If your pet is at least three years old and has not gotten expert dental care, it most likely has periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects more than 90% of adult dogs. Untreated oral health problems can cause pain, tooth loss, infections, and even organ damage, particularly heart and kidneys. In severe cases, it can result in death. Professional dental care helps keep your canine companion’s teeth and gums healthy.
What are the signs of canine dental problems?
While it is advised that you bring your dog in for a pet dental checkup once a year, here are a few signs that he should see a pet dentist.
Unusual Drooling
Dogs drool when they chew on food and toys, but a dog suffering from tooth pain may drool more frequently. When there is an injury or pain in the mouth, the salivary glands work overtime.
Blood can sometimes be seen in the saliva. If this is the case, you must take your dog to the veterinarian right away since he may have a more serious condition.
Canine Bad Breath
In general, healthy dogs do not have bad breath. If your dog’s breath has begun to smell bad, he may have a mouth issue. Bad dog breath could signal that your dog has dental decay or an infection, which can cause oral pain.
Absence of Appetite
When a dog’s teeth are in pain, he may not eat as much as usual since chewing is difficult. You might notice him eating and then quickly stop. He may also spit out his food or whine while eating. If your dog’s appetite suddenly changes, even if it isn’t caused by dental pain, take him to a vet from places like Echo Park pet hospital right away.
Sneezing and Nasal Discharge
Without treatment for gum disease, the bone between the nasal and oral canals may become more porous. Sneezing and nasal discharge are two symptoms of severe gum disease affecting the upper canine teeth.
Your Dog Has Been Chewing Exclusively on One Side of His Mouth
When a dog’s teeth hurt on one side, he may only chew on the opposing side. If he accidentally contacts the uncomfortable side with food or a toy in his mouth, he may drop it abruptly.
Sudden Shyness
If your dog enjoys being petted but abruptly pulls his head away from your palm, he could be suffering from dental discomfort. Simply put, he doesn’t want you to touch his head for fear of making his pain worse.
Observable Changes in Your Dog’s Mouth
You may sometimes tell if something is wrong with your dog’s mouth by simply examining it, which you should do on a regular basis to ensure good oral health. During an oral examination, you may see swollen gums, inflammatory or bleeding gums, fractured or missing teeth, or lesions on his gums. Look up “pet wellness near me” to learn more about preventive measures that can safeguard the health of your dog.
To summarize
You can’t keep your dog from inadvertently breaking a tooth, but you can keep tooth pain from other causes at bay by practicing basic oral hygiene. Tooth pain can be straining for a dog, suggesting that he is suffering from a serious ailment. If you detect any of the above-mentioned indications or symptoms in your dog, take him to the vet right away.
