Pet Dental Care
It’s crucial to remember your dog’s teeth, as dental diseases are just as common as other dog diseases and can lead to more severe conditions.
Today I want to discuss these common issues and how to prevent dental diseases in your pets.
The Importance of Doggy Dental Care
Maintaining dental hygiene in your dog will greatly contribute to its health and happiness. Their teeth and gums have the responsibility of enabling them to eat, play, and even communicate when the need arises. If these become damaged or infected, your pet’s life becomes painful, making it difficult for them to lead a normal life.
Worse yet, the bacteria responsible for tooth disease in dogs are highly mobile, making them difficult to control. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread throughout your dog’s body and impact vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart. In the long run, this poses a variety of known health risks within society.
That’s why it’s important to take your pet for special dental care checkups as part of his general regime. It is critical to note that, just like routine examinations, professional cleanings are necessary to minimize new problems or at least detect signs of them at an early stage. As a result, your dog can continue to smile with a broad, aching grin for the rest of its dental years!
Discovering Your Dog Has a Dental Issue
While the symptoms may vary depending on the condition, if you observe any of these behaviors or conditions, your dog may be experiencing dental issues.
- Persistent foul breath (halitosis)
- Visible tartar buildup
- Difficulty or reluctance to eat
- Pawing at the mouth or teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Swollen, bleeding, or red gums
- Weight loss
These are the signs of dental disease in dogs, and if you notice them in your pet, make sure you take them to a veterinarian immediately. Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your dog’s oral hygiene, which means you must get him diagnosed and treated early.
Common Dental Problems in Dogs
Dogs can face various dental issues that affect their teeth, gums, and overall oral health. It’s essential for dog owners to recognize these common problems to ensure their pets’ well-being.
1. Plaque & Tartar Buildup
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed by brushing, it hardens into tartar, which is harder to get rid of and can lead to tooth decay and gum irritation. This buildup can eventually cause tooth loss and gum disease. Signs include discolored deposits on teeth, red and swollen gums (gingivitis), and bad breath. As dental disease progresses, you may notice bleeding gums and worsened breath.
2. Periodontal Disease
When plaque and tartar build up, bacteria can get under the gums and start eroding the tissue and bone that support the teeth. This starts with gingivitis and can lead to serious damage to the teeth and gums, including pockets around the roots where infections can develop. Over time, this can cause teeth to become loose and fall out.
3. Oral Infections
Periodontal disease can create openings for bacteria to enter, leading to infections around the roots of the teeth. This can cause abscesses, which are pockets of pus that can lead to swelling in the face if not treated. These infections often happen after mouth injuries from chewing on hard objects.
4. Tooth Fractures
Dogs that chew on very hard objects like bones or antlers can sometimes fracture their teeth. It’s best to avoid giving them anything harder than what you’d comfortably tap against your knee. The size of the chew can also play a role in whether a tooth fractures. Choosing chews that are the right size for your dog’s mouth can help reduce this risk.
Preventing Dental Problems in Dogs
The best way to prevent dental problems in dogs is to brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth.
This helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar and causes problems. It’s also a good idea to schedule a yearly dental check-up and cleaning with your veterinarian to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
Starting dental care early, when your dog is still a puppy, can help them get used to it and may include using dental chews as part of their routine.
FAQs About Dental Problems in Dogs
How common is dental disease in dogs?
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs, affecting over 80% of dogs over 3 years old. It’s often a hidden condition, so watch out for signs like bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating.
What’s the difference between human and dog dental problems?
While dogs can get similar mouth diseases as humans, cavities are rare in dogs. Their most common issue is periodontal disease, which infects the gums and tissues around the teeth.
What is periodontal disease and how serious is it?
Periodontal disease starts with inflamed gums (gingivitis) and progresses to damage the bone around the teeth. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, jaw problems, and even affect other organs. It’s estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over 3 have some level of periodontal disease.
How can I prevent dental disease in my dog?
Daily tooth brushing with dog toothpaste is ideal. Brushing isn’t always possible, so consider dental chews, special diets, or water additives. Regular vet cleanings are also crucial. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best dental care routine for your dog.
Summing Up
Dental problems in dog are common and are recorded to affect more than eighty percent of the dogs before they are three years of age. Some of these problems lead to pain, tooth shedding, and even possible damage to vital organs of the body. Dental problems in dogs are still inevitable but when you are proactive, you will protect your dog from a bad mouth.