SERVICES Electro Cardio graphic Studies (ECG) Radiographic Studies Ultrasound Complete In-House Lab Facility Orthopedic Diagnosis & Surgery Soft Tissue Surgery Intensive Care With Oxygen Available Behavior Consultation Weight Management Programs For Dogs & Cats Euthanasia Of Pets At Home Cremation Services Available ORAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TO  YOUR DOG'S OVERALL WELL-BEING.   Stage 1 Gingivitis ... the gum tissue around the teeth can become inflamed and swollen. Plaque and tartar are usually present on the teeth.         Stage 2 Mild Periodontitis ... Inflammation progresses to an infection that starts to destroy gum and bone tissue around the teeth. Bad breath may be noticeable.         Stage 3 Moderate Periodontitis ... The continuing infection destroys more tissue around the teeth, often causing bleeding of the gums and loosening of the teeth.          Stage 4 Severe Periodontitis ... Extensive infection is tearing down even more of the attachment tissues (gum and bone). Teeth are at risk of being lost. Dear Dr.     I heard that the majority of dogs have dental disease by the time they're three-years-old. Is it really that common? It is estimated that 85% of dogs aged three and older have some degree of periodontal disease, the most common dental disease in dogs. And like most humans, periodontal disease is a progressive infection that can lead to painful conditions for dogs that may require difficult and costly treatments down the road. Whenever possible, preventing disease is preferable to treating it and in the case of periodontitis, this is especially true. Regular effective home care with daily brushing and early professional cleaning by your veterinarian are among the best preventive measures. Additionally, dogs can receive another layer of prevention from you veterinarian -- the Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin -- to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis. Dear Dr.     My veterinarian recommended that I try brushing my dog's teeth at home every day. Is this really necessary? Many pet owners don't realize that bacteria live in a dog's mouth and are present in the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. If left untreated, these bacteria can cause gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums around the dog's teeth. The good news is that gingivitis is rapidly reversible with good dental hygiene and like your veterinarian advised, tooth brushing is the recommended standard. However, even more problematic than gingivitis, a more serious and irreversible condition that, if untreated, can result in the destruction of gum and bone and other tissues around the dog's teeth. In those cases, regular professional cleanings and treatment are an important way to help prevent further disease. Dear Dr.     My vet told me about a vaccine which can aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis in my dog. Do I still need to keep up with at-home care, such as tooth-brushing, if she receives the vaccine? I have a small dog and it's so difficult getting a toothbrush into that tiny mouth. The Porphyromonas vaccine is just one part of a complete dental wellness program. To achieve the highest level of oral health care, Pfizer Animal Health recommends pet owners follow all components of good oral hygiene, which includes daily brushing at home and regular visits with your veterinarian. If you are having problems with daily at home brushings, share your concerns with your veterinarian so you can develop a dental wellness program that works for you and your dog. You also mentioned you have a small dog. Periodontitis can affect dogs of any breed or size and all dogs can potentially benefit from the vaccine, but the disease is most common in small-to-medium sized breeds because their smaller mouths often have teeth that can be crowded. This makes it difficult to brush their teeth, which provides more opportunity for bacteria growth. Because of this, you'll want to pay extra special attention to that little mouth! Dear Dr.     Is canine periodontitis really that big of a deal? I mean, I always figured a dog can live a fine life missing a few teeth here and there. In one word, yes, periodontitis IS a big deal, and it can affect more than the dog's teeth. In fact, the presence of canine periodontitis has been associated with systemic effects in pets and may cause problems in vital organs (heart or liver). At its worst, perodontitis can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, fracture of the jawbones, and other serious consequences. A dog's mouth can be compared to a human's hand, and it's daily function is just as critical. When the mouth isn't working properly -- or hurts -- the dog suffers. Maintaining healthy teeth is critical to keeping a dog healthy and happy. A NEW DEADLY, CONTAGIOUS DOG FLU VIRUS IS DETECTED IN 7 STATES      A new highly contagious canine flue is spreading at dog tracks and kennels around the country. The virus is a mutation of the horse influenza virus.      The virus is mostly transmitted where dogs are in close contact, such as kennels. It can be spread from people carrying the virus on clothing and shoes.      The symptoms include: high fever, cough, nasal discharge, and often pneumonia. The virus can be confused with kennel cough. Testing for the virus is presently being offered at only one lab in the U.S.      Treatment for the virus is supportive; fluids and antibiotics are often utilized. Death can occur and is reported to happen less than 10% of the time.     Contact us if you think your dog has a respiratory infection.