Canine Periodontal Disease (Diagnostics And Treatments)

Gum disease can also occur to our pets. Canine periodontal disease often occurs in dogs and cats. We need to protect the teeth of our pets to maintain their good oral health condition. If we continuously neglect this condition, the gum disease can progress into a more serious dental problem. In effect, the dog’s teeth will weaken and will lose their teeth’s support structure.

Based on veterinarians’ research and feedback, gum disease is one of the most common concerns of owners regarding their dog’s health. However, how does periodontal disease affects the overall health of our pets? What is a periodontal disease anyway, and how do our pets get it? We will give you information about it in just a while.

Please take note of your dog’s health as well, especially their oral health. Just like humans, dental health is also essential to dogs. A neglected dental issue of your dogs can cost more than just their teeth.

Canine periodontal disease

Periodontal disease in dogs can develop when food particles remain in between their teeth. In effect, bacteria can build up in their gums and will form plaque later on. This plaque formation will turn into calculus or tartar. As a result, it can irritate and bring inflammation to the gums, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is only the early stage of periodontal disease to point out an important fact.

How would you know if your dogs have periodontal disease? Take a look at these stages that can best describe the oral condition of your dogs. Your dogs may be showing any of them. However, you must remember that if your dog already has these, it signifies that the disease already progressed.

Common symptoms of canine periodontal disease

Determining your dog’s oral health condition is quite tricky. It can quickly progress without you knowing. In this case, you need professional help. However, you can look at the following details to know a little information about the stage of the gum disease your dog is into.

Stage 1: You can initially observe symptoms of gingivitis in your dog. However, there is no separation of teeth from the gums during this period.

Stage 2: In this stage, your dog will lose 25% attachment between their teeth and gums.

Stage 3: The loss of attachment increase up to 30% during this stage. Veterinarians already consider this as moderate periodontitis.

Stage 4: During this stage, your dog will already experience more than 50% loss of attachment. This stage is already the advanced stage of periodontal disease.

Here are the common signs of periodontal disease you need to observe and take note of properly.

1. Your dog is bleeding or shows redness in gums. Blood can be present in their chew toys, food or water bowls.
2. There are signs of irritation in their mouth, particularly the gums.
3. You might notice your dog’s loss of appetite, which is not their usual character. Aside from that, they also find it hard eating their food.
4. Additionally, they may show excessive drooling.
5. If you continuously neglect your dog’s oral condition, they will end up having loose teeth. In advanced conditions, they could fall off entirely.
6. Lastly, you could smell bad breath from their mouth.

Treatments for canine periodontal disease

Before any treatment takes place, your dog will have to undergo thorough examinations and x-rays. These series of examinations will determine the stage of the periodontal disease. Additionally, they would be able to see the level of damage the periodontal disease has caused your dog’s teeth.

The treatment for your dog will vary depending on how serious the gum disease is. As mentioned earlier, gum disease has four stages, which may also require different levels of treatment. So, here are some of the options you and your vet can consider applying to your dog.

1. Dog mouthwash: This is an option wherein it helps minimize the bacteria present inside your dog’s mouth. It can also improve breath and eliminate plaque buildup. Aside from that, manufacturers specially formulated this dog mouthwash, ensuring their safety even if they ingest it.
2. Anti-inflammatory pain relief: Infection can cause gum disease. In line with this, your dog can experience pain out of it. That is why the veterinarian will provide your dog with anti-inflammatory pain relief.
3. Antibiotics: This treatment can work out tooth infection, tooth abscesses, in particular. Mostly, veterinarians use antibiotics to dogs with severe dental disease.
4. Dental cleaning: When you reach this point, this only means your dog needs a more serious procedure to remove the plaque and tartar. Furthermore, to successfully do this, they will place your dog under anaesthetic to prevent harming your dog during the procedure.

The first thing to remember is that symptoms can be hiding anywhere beneath the gum line. In cases like this, you cannot visually determine that on your own. You will need the guidance of your dog’s veterinarian.

On the other hand, you can still manage to prevent your dog from having canine periodontal disease. See how it goes.

Preventive measures to avoid dog’s periodontal disease

You can prevent your dog from having periodontal disease. You can do measures that will help maintain their good oral health condition.

1. 1. Dental checkups and cleaning: Ensure your dog’s regular oral exams and cleanings, even at least once a year. Regular dental checkups will help determine if your dog has dental problems. Your veterinarian would be able to detect these problems earlier and can apply the immediate treatment.
   2. Daily brushing: As a dog owner, you should know how to brush their teeth. Brushing it twice a day using a dog’s toothpaste will help. It would be best to start brushing their teeth while they are young. Sooner or later, they will get used to it as part of their daily routine.
   3. Healthy diet: You should limit giving your dogs foods that can cause bacteria buildup on their teeth, such as sugary foods. Your veterinarian can help you identify what kind of diet is best for your dog.
   4. Chewy toys and treats: Toys and treats are available that can also clean their teeth. Dog chews make the combinations of enzymes and chewing to help remove plaque and tartar buildup.

You can prevent gum disease from occurring. It’s just a matter of taking the initiative to work on it. Your dogs deserve to be well taken care of. A little concern for their oral health condition will keep them in an excellent physical condition.

It is essential to maintain oral health condition to let them enjoy their life to the fullest. They will always be here as your pet, your best friend and your family. A dog is a source of joy and comfort in your home.

With a healthy set of teeth and gums, your dogs can live longer. You could share more memories and happiness. Partnering with your veterinarian for your dog’s health will make a significant difference, both for you and your dog.

Always remember this!

Dogs offer genuine friendship, and that will last in their lifetime. Taking care and showing how much you love them will make an impact on your dog’s well-being. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you spend time with your dogs more in playing than worrying about their health condition because they are sick? Save them from having gum disease.