Learning how to spot if your dog has signs of dental disease is crucial in providing the dental care that your dog needs. Read along what the seven signs are so you can go ahead and check on your dog. If in doubt, always best to take your dog to the vet.
Sign #1: Bad breath
Smell your dog’s mouth for bad breath. Bad breath isn’t as normal as you might think as it can be a sign of dental disease. It’s undeniable that dogs have bad habits of eating strange things which can cause halitosis. But an even bigger problem is when they get an accumulation of plaque that can lead to the gathering of bacteria that result in bad breath and can further lead to dental disease.
Sign #2: Redness or inflammation of the gums
The redness or gum inflammation is actually a strong sign of a dental disease’s progress. This is comparable to humans’ gingivitis where it causes gums to sore and bleed. This too is very painful to your dog and if not treated early can worsen the condition and even early loss of a tooth.
Sign #3: Discoloration and build-up of tartar and plaque
White pearly dog’s teeth are a sign of healthy teeth just as humans. So, if you see that your dog’s teeth have stains, discoloration, and build-up of plaque and tartar, it’s a sign that they badly need some cleaning. If you are not confident in cleaning your dog’s teeth yourself, you can always go to your vet or any pet grooming service.
Sign #4: Difficulty of eating or loss of appetite
Dogs love their food so much so you would definitely know if something is wrong when they suddenly stop eating or have zero appetites for their food. This right here is the easiest sign to notice. Sudden loss of appetite or difficulty of eating could be a sign of dental disease and again if you are not sure or want to make sure that your dog is good, visit your vet as soon as you can.
Sign #5: Swelling beneath the eye
Just like humans, dental disease symptoms when usually severe or have progressed so much can extend up to the eye area. Infections and fractured teeth can cause abscesses and swell under your dog’s eyes. When you see this, make sure that you contact your vet right away.
Sign #6 Lumps or bleeding around the mouth area
Check for lumps around the mouth of your dog. Tooth and gum disease can cause so much discomfort and even bleeding which all contribute to the growth of oral tumors. The lumps can be hard to spot so make sure you check your dog once in a while.
Sign #7: Pawing around the mouth
Sometimes dogs try to tell you something using their body language. If you notice your dog pawing around their mouth area or frequently rubbing their muzzle or chattering their teeth, that could be a signal that they are trying to tell you about discomfort or pain around the area.
We know as humans just how important it is to get the dental care that we need and your dog needs the same care as well.
So, make sure that you keep these signs in mind so you prevent your dog from getting severe dental diseases and that they get attention as soon as possible.