Top 10 Dog Breeds Affected By Periodontal Disease

A recent study by national veterinary practice Banfield sheds some light on breed predispositions for periodontal disease among dogs. The results of the study, reported widely in the veterinary and pet communities, come as little surprise to those of us who recommend dental care to pets.

Nine of the 10 breeds to make the list have an adult weights under 30 pounds. Of these 9 breeds, the Sheltie is the only one that doesn’t qualify as a miniature or toy breed. The only large breed to make the list? The standard poodle, which is widely known in veterinary circles to have a variety of other dental problems, notably malocclusion (poorly aligned teeth, abnormal bite) and/or congenitally missing teeth, as well.

The TOP TEN, as reported by Banfield’s Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK, cute huh?) team:

  • Toy poodle
  • Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie)
  • Maltese
  • Pomeranian
  • Shetland sheepdog (Sheltie)
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Papillon
  • Standard Poodle
  • Dachshund
  • Havanese

Keep in mind that the designer breeds (Malti-Poos, Yorkie-Poos, Morkies, etc.) derived from any of these breeds likely are at increased risk as well.

The dachshund is the only breed on this list that doesn’t have considerable grooming requirements. The saddest part of all this is that while cost is often cited as a reason that owners won’t have a pet’s teeth professionally cleaned,  many, many of the toy dogs we meet in practice are immaculately groomed–some cost more than $100 a month to keep that way! For a fraction of the annual cost of grooming, most of these dogs could have healthy, pain- and infection-free mouths and keep all their teeth for their entire lives–IF their family makes professional and home dental care a priority.

Priority Pet Hospital includes the mouth and teeth in EVERY physical exam our doctors perform. We also offer complimentary oral health assessments for ALL breeds when the pet is up-to-date on other wellness services such as their annual physical exam and vaccinations. Give us a call, we’d love to “flip the lip” and show you what’s lurking in your dog’s mouth!

For more information, read Top 10 Dog Breeds Affected By Periodontal Disease, featured on petpeoplesplace.com.

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