When something is wrong, your dog’s gums are like tiny warning lights that flash red, and at Green Dog Dental, we assist pet owners in recognizing these symptoms.
Reddened gums are one of the earliest and most reliable symptoms of periodontal disease. Given that the majority of dogs (a startling 90%) will experience some form of dental disease throughout their lives, it’s crucial to learn how to recognize the warning signs and take appropriate action.
Dental care for dogs and cats is crucial, and not just for their mouths and teeth. Dental disease can cause havoc on other bodily systems if it is not treated. Fortunately, maintaining good oral hygiene at home and visiting your veterinarian for regular dental cleanings can help prevent expensive and painful dental problems.
How is periodontal disease in dogs treated?
Treatment options and costs can differ significantly depending on your veterinarian’s ability to provide the level of care your pet requires as well as other aspects. To determine whether your pet is healthy enough to take anesthesia medications, which can cause issues for dogs with organ disease, pre-anesthesia blood work is a crucial step.
What are the clinical signs of gingivitis and stomatitis?
Inflammation (redness and swelling) along the gumline, where the gum meets the tooth, is known as gingivitis. Typically, there will also be bad breath (halitosis). When brushing the teeth, the inflamed gums frequently bleed.
Diagnosis is primarily based on medical history and clinical signs. In order to rule out any underlying systemic diseases that could also cause inflamed gums or oral tissues, blood and urine tests are frequently advised. To ascertain if there is any damage to the tooth roots and other supporting tooth structures, intraoral dental radiographs (X-rays) are taken.
What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease in Dogs?
Bad breath, tartar (mineralized plaque) on the teeth, and a line of red inflammation along the gumline are some early symptoms of gum disease in dogs. Unfortunately, dog owners rarely notice the initial symptoms of periodontal disease in their dogs. Usually, gum disease has progressed by the time symptoms become apparent, and it is uncomfortable for a pet.
Your dog may experience a number of symptoms as the illness worsens, including:
Your dog might also struggle to pick up food, drop it from their mouth, or begin to chew on one side. They might also exhibit shyness and indicate they don’t want their heads touched.
A veterinarian can detect many periodontal disease symptoms during an oral examination, including red gums, plaque and tartar buildup, tooth loss, or tooth mobility. However, your veterinarian will advise having your dog undergo a dental cleaning and an X-ray while under general anesthesia to fully assess their oral health if they suspect periodontal disease may be at play.
Periodontal disease should be checked for regularly by your dog’s veterinarian, at least once or twice a year, as early intervention may be able to save your pet’s teeth. Even if your dog is acting normally, heed your veterinarian’s advice if they suggest dental care.
FAQ
What do infected gums look like in a dog?
According to Dan Carmichael, DVM, DAVDC, a board-certified veterinary dentist at the Animal Medical Center, “healthy gums should appear shrimp-colored pink.” “Unhealthy gums will appear red and inflamed. ” Certain diseases can cause discoloration of the gums. For instance, gingivitis can manifest as red, inflamed gums.
How can I treat my dogs gum infection?
- removing plaque and tartar from the teeth by scaling them above and below the gum line.
- Polishing the teeth.
- Taking full mouth x-rays.
- Probing around each tooth to check for abnormal pocketing.
How do you tell if your dog has inflamed gums?
Inflammation (redness and swelling) along the gumline, where the gum meets the tooth, is known as gingivitis. Typically, there will also be bad breath (halitosis). When brushing the teeth, the inflamed gums frequently bleed.
How do I know if my dog’s mouth is infected?
Inflammation of the mouth, bad breath, drooling, an unwillingness to eat, and bleeding or open sores on the tongue or mucous membranes are symptoms. It is typically believed to be connected to other oral diseases, prolonged antibiotic use, or a weakened immune system.