Don’t Ignore These Subtle Clues—Your Pet’s Health Depends on It!

Your Pet’s Teeth Might Be Hurting More Than You Think

Sarah loves her dog, Bailey, like family. She feeds him high-quality food, ensures he stays active and keeps up with his wellness exams—but she recently noticed something troubling.

Bailey, usually full of energy, was taking longer to eat, avoiding his favorite chew toys, and—worst of all—his breath smelled awful.

A quick trip to Heron Lakes Animal Hospital revealed what many pet owners don’t realize: Bailey was suffering from a painful dental disease. The tartar buildup and gum inflammation were making every meal uncomfortable, but like most pets, Bailey never showed obvious signs of pain.

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.

🐾 80% of dogs & 70% of cats develop dental disease by age 3.
🐾 Pets are experts at hiding pain—most pet parents don’t realize their pet’s suffering until it’s severe.

Don’t wait until your pet is in pain or losing teeth—here are 5 critical signs your pet needs a dental cleaning ASAP!

1. Bad Breath That Makes You Gag? That’s a Red Flag.

💨 Myth: “Dog breath is normal.”
✅ Truth: Bad breath is the first warning sign of dental disease.

If your pet’s breath smells like fish, garbage, or sour milk, bacteria are growing under the gums.
If left untreated, this can lead to painful infections, gum disease, and even organ damage.

🚨 When to Act:
If your pet’s breath is worse than usual or smells rotten, book a dental exam immediately.

2. Yellow or Brown Buildup on Teeth? That’s Plaque & Tartar!

Over time, food particles mix with bacteria and harden into tartar, leading to painful gum infections and eventual tooth loss.

🚨 Did You Know? Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t get cavities—but tartar buildup leads to decay, loose teeth,
and oral infections.
🚨 When to Act: Check your pet’s teeth today. If you see yellow or brown buildup, they need a professional cleaning.

At Heron Lakes Animal Hospital, our non-anesthetic dental cleanings safely remove tartar without the risks of sedation—so your pet’s smile stays clean and healthy!

3. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums? That’s Gum Disease.

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is painful and progressive—and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and deep infections.

🚨 Early Signs of Gum Disease:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Gums pulling away from teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Pets won’t complain—so it’s up to you to catch the signs early! 🐾

🚨 When to Act: If you notice red or bleeding gums, don’t wait—schedule a cleaning before it worsens.

4. Avoiding Chewing? Your Pet May Be in Pain.

Ever notice your pet:
❌ Ignoring their favorite chew toys?
❌ Dropping kibble from their mouth?
❌ Chewing on one side only?

These are clear signs of dental pain. Your pet wants to eat and play—but their teeth and gums are too sensitive.

🚨 When to Act:
If your pet has changed their eating or chewing habits, they need a dental evaluation ASAP!

5. Pawing at the Mouth or Excessive Drooling? That’s a Cry for Help.

If your pet is pawing at their mouth, drooling more than usual, or making strange jaw movements, they may have:

• A painful tooth infection
• A fractured tooth
• Severe gum inflammation

🚨 When to Act:
If your pet shows any of these signs, book a dental checkup right away. It may need a cleaning or even a tooth extraction.

Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Matter

Many pet parents believe that if their pet is eating normally, their teeth must be fine. However, pets instinctively hide discomfort, making it crucial to schedule regular dental check-ups. Routine cleanings help prevent:

• Painful infections that could spread to major organs

• Costly extractions due to severe decay

• Unnecessary suffering from untreated dental disease

Brushing your pet’s teeth at home and using vet-recommended dental chews can help, but nothing replaces a professional cleaning by a trusted veterinarian.

How Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings Can Help

At Heron Lakes Animal Hospital, we offer a safe, effective, and stress-free way to keep your pet’s teeth clean—without anesthesia.

• No sedation risks—perfect for seniors & pets with health conditions
• Quick, gentle, and stress-free
• Removes plaque & tartar buildup to prevent disease
• More affordable than traditional dental cleanings

If your pet has early signs of dental disease, a non-anesthetic dental cleaning can reverse the damage and prevent future pain!

📅 February Special: Get $X Off Your Pet’s Dental
Cleaning!

💡 Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse! A simple cleaning today could prevent pain, infection, and costly extractions later.

📅 Book in February & Get $X Off!
📞 Call (954) 344-4911 or Book Online Now to secure your spot!
📧 Email: heronlakesanimalhospital@gmail.com
🔹 Limited availability—appointments fill fast!

🐶🐱 Fresh breath, healthy gums, and a happy pet—it all starts with a clean smile!

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