Skip to main content

Need urgent help? Start triage first, then route to emergency care.

Start symptom intake Emergency vets near you

Health A-Z

Common Pet Conditions

Start with a symptom, then learn what to monitor and what your vet may check.

Need care now?
Start intake or go straight to nearby clinic options.
Find a Vet Near You Start Symptom Intake
Clear
Browse by symptom
Clear symptoms
and difficulty eating or chewing (the dog may drop food or chew on one side). In advanced cases (1) and face swelling or nasal discharge can occur if tooth root abscesses form. Dogs with severe oral pain may be lethargic (1) Bad breath (1) difficulty eating (1) drool excessively (1) drooling (1) evaluate for bad breath-related red flags and progression (1) or paw at their mouth (1) pawing at mouth (1) red gums (1) Signs may vary (1) Symptoms of dental disease include bad breath (halitosis) – often the first noticed sign. Owners may see red or bleeding gums (1) tartar buildup (1) tartar on teeth (1) there may be loose or missing teeth and pain (the dog resists mouth handling). Pus or blood might be seen in the saliva (1)
Symptom matches are best-effort. If a symptom is severe or sudden, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Common Complaints

1 items
Image for Bad breath
Bad breath
Reviewed
Dog - Can occur across breeds depending on risk factors.
Signs may vary evaluate for bad breath-related red flags and progression

Bad breath is included in the VetSCT clinical taxonomy. This page provides owner and veterinary context, tria…

Dental and Oral

1 items
Image for Periodontal Disease (Dental Disease)
Periodontal Disease (Dental Disease)
Dog
Bad breath red gums tartar buildup drooling pawing at mouth difficulty eating

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues around the teeth due to plaque and tartar bu…

Legacy / Unmapped

1 items
Image for Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Dog - All Breeds (small breeds and brachycephalic breeds have higher risk of severe periodontal disease)
Symptoms of dental disease include bad breath (halitosis) – often the first noticed sign. Owners may see red or bleeding gums tartar on teeth and difficulty eating or chewing (the dog may drop food or chew on one side). In advanced cases there may be loose or missing teeth and pain (the dog resists mouth handling). Pus or blood might be seen in the saliva and face swelling or nasal discharge can occur if tooth root abscesses form. Dogs with severe oral pain may be lethargic drool excessively +1 more

Periodontal disease is a common condition where plaque and tartar buildup on teeth lead to infection and infl…

For pet owners
Use this page to learn what a symptom can mean, what to track at home, and when to get help. Bring notes to your appointment (timeline, appetite, water intake, urination, stool, vomiting episodes, medications and supplements).
For veterinary perspective
Each condition page summarizes common presentations, typical evaluation steps, and treatment approaches. It is not a substitute for diagnosis. Your veterinarian will consider breed, age, exam findings, and tests.