Gum disease in dogs is the most common issue when it comes to dog dental care. It can be extremely painful for your dog so preventative measures should always be taken. Although it’s not always easy to spot gum disease in dogs, it’s essential to check your dog’s teeth regularly and know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Gingivitis in dogs
Gum disease begins when bacteria stick to the surface of your dog’s teeth, forming an off-white sticky layer called dental plaque. The build-up of plaque can quickly escalate into gingivitis. If the plaque isn’t removed, it hardens to form tartar (a brown, rough deposit on the teeth) within a few days.
The main signs of gingivitis in dogs include:
- Redness of the gums
- Inflammation and swelling of the gums
Periodontitis in dogs
Plaque damages the gum tissues causing gum disease in dogs to worsen. Other structures, such as ligaments and bones, which keep the teeth firmly attached become damaged, leading to periodontitis. This is a painful disease and if left untreated, the tooth will become loose and eventually ‘fall out’.
Spotting the signs of gum disease in dogs:
Dogs are stoic animals and they hide pain well, therefore it is the responsibility of the owner to spot the signs of gum disease. Start by providing a weekly check-up of your dog’s teeth and gums, and be aware of the following signs:
- Bad breath – if your dog has bad breath, this is not normal and is almost always a sign of an underlying gum issue
- Bleeding gums - if you notice your dog’s gums bleeding when he chews or your dog has red gums around the teeth.
- Behaviour – another sign of gum disease can be a change in your dog’s behaviour, particularly if you notice that they are less lively or less willing to play and are becoming reluctant to have their face or head touched. However, after dog dental treatment, your dog is likely to feel so much better that his behaviour returns to normal.
Prevention
Providing an oral care regime, looking in their mouth regularly and having your pet’s mouth checked regularly by your vet or vet nurse can help to prevent gum disease in dogs.
