03/13/2026
While we love sharing our chaotic, sarcastic Crusty Souls posts, we also want to take time to talk about some of the very real medical issues that senior dogs commonly deal with.
One of the most common things we see in older dogs is dental disease, also known as periodontal disease.
Dental disease develops when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and along the gum line over time. Without proper dental care, this buildup hardens into tartar and can lead to infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth.
In senior dogs this can result in:
• Heavy tartar buildup
• Inflamed gums (gingivitis)
• Periodontal disease
• Loose or fractured teeth
• Tooth root abscesses
• Chronic oral pain
And while we love our crusty little legends… some of their mouths could easily qualify as lethal weapons.
Their breath alone could clear a room.
But dental disease is more than just bad breath. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect major organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
One of the tricky parts is that dogs are very good at hiding pain. Many will continue eating, wagging their tails, and acting normal even while their mouths are extremely uncomfortable.
(Yes, even the ones who scream about absolutely everything else.)
This is why veterinary dental procedures are such an important part of medical care for senior dogs. During a dental procedure, veterinarians can:
• Perform a full oral exam
• Remove plaque and tartar through professional scaling
• Evaluate the gums and tooth roots
• Extract teeth that are damaged or infected
• Treat underlying oral infections
And the difference afterwards can be amazing.
Dogs who seemed quiet or grumpy suddenly feel better.
Appetites improve.
Energy levels increase.
And the smell coming from their mouths no longer qualifies as a public safety concern.
At the end of the day, dental care isn’t just about clean teeth — it’s about comfort, health, and quality of life, especially for senior dogs.
“Less Teeth. More Legend” isn’t our motto for no reason!
