Dental health month has arrived! We can’t express how important it is to make sure your pet’s dental health is, well, healthy. We see so often dogs that have poor dental health and dental disease that come into our hospital. The reality is that many pet owners don’t understand just how important good dental health is for their dogs.
What You Need to Know About Dog Dental Health
Gum disease in dogs is common and can lead to other health problems in your pet such as heart, kidney, and liver disease. Gum disease is most common in dogs that are older. However, we see dogs of all ages that suffer from the effects of poor dental health.
Your pets can also begin to experience pain as their dental health declines. If you notice your pet has any trouble playing with their favorite toys, difficulty eating, or are more antisocial than normal, give us a visit! These are all warning signs that something bigger could be going on.
Other symptoms to look out for:
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in water bowl or on toys
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
How to Check Your Dog’s Dental Health Status at Home
The good news is that you can check on the dental health of your dog at home! Here’s what to look for.
Once you have your dog in a comfortable position, lift up their gums on either side of their face. You’ll want to first take a close look at their teeth. It might help to have another person take a peek while you make sure your pet is comfortable during the process. If you see a lot of plaque build up, let us know. Plaque can cause harm to not only your dog’s dental health, but also pose a risk to their overall wellbeing.
You’ll also want to take a look at your dog’s gums. Are they read and inflamed? Do they look angry? These could all be indicators that your pet’s dental health needs some attention.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with us. We can help you get your pet’s dental health to a healthy level while maintaining wellness in other areas of their body.
