Diseases and conditions affecting the health of your pet can be rooted in their dental and oral health. One of the most common and serious concerns is gum disease. Today our Rancho Palos Verdes vets share some tips for keeping your pup's mouth healthy and how you can help prevent periodontal disease in dogs.
Periodontal Disease in Dogs: What is it?
Periodontitis - also known as periodontal disease or gum disease - is a form of bacteria that can infect your dog's mouth and start to cause a variety of issues. Much like tooth decay in humans, dogs with periodontal disease typically don’t show any obvious symptoms until the condition reaches more advanced stages.
When the symptoms of periodontal disease do begin to show, your dog may already be experiencing ongoing pain, tooth loss, gum erosion, or even bone loss as the supporting structures of your dog's teeth are weakened or lost.
What are the causes of periodontal disease in dogs?
When not cleaned away, the bacteria that develops on your dog's teeth will harden into tartar in as little as a day. Once tartar forms on your dog's teeth, it becomes more difficult to scrape away.
This tartar will continue to build up on your pup's teeth and eventually pull the gums away from the teeth, causing pockets in the gums where bacteria can grow and become infected. At this stage, abscesses may begin to form, tissue and bone deterioration can occur, and your dog's teeth may start to loosen and fall out.
In small and toy breed dogs advanced periodontal disease can lead to jaw fractures.
In some dogs, this dental condition can be caused by a poor diet. Other factors that may contribute to the development of periodontal disease in dogs can include dirty toys, excessive grooming habits, and crowded teeth.
What are the common symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs?
If your dog is experiencing the early stages of periodontal disease, you may not see any symptoms at all. Some cases of periodontal disease in dogs do not present any signs at all until much later.
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose or missing teeth teeth
- Blood on chew toys or in the water bowl
- Excessive drooling
- Favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
- Reduced appetite
- Discolored teeth (yellow or brown)
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Irritability
- Problems keeping food in the mouth
- Weight loss
- Bloody or “ropey” saliva
It's important to note that periodontal disease is a serious health concern for our dogs. Once the disease reaches the advanced stages your dog could be experiencing significant chronic pain, but that's not all.
The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can also travel throughout your dog's body, potentially causing problems with major organs and leading to serious medical issues such as heart disease.
How to Treat Periodontal Disease in Dogs
If your dog is showing signs of periodontal diseases the first course of action that your vet recommends will likely be professional dental cleaning to help clear away some of the plaque and tartar.
The dental care needed by your dog will vary depending on their condition and the veterinarian.
For your vet to perform a thorough examination of your dog's teeth and gums, as well as any treatments necessary, the use of anesthesia will be required. (Pre-anesthesia blood work is also an important step to determine whether your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia medications).
Dental procedures for dogs typically include:
- IV catheter and IV fluids
- Dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Pre-anesthesia blood work
- Endotracheal intubation, inhaled anesthetic, and oxygen
- Circulating warm air to ensure the patient remains warm while under anesthesia
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Scaling, polishing, and lavage of gingival areas
- Extractions as required (with local anesthesia such as novocaine)
- Pain medication during and post-procedure
Ways to Help Prevent Your Dog From Developing Periodontal Disease
Fortunately, periodontal disease can be prevented, treated, and reversed if it is detected in its early stages. There are two key approaches to caring for your dog's oral health.
Routine Professional Veterinary Dental Care
To help prevent periodontal disease in your dog, be sure not to neglect your dog's oral health. Just like people, your dog needs regular dental appointments to keep their oral hygiene in order and to identify any issues that may arise before more serious issues develop.
Your dog's dental appointments at the vet are just like taking your dog to see a dentist. It is recommended that most dogs see the vet about every six months for an oral health evaluation.
These appointments provide you with an opportunity to speak to your vet about any concerns you may have about your dog's teeth or overall health.
At-Home Doggy Dental Care
To prevent problems from taking hold between appointments brush your dog’s teeth daily to remove plaque and prevent bacteria from forming. You may also want to offer your dog specially formulated dental chews and dog food, as well as supply your dog with fun-to-chew dental care toys to help address dental disease and reduce the buildup of tartar.
If your dog is showing signs of periodontal disease such as swollen or inflamed gums, appetite changes, or missing teeth, book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. Remember that oral health issues in dogs can be very painful.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.