below the eye can indicate a tooth abscess, a pocket of infection around a tooth root. Cats often mask discomfort, and many keep eating normally even with active tooth resorption, a condition in which tooth structure breaks down.

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine notes that, in dogs, plaque can harden into tartar within as little as 24 hours. The college adds that advanced gum infections can let bacteria into the bloodstream, causing problems in the kidneys, liver, and heart. Periodontal disease treatment targets infection and inflammation in the tissues immediately surrounding the teeth.

A dental procedure at the hospital requires a veterinary exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to evaluate kidney and liver function and screen for anemia. The vet checks vital signs throughout anesthesia and continues monitoring until the patient is stable afterward. If the veterinarian finds advanced disease during the procedure, they may call the owner to discuss extractions or other treatment.

Professional cleanings under general anesthesia remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, while extraction is reserved for teeth too damaged or infected to save. Gingivitis alone can be reversible with treatment, but once significant bone loss has occurred, it is unlikely to reverse. The hospital advises scheduling a dental exam when breath or behavior changes, since early treatment is usually simpler.

Harbourside Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary practice for dogs, cats, and pocket pets, based in Tampa, Florida. The hospital’s dentistry service addresses hidden dental pain in pets and provides care for senior animals. Dr. Timothy D. Hodge, DVM, has practiced veterinary medicine since 1995 and serves as the medical reviewer for the hospital’s pet health articles.

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For more information about Harbourside Animal Hospital, contact the company here:

Harbourside Animal Hospital
Dr. Timothy Hodge
+18135600567
e-mail@harboursidevet.com
1112 Channelside Dr Unit 4, Tampa, FL 33602, United States

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