How Did My Dog's Mouth Get Infected?

Dogs can get into all sorts of nasty things to chew and ingest, and it's no surprise that some of those things might lead to infections. What can you watch out for to prevent an infection in your dog's mouth?

It's normal for dogs to have bacteria in their mouths, but it becomes a problem when the normal flora is disturbed in some way, potentially leading to infection. What may otherwise be completely safe for a dog can cause harm if there are other conditions present in the mouth.

Watch Those Puppy Teeth

Puppies grow rapidly and changes in their mouth occur just as quickly. When new teeth come in, they may be overcrowded while waiting for the rest of the mouth to catch up. Sometimes adult teeth come in before the puppy teeth are pushed out, leading to overcrowding. Extra teeth that are cramped in the mouth can lead to infectious stomatitis. Get your puppy used to you checking his mouth while he's young and the task will be easier on both of you, and you'll be able to spot any potential problems before they get out of hand.

Oral Care for the Diabetic Dog

Dogs that have diabetes are at risk of some of the same things humans are. Blood vessels in the mouth may become swollen and irritated or abscessed, which is another potential source of infection. If your dog is diabetic, pay close attention to any changes that may be occurring in his mouth.

Brush Those Puppies

If your dog's teeth aren't cared for properly, they can develop a buildup of plaque. If left untreated long enough, plaque and tartar can harbor harmful bacteria, which may lead to infection. Feeding dry dog food is one way to inhibit plaque from forming. Brushing your dog's teeth and providing bones and hard chew toys also aid in plaque prevention.

Sticks and Stones

Instinct drives dogs to chew most anything they can fit their mouth around. Most often, that chewing doesn't present a problem, but if they've latched onto something sharp or that splinters, it may cause injury to their mouth, leaving it open to infection. Since bacteria are always present in their mouth, even a small cut or puncture can quickly become infected. Make sure your yard is clear of sharp rocks and sticks before turning your dog out, and always supervise them with chew toys. If a bone or toy becomes damaged, throw it out rather than risk injury to your dog.

Age, Medications and Overall Health

If you have a senior dog, his teeth and gums may suffer as a natural course of aging. Gums that are receding leave pockets that are prime areas for harmful bacteria to grow and fester. Certain medications can upset the normal balance of flora and good bacteria, leaving the dog more susceptible to infection. If your dog is getting on in years or is otherwise not in good health, be especially mindful of any changes in his mouth.

An Ounce of Prevention

If you check your dog's mouth regularly as part of your grooming routine, you can usually catch any potential problems before they become too severe.