PD can complicate regulating blood sugar in diabetic dogs. It is interesting to note these same connections are being studied in humans.
 
Bad Breath is the first sign of PD.  Look for the other signs as well if you suspect your pet has a problem:

1. Weight loss
2. Appetite loss
3. Increased Drooling or licking
4. Chewing on one side of his mouth
5. Aggression or irritability
6. Pawing at mouth or face rubbing
7. Head Shyness if looking at the mouth
8. Swelling around the face
9. Blood in water bowl
10. Bloody or ropey saliva
11. Bleeding Gums
12. Blood on chew toys
13. Noise when eating or yawns
14. Lumps in your pet’s mouth
15. Black spots on the gum

 
PD has Four Stages:   
The goal of treatment at any stage is stabilization, if not reversal or halting PD.

• Stage 1: The First or Early Stage is gingivitis, and it is, initially, reversible.  Older dogs are more susceptible to PD.
• Stage 2: Early Periodontitis.  Bone loss begins. Bone will not grow back once lost but     treatment can stop or slow any further progression.   Bone loss can be as great as 25%.  Plaque and tartar have moved beneath the gum but can be removed to halt progression.
• Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis which means pain, greater inflammation, more bleeding, teeth become loose and bone loss can reach 25% - 50%.  Moderate gum recession. Progression can be controlled with treatment.
• Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis – PD has become a persistent, painful infection. Bacterial toxins can be entering the bloodstream.  Teeth can fall out and bone loss is greater than 50%.  Frequent Sneezing and nasal discharge signal bone deterioration separating the oral and nasal cavities. A pathologic jaw fracture is caused by disease and is a most common problem. The jawbone is so weakened that any pressure can finish the fracture. With treatment the PD can be stabilized. 

 
DID YOU KNOW? HUMAN TOOTHPASTE CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS. 
 
Now for Some Good News
PD can be prevented, reversed, halted and/or controlled with intervention. 

1. Brush your dog’s teeth daily if not twice daily.  Patience.  Practice.  (3 times weekly minimally)
2. Have your vet regularly check your pet’s teeth and have regular veterinarian cleanings about every 3 years.
3. Have dental x-rays made upon occasion.
4. Diet.  A high-quality dog food lower in grains is much better than many other commercial choices.
5. Dental Treats.  (see Whimzees and C.E.T. @ VEGGIEDENT        Zen or Flex Chews)*
6. Toys.  Safe for chewing. Toys designed to scrub the teeth help.  Rubbery toys are safer than hard toys.
7. Toy dogs should begin cleanings under anesthesia at a younger age according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Visit The Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) list of approved products* (fabulous and detailed) on their website. 
​
Your diligence at home with dental care can make a difference. Start with your vet and ask for recommendations for:

• Toothpaste
• Wash
• Toothbrush
• Chews, etc. 

There is evidence an appropriate raw diet may also improve your dog’s dental health (Tom Lonsdale, DVM).

DID YOU KNOW? SOME CONDITIONS RESULTING OF PD CAN BE IMPROVED WHEN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE IS MAINTAINED.

References:
Fries, Wendy C. “Periodontal Disease: The Perils of Gum Disease in Dogs.” WebMD, WebMD, https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/perlis-gum-disease-dogs#1.

Fritz, Julie. “Does My Dog Have Gum Disease?” Canine Journal, 25 Feb. 2022, https://www.caninejournal.com/gum-disease-in-dogs/.

Good Dog, https://www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-center/all-about-periodontal-disease.

Kennedy, Jacquelyn, and Kerry. “My Dog Has Black Gums: 5 Reasons to Be Concerned.” PetDT, 29 Mar. 2022, https://petdt.com/dog-black-gums/.

“Periodontal (Gum) Disease in Dogs.” PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/c_multi_periodontal_disease.

“Preventive Dental Care.” Preventive Dental Care | Preventive Dentists, https://animalhealthcareclinic.com/services/pet-dental-care.

Scott, Dana. “The Disturbing Cause of Dental Disease in Dogs.” Dogs Naturally, 15 Dec. 2021, https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-disturbing-cuase-of-dental-disease-in-dogs/.

VOHC Accepted Products for Dogs. http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf. tps://canna-pet.com/periodontal-

DID YOU KNOW? PET THEFT IS A FELONY IN THE USA.

What can you do to protect your pet?

1. Never leave your pet unattended for long in car, etc.
2. Do not tie up outside restaurant or store.
3. Outside the home, watch your pet.
4. Keep information on the collar up to date. Know color of collar. Have pic.
5. Microchip your pet. Keep chip number stored with other vitals and register it with your vet and local animal shelter. AKC Reunite is a one time enrollment fee under $20 per pet. 
6. Have a recent photo, license #s, etc.
7. Watch in your neighborhood for strangers/ door-to-door sales.
8. Spay or neuter your pet.
9. Be sure your fence & lock are in good order.
10. Keep your pet on a leash when away from home.
11. Do not share the monetary value of your pet.
12. Remember, every dog has a value.

DID YOU KNOW? HALF OF ALL STOLEN DOGS ARE TAKEN FROM THE BACKYARD.

If your pet is missing, what do you do?

1. File a police report.
2. Call the local animal shelter, take a picture in, re-check daily. I cannot stress how important pictures are here! 
3. Post pictures everywhere including the shelters and 3 mile area.
4. Check online adoptions, Craigslist, Fido Finder, Lost Pet USA, etc.
5. Check online dog sales venues such as Puppy Find, Craigslist.
6. Walk or drive around calling your pet’s name. During the evening is best because it is easiest to hear you. Remember their hearing is very good. Establish a mile radius from your home.
7. Note the day and time your pet went missing.
8. Notify the microchip company.
9. Recruit Helpers.
10. Notify Neighborhood Watch/ online neighborhood groups- Next Door Neighbor is a great app to check/notify neighbors
11. File with Pet FBI (Pets Found By Internet – not investigators)                            
12. Report and Check Pet FBI's website 
13. Don’t give up hope.  

DID YOU KNOW? 17% OF STOLEN DOGS ARE TAKEN WHEN ON A WALK.

Your Lost Pet Sign

1. Name
2. Breed
3. Gender
4. Size/Wt
5. Color/Markings (very basic/limit detail*)
6. Contact #, email – never address
7. Date Last Seen
8. Include short plea
9. Maybe Include Reward. Do not specify amount.
10. Have pull off tabs on page
11. Keep your sign easily readable.  Templates online.
12. Beware of lost pet scams and fraudulent callers. Keep an identifier to yourself something Wear a collar?  Collar color? # of tags? What do the tags say, anything unique? 

​DID YOU KNOW? 7% OF DOG ARE TAKEN FROM SHOPS OR WHEN YOU'RE DISTRACTED.

When Someone Calls

1. Remember you are talking to a stranger.
2. Get their number. Hang up and call them back.
3. First, Ask for a description. 
   1. Offer nothing.
   2. Do not ask leading questions like, “Does he have white on his chest?”
4. Have a list of questions ask for details and listen.
5. If there is a request to wire money before return of pet or if your pets safety is threatened, breathe, it's a scam.  

DID YOU KNOW? ALMOST 2 MILLION COMPANION ANIMALS WERE STOLEN LAST YEAR.

Some Scam varieties:

1. A truck driver on the long haul found your pet and request you send money
2. You need to repay them for vet bills because pet was hurt
3. Some scams, the caller collects info you have given them, and has their partner contact you with the very information you gave 

How to deter or avoid 

1. No reward until you hold your pet.
2. Meet at public place nearby and take a friend

DID YOU KNOW? DOG THEFT IS ON THE RISE BY NEARLY 33% SINCE LAST YEAR.

​Topmost Stolen Breeds:

What Happens to Stolen Pets?

1. Intact animals can be sold to puppy mills or labs.
2. Labs do not accept spayed or neutered animals.
3. Scams
4. American Pit Bull Terriers are sold most often for fighting dogs or bait. Also, this list includes Boxers, Boston Terriers, and German Shepherds.
5. ‘Flipping’ is ‘finding’ a lost dog and selling it usually on Craigslist.  
6. Mostly dogs are stolen for ransom/reward.
7. ‘Bunchers’ are not regulated and collect from random sources.    
8. Some Flippers operate for years. Sophisticated ones target their breeds.
9. A disgruntled neighbor may take a pet and drop it off somewhere.

REMEMBER: IF THE PHONE RINGS, LET IT RING ONCE, TWICE. TAKE A BREATH, STAY SMART AND FOLLOW A SCRIPT. GIVE AWAY NOTHING.

We hope this never happens to you, however we believe in having at least 2-3 backup plans. It helps to chart out a plan. From the time your bring home your furbaby. This way you have a plan or checklist to follow, and are less like to forget an option or resource. Remember if the phone rings, let it ring twice and take a breath, stay smart. Follow a script.  Give away nothing. 
                                                                    
 
References:
“Beware of ‘Lost Pet’ Scams.” Beware of Missing or Lost Pet Scams, https://www.pawfriendly.com/petcare/lost-pet-scams.shtml.

“Companion Animal Theft.” Animal Legal Defense Fund, 29 Mar. 2022, https://aldf.org/article/companion-animal-theft/.

“Dognapped! Frightening Facts of Pet Theft.” Modern Dog Magazine, https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dognapped-frightening-facts-pet-theft/147.

Paws. “Pet Theft.” PAWS, https://www.paws.org/resources/pet-theft/.

“Pet FBI Is the Free Database and Information Center for Lost and Found Pets.” Pet FBI Is The Free Database and Information Center For Lost and Found Pets | Pet FBI Pets Found By Internet, https://petfbi.org/.

Petmoo. “How to Prevent Pet Theft? Most Stolen Dog Breeds.” Petmoo, Petmoo.com, 6 Feb. 2019, https://www.petmoo.com/pets/pet-theft/.

Puppy Leaks. “Dog Flipping on the Rise.” Puppy Leaks, 19 Sept. 2017, https://www.puppyleaks.com/dog-flipping-rise/.

Staff, AKC. “Dognapping: How to Keep Your Dog Safe When Pet Theft Is on the Rise.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-theft/.

“Stolen Pets.” Stolen Pets | Pet FBI Pets Found By Internet, https://petfbi.org/how-to-protect-your-pet/stolen-pets/.

wikiHow. “How to Make Lost Pet Signs.” WikiHow, WikiHow, 2 Dec. 2021, https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lost-Pet-Signs.

“Your Dog Has Been Stolen - Here Is What You Need to Do Immediately: NAI.” North American Investigations, 14 Feb. 2020, https://pvteyes.com/stolen-dogs/.