Common Signs That Your Dog Needs a Dental Check-up

The most frequent condition afflicting pet dogs and cats is dental disease, primarily periodontal disease. Dental illness in our dogs may be shocking in its prevalence and severity. Veterinary professionals and pet owners alike sometimes ignore dental disease identification and treatment.

The majority of veterinary colleges have failed to acknowledge the value of oral health education in the training of veterinarians and technicians. Recognizing the indicators of dental illness in our pets may need the joint efforts of pet owners and knowledgeable veterinarians.

It’s crucial to remember that even the most seasoned observer may miss some periodontal disease. Bone loss surrounding the teeth can happen quicker than without gum recession. A comprehensive periodontal examination, including dental X-rays, is required to detect periodontal diseases.

Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs

Many dental problems begin beneath the gum line. The symptoms listed below are only a tiny part of the extensive dental damage. That is why tooth extraction is frequently required by the time pet owners detect something is wrong.

Red or Bleeding Gums

Gums that are normal and healthy are pink in color. When squeezed, gums should lighten to a lighter pink color, then return to their original pink color as your finger is removed.

Gum redness in your dog might indicate several factors. You can rule out overheating or heat stroke as a cause of the redness if your dog has not been exposed to the sun or hot weather conditions. Bright red gums, on the other hand, indicate inflammation (gingivitis) or infection caused by periodontitis.

Your dog’s gums will become more sensitive and prone to bleeding due to these dental illnesses. Blood-tinged saliva, blood on chew toys, and blood patches on the dog’s bedding are all things that pet owners may notice. Look up “Veterinary Care in Middlesex” to get the best results.

Discolored Teeth

Plaque is a biofilm made up mostly of bacteria, salivary glycoproteins, and extracellular polysaccharides that adheres to the tooth’s surface or gaps. It’s not food residue but rather an uneven or abrasive coating that you may feel on your teeth before brushing. 

When combined with minerals, plaque forms tartar, a complex, yellowish or brownish material that is difficult to remove (through frequent tooth cleaning). Groomers can only clean what can be seen, not below the gum line, where tartar builds up and causes tooth decay; therefore, having your dog’s teeth cleaned will not be enough.

Bad Breath

While your pet’s breath will almost certainly never smell minty, any unusual scents should be investigated by your veterinarian. The majority of pets with exceptionally foul-smelling breath have periodontal disease, which must be treated.

Plaque build-up causes the foul odor, which becomes more persistent when it hardens into tartar. When periodontitis has progressed to the level of tooth decay, your dog’s breath might get worse. Consult your veterinarian to get more details about vet surgical procedures.

Excessive Drooling

Because the oral tissues, particularly the gums, are irritated and inflamed, most dental problems cause your dog to drool more than usual. Your dog’s mouth produces more saliva than expected due to this.

Difficulty Eating

Dog owners who find their dogs drinking a lot of water but not eating should look into the various causes. Some dogs are fussy eaters, while others resort to deviant behavior to acquire what they want, and elderly or sick dogs may not eat as well as they did when they were younger and healthy.

There are various reasons why a dog suddenly stops eating, and these causes should be cleared out as soon as possible to find a remedy. Examine your teeth and mouth for problems and seek treatment as quickly as possible. Look up “Dental Care for Cats” to get information about your cat’s oral health.