Just like in humans, the primary cause of gum diseases in dogs is the accumulation of food materials and bacteria on the gum line which later turns in to be plaque when amalgamated with minerals and saliva. As the dogs have a high amount of saliva compared to other mammals, the bacteria gets converted into calcium which causes the inflammation and the irritation.
This condition can be termed as gingivitis, which can further be noticed by the reddening of the teeth borders. After a sufficient period in the early stage, your pet reaches an enhanced level of inflammation where the calcium gets built up under the gum making spaces for the festering bacteria.
This stage is very critical as you can’t reverse this condition and it usually leads to a formation of pus, bone loss and tissue destruction along the gum line. It is essential for you to know about the gum disease in dogs and prevent it before it makes your pet miserable.
How to identify Gum Disease in Dogs
Periodontal disease is not loud. It is silent with almost no symptoms except the reddening of the gum as mentioned above. It doesn’t show any outward signs until it’s advanced and once it becomes advanced, it causes pain to your pet. Therefore, it is essential to keep checking on your dog’s gum health now and then so that it can be prevented before it gets worse.
Symptoms of Gum Disease in Dogs:
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity
- Chewing difficulties
- Excessive drool
- Loss of tooth
- Loss of appetite
- Redness of gums
- Pawing
- Irritation
- Digestive problems
How to Prevent Gum Disease in Dogs:
- The gum disease can be avoided if the gums and teeth of your pet are in healthy condition. It is your responsibility to make sure that they are clean and in good condition.
- Many dog breeds, especially small breeds are prone to gum diseases even when given a proper diet that involves raw bones and fresh food. Therefore, keeping a constant check on the gums is necessary to prevent any symptoms of gum disease in your dog. Here are a few dental care tips for dogs that might be helpful.
- First make sure that your dog has a clean mouth as it will reduce the risks and attacks caused by the bacteria and also prevents them from entering into the bloodstream.
- Get your pet, a professional clean up by consulting a veterinarian at regular intervals for enhanced oral health.
- Brush your dog’s teeth at home at least once in two days, if not daily.
- Get regular checkups from your vet and follow the specified instructions given based on your dog’s oral hygiene. This is because a few pets often require more care as the tartar accumulation rate is not the same for every pet.
By giving a little care to your dog you can prevent them from gum diseases.
