Why Is Dental Care So Important for Small Dogs (and Cats)?

liliaklein
Sep 22
3 min read

Keeping your pet’s teeth clean isn’t just about bad breath—it’s about their whole-body health. At Westshore Pet Clinic in Langford / Victoria, we remind pet owners that even when a cat or dog looks fine, there can already be major dental issues brewing beneath the surface. Westshore Pet Clinic

Below is a look at why dental is especially critical in small dogs, what kinds of problems can develop, what our veterinary team offers, and how you can help prevent dental disease in your pet.

What’s at Stake

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)Because small dogs have smaller mouths, their teeth are often more crowded. This crowding means plaque and bacteria can hide in tight spaces. Over time, that leads to gingivitis (inflamed gums) and eventually periodontal disease—where the supporting structures of the teeth (gums, bone) are damaged. Once bone loss begins, teeth can loosen or fall out, and infection can spread beyond the mouth.
Tartar & Plaque Buildup Plaque is that sticky film that forms on teeth; if not removed, it mineralizes into tartar (or calculus), which is hard and adheres even more strongly. Tartar keeps harboring bacteria, making gum disease worse. Small breeds are prone to faster buildup because their saliva, diet, conformation (shape of jaw / mouth), and often tooth crowding accelerate the process.
Broken or Fractured Teeth Tiny teeth are more fragile. A small dog or cat may more easily break a tooth by chewing bones, toys, or hard items. A broken tooth can expose the pulp (inner part), lead to pain, infection, and even systemic illness if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Misaligned Teeth (Malocclusion)In many small breeds, jaws are compact; teeth can overlap, twist, or erupt incorrectly. Misalignment means parts of teeth may not wear evenly, may trap food, irritate soft tissues, or make brushing difficult—adding to risk of disease.
Extraction & Other Dental Surgery When a tooth is severely diseased, broken under the gumline, or causing pain, extraction may be the best solution. For cats too, a severely infected tooth or one with resorptive lesions might need removal. Dental surgery (extractions, crown restorations, etc.) requires anesthesia, dental X‑rays to see what’s under the gums, and careful post‑op care. At Westshore, our team offers full‑mouth dental X‑rays and extractions when needed. Westshore Pet Clinic
Systemic Health Risks Even though the mouth seems small, bad dental health can lead to serious downstream effects: bacteria from the mouth can circulate and affect the heart (endocarditis), kidneys, liver; there can be chronic pain, difficulty eating, weight loss. Many cats and dogs hide dental pain until it’s advanced, so signs are subtle like drooling, dropping food, refusing toys, pawing at face.

What We Do at Westshore Pet Clinic

To protect your small dog's (or cat’s) dental health, here’s what our clinic offers:

Oral Exams & Treatment Planning — Assessing your pet’s mouth even in routine visits, checking for tartar, gum inflammation, broken or misaligned teeth.
Dental Cleaning Under Anesthesia — Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline, where home brushing can’t reach.
Dental X‑rays — To detect hidden issues (e.g. tooth root abscesses, loss of supporting bone) that can’t be seen just by looking.
Extractions / Dental Surgery — When teeth are too damaged to save, or when leaving them in would cause more harm.
Balanced Anesthesia & Safety Protocols — Ensuring your pet is safe and comfortable during dental procedures; use of IV fluids, monitoring, etc.

What You Can Do at Home

Small dogs (and cats) especially benefit from preventive care. Here are practical tips:

Daily brushing, if possible. Use a pet‑safe toothpaste; start gently so your pet gets used to it.
Dental chews and toys that are safe, designed to help reduce plaque/tartar.
Diet considerations — Some pet foods are formulated for dental health.
Routine check‑ups — Even if you don’t see problems, bring your pet for oral exams; early signs like bad breath, red gums, mild tartar are reversible if caught early.
Watch for warning signs, such as bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, dropping food, reluctance to chew, swelling around the mouth, or change in eating habits.

Why Small Dogs Need Extra Attention

Their teeth are smaller, closer together → higher risk of trapping food and bacteria.
Thinner enamel or more delicate tooth structure can lead to fractures more easily.
Smaller mouths = more crowding (molars/premolars overlapping) = harder to clean.
Often they live longer, so have more years to accumulate dental problems.

Conclusion

Dental health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing—for dogs and cats, especially small breeds. Regular professional care, early detection, and consistent home maintenance can prevent painful, expensive, and risky dental issues down the road. If you’re unsure about your pet’s dental status, or have noticed any warning signs, it’s worth booking a dental appointment. At Westshore Pet Clinic, we’re here to help your furry friend keep a healthy smile — and a healthy life.