What Are Dog Dental Issues and How to Deal With Them
Compared to humans, dogs have more resistant teeth and don’t suffer often from dental issues, but they still need their teeth to be taken care of. Dog dental problems also aren’t rare, so as a dog owner, watch out for plaque buildup, tartar, inflamed gums, and other signs of dental issues, so you can react on time and spare your dog more serious health problems.
What Are the Most Common Dog Dental Issues?
Dental issues in dogs can range from small tartar buildup to serious periodontal problems. Some of the most common dental problems in dogs are:
- Plaque and tartar buildup
When bacteria in a dog’s mouth gathers on its teeth it creates an invisible residue called plaque. Some of these layers of plaque get removed by the dog's own tongue, but some of them can stay and cause problems.
Tartar appears when a thickened residue of plaque remains on dogs’ teeth and forms into a more hard layer that is harder to remove and attracts even more bacteria to stay on its surface.
You can get rid of the dog’s plaque by brushing its teeth using special dog toothpaste. Taking care of your dog’s teeth in this way will prevent further tartar buildup and also freshen its breath.
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an issue with gums caused by bacterial infection. This condition leaves dogs’ gum inflamed, red, and swollen.
If your dog suffers from gingivitis, it may need to take some antibiotics or a toothbrushing treatment for gingivitis. However, pay attention to your dog’s teeth and gums, because the sooner you notice this problem and start treating it, the better.
- Periodontitis
When issues with gums get more serious and the tissue around the teeth, including even bones and ligaments, gets damaged, periodontitis occurs. It is caused by tartar and plaque buildup which carries bad bacteria.
If a dog is not treated for this disease, it can experience more serious consequences like losing its teeth or other health problems, as the bacteria can spread out to other organs in the body.
- Tooth decay
Tooth decay can happen when acid from a dog’s mouth erodes the tooth enamel. This issue can cause cavities and finally tooth loss. The acid in the mouth appears because of bacteria or plaque buildup, which, if not treated, can cause problems like tooth loss, various infections, and pain.
Get To Know the Symptoms
Watch out because dogs often won’t show any signs of something being wrong with their teeth. They are usually not showing any signs of a bad mood, even when they have chronic pain in their mouth. That’s why you should occasionally check your dog’s teeth for any noticeable symptoms.
Some of the symptoms you can look out for are:
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- If you notice blood on your dog’s chew toys
- Lumps in their mouth
- Bloody saliva
- Your dog makes a sound when it chews on something or yawns
- Loose, broken, or discolored teeth
- Chewing only on one side
- Your dog won’t let you touch its head or mouth
How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Gums and Teeth?
You should think of taking care of your pet’s teeth, similarly as much as you take care of your own. That means that you should take your doggy to regular dental checkups which include oral exams, X-rays, and probably cleaning of the tartar if needed. Your vet can only find out the condition of the dog’s gums with an X-ray, and after that prescribe the right treatment for possible diseases.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth daily or at least from time to time could be a good way of preventing dental diseases. There are specialized dog toothbrushes and toothpaste that will be comfortable and appealing to your dog. These types of toothpaste usually come in many flavors they love. Petz Park offers some of the best quality dog toothpaste with safe and effective formula, and different types of toothbrushes for dogs of all sizes.
You can also do good to your dog’s dental health by giving it chew toys every day. Choose hard rubber toys or rawhide thin bones that bend easily.
A regular balanced and good quality diet is usually key to overall health, but if your dog already has some dental problem, check with your vet what kind of food would be the best for its condition.
Christina Koullas
