Breeds Prone to Dental Disease
Dental disease, including periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay, affects the majority of pets by age three. Small and toy breeds are particularly susceptible due to crowded teeth. Untreated dental disease can lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Symptoms
Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating or dropping food, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loose or missing teeth, and reluctance to have the face or mouth touched.
Prevention & Management
Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, dental chews and toys, regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia, feeding dental-specific diets, and annual oral examinations.
25 Breeds Prone to Dental Disease
21 dog breeds and 4 cat breeds
Bichon Frise
Dog · Small · France/Belgium
Health risks: Allergies, Bladder Stones, Luxating Patella, Dental Disease
Biewer Terrier
Dog · Toy · Germany
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Dental Disease, GI Issues
Cava-Tzu
Dog · Small · United States
Health risks: Mitral Valve Disease, Eye Conditions, Dental Disease
Chihuahua
Dog · Toy · Mexico
Health risks: Dental Disease, Luxating Patella, Heart Disease, Hydrocephalus
Chinese Crested
Dog · Toy · China/Africa
Health risks: Dental Disease, Eye Conditions, Luxating Patella, Skin Issues
Chiweenie
Dog · Small · United States
Health risks: Dental Disease, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Hypoglycemia, Luxating Patella
Chorkie
Dog · Toy · United States
Health risks: Dental Disease, Luxating Patella, Hypoglycemia
Exotic Shorthair
Cat · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Brachycephalic Issues, Eye Problems, Dental Disease
Himalayan
Cat · Medium-Large · United States/United Kingdom
Health risks: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Breathing Issues, Eye Conditions, Dental Disease
Italian Greyhound
Dog · Small · Italy
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Fractures, Dental Disease, Eye Conditions
Maltese
Dog · Toy · Malta
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Dental Disease, Heart Problems, Liver Shunt
Maltipoo
Dog · Toy · United States
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Dental Disease, Eye Conditions, White Shaker Syndrome
Morkie
Dog · Toy · United States
Health risks: Dental Disease, Luxating Patella, Tracheal Collapse, Eye Conditions
Papillon
Dog · Toy · France/Belgium
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Dental Disease, Collapsed Trachea, Eye Conditions
Persian
Cat · Medium-Large · Iran/Persia
Health risks: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Eye Conditions, Breathing Issues, Dental Disease
Pomapoo
Dog · Toy · United States
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Eye Conditions, Dental Disease, Tracheal Collapse
Pomeranian
Dog · Toy · Germany/Poland
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Collapsed Trachea, Dental Disease, Alopecia X
Pomsky
Dog · Small-Medium · United States
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Allergies, Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia
Shichon
Dog · Small · United States
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Eye Conditions, Dental Disease
Shih Tzu
Dog · Small · China/Tibet
Health risks: Brachycephalic Syndrome, Eye Problems, Hip Dysplasia, Dental Disease
Shorkie
Dog · Toy · United States
Health risks: Dental Disease, Luxating Patella, Liver Shunt, Eye Conditions
Sphynx
Cat · Medium · Canada
Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Skin Conditions, Respiratory Issues, Dental Disease
Teddy Bear Dog
Dog · Small · United States
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Eye Conditions, Dental Disease
Yorkipoo
Dog · Toy · United States
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Eye Conditions, Legg-Calve-Perthes, Dental Disease
Yorkshire Terrier
Dog · Toy · England
Health risks: Dental Disease, Luxating Patella, Liver Shunt, Tracheal Collapse