There are many dental diseases in dogs and a large part of them are associated with the accumulation of food remains and the formation of bacterial plaque on their teeth and gums, but the truth is that they can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. One of the most severe pathologies that affect the oral he alth of our dogs is periodontitis or periodontal disease.
It is a complex clinical picture that includes various infections that can affect the gums and the bone structure that supports the teeth. If your dog has halitosis (bad breath), a lot of tartar or abscesses in the mouth, these could be symptoms of canine periodontitis.
When identifying these signs, we recommend taking the dog to the vet to check its he alth status, determine a diagnosis and thus establish an appropriate treatment. Next, in this article on our site we will inform you about periodontal disease in dogs, its symptoms, its form of prevention and treatment.
What is canine periodontitis?
The periodontal disease in dogs comprises numerous infectious conditions that lead to progressive inflammation in the muscular and bony structures that are around the you feel giving them sustenance and support. Although feline periodontitis is more frequent than canine, this pathology is diagnosed with some frequency in dogs, being one of the possible causes of tooth loss in adult or elderly dogs.
Causes of periodontal disease in dogs
periodontitis, as well as most dental problems in dogs, is mainly caused by the formation of bacterial plaque on teeth and gums. When we don't provide adequate oral hygiene to our furry ones, brushing their teeth regularly, food remains progressively accumulate between their teeth and in their gums.
This organic waste serves as food for the bacteria that are found naturally in the dog's mouth. Then, they begin to reproduce rapidly, thus multiplying their population and agglomerating to form plaque.
When saliva comes into contact with bacterial plaque, the minerals react with the tooth enamel and with the bacteria themselves, forming tartarIn turn, the tartar adheres to the teeth and the bacteria continue to reproduce and feed, making their way and advancing under the gums. At this time, inflammation of the gums usually occurs, that is, gingivitis
If gingivitis is not treated quickly and properly, the bacteria affect the muscle tissues and bones that support the teeth, causing periodontal diseaseor periodontitis in dogs.
Symptoms of periodontitis in dogs
Canine periodontitis advances quickly and silently, therefore, we must be attentive to its first symptoms to ensure an early diagnosis. To do this, remember to check your furry's mouth regularly and don't hesitate to go to the vet immediately in the event of any unusual sign.
Below we show you the main symptoms associated with periodontal disease in dogs:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Reddish and/or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Excessive drooling (with or without blood)
- Difficulty chewing
- Loss of appetite (associated with difficulty or discomfort when chewing)
- Permanent urge to scratch the mouth
- Swollen mouth and face
- Abscesses in the mouth
- Runny nose
If not treated quickly, periodontitis leads to gum recession, compromised nerves and tooth loss. In the event that the bacteria continue to advance and reproduce, they can reach the bloodstream and affect the vital organs (heart, kidneys, liver, etc.), causing infections and eventual insufficiencies. In more serious cases, periodontitis can be lethal for dogs, which requires immediate and specialized attention from a veterinarian.
In addition, the loss of teeth is not only an aesthetic issue, but can also interfere with the ability to chew, in your digestive process and your lifestyle in general. Therefore, when you perceive bad breath, missing teeth, abscesses or any anomaly in your furry's mouth, take it quickly to the veterinary clinic.
Treatment of periodontitis in dogs
When observing any alteration in your dog's mouth, it will be key to go quickly to your trusted veterinarian. In the clinic, the professional will be able to evaluate the presence of tartar and gingivitis, in addition to requesting clinical analyzes and X-rays to observe the evolution of bacteria in the bone structure and in the body.
If the diagnosis of periodontitis is confirmed, the treatment will depend fundamentally on the severity of the infectious process and the state of he alth of the each dog. Specific antibiotics are usually given to fight bacteria and control their progress in the body.
When no bone loss is observed (in mild or moderate cases), an intervention Surgical to remove tartar and dental polishing are often effective in reversing tooth damage. In more advanced cases, when there is already bone loss, extracting the tooth is usually unavoidable, in addition to applying antibiotics directly under the gums to control progress of bacteria.
How to prevent periodontal disease in dogs?
To prevent periodontitis in your dog, it is essential to provide him with adequate oral hygiene throughout his life. Regular brushing should be done with products suitable for dogs. In pet product stores you can find several models of brushes and toothpastes made especially for our furry ones. Also, on our site, we teach you how to make homemade toothpaste for dogs.
But if you have never brushed your dog's teeth or want to learn how to do it correctly, discover on our site the different ways to clean a dog's teeth. It is also important to regularly check your furry's mouth and go quickly to the vet when you observe any change in color or unpleasant aroma, bleeding or the absence of any teeth.
In addition, we advise you to consult with your trusted veterinarian about the possibility of changing your dog's dry feed for the BARF diet, a natural and balanced diet based on fresh and raw products, which prevents the accumulation of food remains on the teeth and gums, facilitating oral hygiene and preventing the appearance of tartar.
Also remember that all dogs, mestizo or of a defined breed, require adequate preventive medicine throughout their lives. Visits to the vet every 6 months, vaccination, deworming, a balanced diet, physical and mental stimulation are key aspects to strengthen your best friend's immune system and preserve his good he alth.
