Do dogs lose teeth as they age?

No one wants to see their dog’s teeth in a gappy dog grin when it comes to oral health. When you have a growing puppy with baby teeth, losing teeth can be completely normal. But when your adult dog’s teeth begin to fall out or you have an elderly couch potato with breath that can fill a room, it’s time to dig a little deeper into the causes of dog tooth loss (and determine whether you need to consult your veterinarian).

How you can help prevent dog dental problems

You cherish your relationship with your dog above all else, and you always want what’s best for your canine companion. There are many things dog owners can do to make their dog’s later years as healthy and content as possible. Do dogs lose teeth, you might be wondering if you’ve noticed your senior dog is losing teeth?

While it is normal for puppies to lose their baby teeth as their adult ones erupt, older dogs who exhibit this symptom should be concerned. Here’s what you need to know.

How does periodontal disease affect my dog’s health?

Even though it might seem like your elderly dog’s oral health is unrelated to the rest of her body, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, one of the most typical health issues identified by veterinarians is periodontal disease.

Regardless of the stage, your dog’s periodontal disease may have the following three effects on her general health and wellbeing.

Gradual weight loss: Because of the pain associated with periodontal disease, dogs often lose weight. If it hurts to eat, your dog will eat less and less.

Lower quality of life: She may have less energy because her mouth may be a source of constant pain. This also means chronic inflammation, which is bad for mind and body. A painful dog may have no interest in using her mouth to play with toys.

Increased risk of heart disease: If your dog’s gums bleed due to gingivitis, bacteria from the mouth can enter her bloodstream and migrate to the heart. There it attaches to the heart valves, causing inflammation (i.e. endocarditis). In its early stages, endocarditis causes lethargy and weight loss. As it progresses, it leads to signs of heart failure such as coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and sudden collapse.

Dog teeth and dog dentistry

But mouth trauma isn’t just caused by treats; it can also happen if your dog falls or receives a blow to the mouth (from another dog being too boisterous, for instance). Your dog will require veterinary care to extract or repair a damaged tooth.

FAQ

Why are my senior dogs teeth falling out?

There are typically two causes of tooth loss in older dogs. They either have periodontal disease or have suffered from mouth trauma.

What age do older dogs start losing teeth?

Between the ages of five and ten, your dog or cat is more likely to experience wear and gum disease. Due to gum disease or tooth decay, elderly pets may eventually lose their teeth, and their teeth may also be quite worn. Age estimation by the state of the teeth is not a precise science.

Is it normal for dogs to lose teeth as they age?

Adult dogs typically shouldn’t lose their teeth as they get older. If they do, it is typically an indication of a disease or form of shock. Teeth can become loose and eventually fall out as a result of trauma or injury, such as if your dog hits their head or mouth. Hard foods like marrow bones and antlers can also harm teeth.

What happens when older dogs lose teeth?

Lost teeth can impact your dog’s ability to eat food. Untreated gum disease can cause a lot of pain. Dogs may experience behavioral issues as a result of their new environment. Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer risk are all increased by untreated gum disease.