Mention this offer to claim $25 off your pet's first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Learn how heartworm disease spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and how year-round prevention can protect dogs and cats from this serious parasite.

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Learn why parasite prevention for dogs and cats is essential year round. Understand how fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms affect pets and how veterinary preventive care protects their health.

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison exposure is one of the most common and preventable causes of emergency veterinary visits. This guide outlines the most common sources of pet poisoning, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your pet.


Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental and oral disease in dogs and cats. While it is often dismissed as normal, persistent odor from the mouth is almost always an indication of an underlying issue.

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

Wed Jun 04 2025 15:22:31 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Androscoggin Animal Hospital

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

forms-page

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and friendly, compassionate service.

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

Androscoggin Animal Hospital has a curated hub for pet owners in Topsham, Brunswick, Bath and surrounding areas. It includes helpful links for financial aid like CareCredit, pet insurance plans, training & boarding facilities, general pet health & safety info, microchipping, adoption resources and local dog parks. Easily access trusted external resources and local services in one place.

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

payment-section-4

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto">Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions diagnosed in companion animals. By age three, most dogs and cats show measurable evidence of periodontal disease, a progressive condition involving inflammation, infection, and structural loss of the tissues that support the teeth. Because many early changes occur below the gum line, families often do not recognize disease until it is advanced.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Understanding how this disease forms and progresses helps pet owners appreciate the medical importance of early evaluation and routine dental care.</p><h2 dir="auto">Why Dental Disease Develops So Early</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Plaque begins to accumulate on tooth surfaces within hours after eating. When plaque is not removed, it mineralizes into calculus. This hardened material traps bacteria at the gingival margin and allows inflammation to develop beneath the gumline. Even pets with minimal visible calculus may have gingivitis or early periodontitis that requires professional attention.</p><h2 dir="auto">The Medical Impact of Early Periodontal Disease</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, which involves redness, swelling, and early inflammation of the gingival tissue. At this stage, the disease is reversible when properly treated. Without intervention, bacteria migrate deeper and begin affecting the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. This causes gum recession, root exposure, mobility of teeth, and oral pain.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Oral bacteria and chronic inflammation can also influence systemic health. Once bacteria enter the bloodstream, they may place additional strain on organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Early treatment is important because the progression of periodontal disease is gradual but persistent, and cumulative damage cannot be reversed once it occurs.</p><h2 dir="auto">Early Clinical Signs That Indicate Disease</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Many early signs of dental disease are subtle. Persistent halitosis, mild gingival redness, and thin lines of plaque at the gumline are often the first indicators. Pets may begin chewing differently, dropping food, or hesitating with harder kibble. Some become less willing to play with chew toys, while others show small changes in appetite or behavior associated with oral discomfort.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Even one of these signs is reason to schedule a dental assessment, since visible changes often represent only a portion of the disease occurring below the surface.</p><h2 dir="auto">Why Professional Dental Cleanings Are Essential</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia allow for thorough evaluation and treatment. Anesthesia ensures patient comfort and enables the veterinary team to scale and polish each tooth effectively, including subgingival areas where periodontal disease originates.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Dental radiographs are a critical component of a complete oral examination. Radiographs reveal conditions such as root abscesses, retained roots, bone loss, and resorptive lesions that cannot be detected during an awake exam. Treating disease at this stage prevents pain, protects healthy teeth, and supports long term oral health.</p><h2 dir="auto">How to Maintain Oral Health After Treatment</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">After a professional cleaning, home care helps slow the return of plaque and calculus. Daily brushing with pet safe toothpaste is the most effective method, though dental diets, rinses, and chews approved by veterinary dental organizations can offer meaningful support. Regular wellness visits allow your veterinarian to monitor oral health, identify new changes, and recommend an appropriate schedule for future cleanings.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Establishing a dental care routine before age three significantly reduces the long term severity of periodontal disease.</p><h2 dir="auto">Early Intervention Protects Long Term Health</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Dental disease affects most dogs and cats earlier than many families expect, but early diagnosis and treatment provide major benefits. Professional cleanings, appropriate home care, and routine monitoring help prevent chronic discomfort and support overall health throughout a pet’s life.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Schedule a dental consultation with us to learn how early care can protect your pet’s oral health and well-being.</p><p dir="auto"></p>

Dental Disease in Pets: Why 70 Percent of Cats and 80 Percent of Dogs Are Affected by Age 3

Dental Disease in Pets: Understanding the Early Onset Problem

gtm_684016eb922db540aa8159e6

facebook_pixel_684016eb922db540aa8159e6

androscogginanimalhospital

We love educating our clients! That's why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Compassionate and quality care for your pet.

Same-day appointments welcome, call/text us for options!

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

This accreditation is important as it exemplifies the standard of veterinary excellence.

We look forward to seeing you! Please use our booking widget below to book an appointment today!

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Below are some answers to our most common questions.

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

<p>Here at Androscoggin Animal Hospital, we accept many different payment options, including cash, checks, CareCredit, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.</p>

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

<p>Get the care you need today, and pay for treatment costs overtime with a Scratch plan.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

Pet Microchipping

Get expert pet care from home with virtual vet telemedicine at (). Our licensed vets provide secure, convenient video visits for minor issues, follow-ups, and wellness advice, perfect for anxious pets or busy owners. Book your virtual vet appointment today.

Virtual Vet Care

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Ensure your pet travels safely with expert veterinary health certificates for local, interstate, and international trips. Our USDA-accredited veterinarians handle exams, travel forms, and documentation for airlines and border requirements, so your pet is healthy, compliant, and ready to go wherever your journey leads.

Pet Health Certificates

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

End-of-Life Support

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


Pet Prescriptions

Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

Pet Behavior & Anxiety Support

A sudden limp. A skipped meal. A look that says something's off. When your pet isn't feeling right, same-day answers make all the difference. 

Urgent Care

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Simplify pet care with affordable wellness packages at (). Our customized plans cover exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, and diagnostics for every life stage, puppy, adult, or senior. Enjoy predictable pricing, peace of mind, and healthier pets with routine, proactive care.

Wellness Packages

Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


Dental Radiology

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Sheet title

Dental Disease in Pets: Understanding the Early Onset Problem

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

FAQs

Sheet title

Dental Disease in Pets: Understanding the Early Onset Problem

Recent Blogs

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Related Blogs

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

FAQs

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What if I have questions about my pet's medications?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?