Periodontal disease can negatively impact your dog's overall and dental health, but what is periodontal disease in dogs, and how can you prevent it? Today, our Ketchum vets will explain how you can help keep your dog's mouth healthy.
What is periodontal disease in dogs?
Periodontitis - periodontal disease or gum disease - is a form of bacteria that can infect your dog's mouth and cause various issues. Like tooth decay in humans, dogs with periodontal disease typically don’t show obvious symptoms until the condition reaches more advanced stages.
When the symptoms of periodontal disease begin to show, your dog may already be experiencing ongoing pain, tooth loss, gum erosion, or even bone loss as the supporting structures of its teeth are weakened or lost.
Why does my dog have periodontal disease?
The gradual bacteria buildup in your dog’s mouth develops into plaque, combines with other minerals, and hardens into tartar over a few days. Once tartar forms on your dog's teeth, it becomes more difficult to scrape away.
When left untreated, the tartar will continue to build up and eventually pull the gums away from the teeth, causing pockets in the gums where bacteria can grow and become infected. Abscesses may begin to form at this stage, tissue and bone deterioration can occur, and your dog's teeth may loosen and fall out.
Advanced periodontal disease can lead to jaw fractures in small and toy-breed dogs.
Some dogs are also prone to periodontal disease due to poor nutrition and diet. Other factors that may contribute to the development of periodontal disease in dogs include dirty toys, excessive grooming habits, and crowded teeth.
What Are The Signs Of Periodontal Disease In Dogs?
There are typically few or no signs of periodontal disease while the condition is in the early stages. However, if your dog is suffering from advanced periodontal disease, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- 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 crucial to understand that periodontal disease is a significant health issue for dogs. When the disease advances, it can cause chronic pain for your dog, but that's not the only concern. The bacteria linked to periodontal disease can also spread to other parts of your dog's body, potentially leading to issues with major organs and even serious medical conditions like heart disease.
How is periodontal disease treated in dogs?
If your dog is developing or suffering from symptoms of periodontal disease, your local vet may recommend professional cleaning or other treatments based on the severity of its oral health problems.
Your dog's dental care costs will vary depending on the required treatment and the individual vet. A thorough examination of your dog's teeth and gums and any necessary treatments will require anesthesia.
Pre-anesthesia blood work is also important to determine whether your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia medication. 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
How can I prevent my 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.
Professional Cleanings & Dental Exams for Your Dog
Be sure not to neglect your dog's oral health to help prevent periodontal disease. Like people, dogs need regular dental appointments to maintain good oral hygiene and identify issues before more serious ones 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 visit the vet about every six months for an oral health evaluation.
These appointments allow you to speak to your vet about concerns about your dog's teeth or overall health.
Caring For Your Dog's Teeth at Home
To prevent problems 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 and supply your dog with fun-to-chew dental care toys to help address dental disease and reduce tartar buildup.
If your dog shows 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 pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.