Chattanooga Vets Warn of Hidden Dental Risks for Pets

February is Pet Dental Health Month, highlighting the importance of regular cleanings and at-home care.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Veterinarians in the Chattanooga area are using Pet Dental Health Month to remind pet owners that oral health is critical for overall pet wellness. Even by age 3, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease that can lead to serious issues if left untreated. While bad breath is a common sign, other symptoms like excessive drooling, favoring one side when chewing, and swollen cheeks can also indicate dental problems. Experts recommend introducing brushing early, using dental-approved treats, and scheduling annual cleanings to prevent long-term damage.

Why it matters

Dental disease is a common but often overlooked issue in pets that can have significant impacts on their health if not properly managed. Raising awareness during Pet Dental Health Month can encourage more pet owners to prioritize their animals' oral care and seek preventative treatment.

The details

According to Dr. Cassie Atkinson of Highway 58 Animal Hospital, tartar can begin building on pets' teeth within hours of eating. When that hardens into plaque, it can lead to gingivitis, infection, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. While foul breath is the most common complaint, other signs of trouble include excessive drooling, favoring one side when chewing, and even visible swelling on the cheeks from tooth root disease. Genetics and mouth structure can play a role in how quickly dental problems develop, so Atkinson recommends introducing brushing routines early, even when pets are still puppies. For pets that resist brushing, alternatives like dental wipes or finger brushes may help. Annual dental cleanings remain important even with at-home care.

  • Puppies lose their baby teeth by about six months old.
  • February marks Pet Dental Health Month.
  • Highway 58 Animal Hospital will host an open house this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.

The players

Dr. Cassie Atkinson

A veterinarian at Highway 58 Animal Hospital who specializes in pet dental health.

Highway 58 Animal Hospital

A veterinary clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee that is hosting a Pet Dental Health Month open house event.

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What they’re saying

“Oral health is more than just about preventing bad breath. Even by the age of three, a majority of our dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease.”

— Dr. Cassie Atkinson, Veterinarian (newschannel9.com)

“We're not going to expect you to brush your animal's teeth twice a day like we would with ours. So we still recommend annual dental cleanings to facilitate that thing that we can't do all the time at home.”

— Dr. Cassie Atkinson, Veterinarian (newschannel9.com)

What’s next

Highway 58 Animal Hospital will host an open house this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., offering behind-the-scenes tours, a teddy bear clinic for children, dental discounts for attendees, and a drawing for one free dental cleaning.

The takeaway

Dental disease is a common but often overlooked issue in pets that can have significant impacts on their overall health if not properly managed. By raising awareness during Pet Dental Health Month, veterinarians hope to encourage more pet owners to prioritize their animals' oral care and seek preventative treatment through regular cleanings and at-home brushing routines.