3 Causes of Mouth Sores in Dogs

Dogs cannot tell you when they have a mouth sore. They cannot tell you what caused it. The way to insure a healthy mouth in your dog is by observation. Signs that the dog may have sores in his mouth include pawing at the mouth, eating cautiously, or drooling.

If you suspect a problem, look into the dog's mouth. If you see sores, rashes or swelling, you should consult a veterinarian to determine diagnoses. There could be many causes for sores in the dog's mouth. Some may be life threatening if not attended to.

1. Ingesting Antifreeze: Antifreeze has a sweet taste that dogs like. The dog may have found a small spillage on the driveway or street. According to PetMD, sores will develop in the dog's mouth 36 to 72 hours after ingestion.

If the dog has exhibited early warning signs such as vomiting, wobbling, excess drinking or lack of urinating, seek medical attention immediately.

2. Mouth Trauma: An injury to the dog's mouth could have resulted in a sore. Playing with another dog or cat could have resulted in a claw, or tooth jabbing the dog in the mouth. The dog could have jabbed their mouth playing with a stick.

Rinse the dog's mouth with water, or swab the sore with a clean wet cloth. Give the dog crushed ice to chew on to relieve the pain temporarily. Feed the dog soft food until the mouth sore heals. Monitor the mouth to make sure an infection does not occur.

3. Blisters and Pustules: Blisters can form in a dog's mouth for a variety of reasons. Allergies or reactions to medication could be a reason, as well as possibly eating a food that is too hot. There is a rare disease called Bullous Pemphigold that also causes blisters in the mouth. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Bullous Pemphigold is an autoimmune disease. According to PetMD, it occurs when the dog's body creates an antibody that attacks the cells. It will usually cause blisters in the soft tissue of the mouth and the head, neck, belly feet and groin of the dog.

Check the dog over thoroughly to make sure there are no blisters anywhere else. This condition needs to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you find blisters in your dog's mouth and in any of the other places, contact your vet immediately. Untreated, it can be fatal.

Following a scheduled oral hygiene routine is the best way to keep your pet's mouth healthy. A healthy mouth will have no loose or decayed teeth. The dog's gums should be smooth and pink. Feeding a quality food helps to insure your dog's mouth health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Any sores or injuries to your dog's mouth should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

Sources:

Vet Info. Com

PetMD. Com

Medicinal Herbs

Antifreeze Poisoning