Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs

One of the most commonly seen health concerns in canines, dog dental problems can not only cause issues like bad breath, but can also cause your pet unnecessary pain, tooth loss and more serious health risks. Left untreated, canine dental problems can lead to life threatening illnesses such as liver, kidney and heart problems.

Fortunately, determining dog dental problems is relatively easy. When our dogs are uncomfortable or not feeling well, they usually let us know. The key is learning how to read the signs they give them, interpreting them so that we can diagnose and then treat the problem.

Does your dog suffer canine dental problems? Here are some common signs of dental problems in dogs:

10 Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs

Bad Breath: If your dog has bad breath, you may have a case of doggie dental problems on your hands. Some of the most common causes of a dog having bad breath are periodontitis and gingivitis, two different types of periodontal disease. If your dog suffers from hound halitosis, have your local veterinarian check his mouth thoroughly.

Drooling: Excessive drooling can always be a sign of distress or pain in dogs. While some breeds tend to have "wet mouths," you should always check any sudden onset of drooling, particularly if your dog is not regularly a drooler.

Dropping Food: If your dog seems to continually pick up his biscuit and drop it, you may want to take a look at his teeth and gums. Some dogs enjoy playing with their food but, if this isn't normal for your dog, it can be a good indication that something in his mouth may be causing him pain.

Unusual Chewing Habits: Unless you're experienced with watching your dog eat, you might not notice this as quickly as some more obvious habits, but dogs that are suffering from canine dental problems may do things like rubbing their face after every bite or only chewing on one side of their mouths.

Loss of Appetite: One of the first clues that something is amiss with your dog may very well be his loss of appetite. While this can happen when your dog is sick, he may also do this when he's in pain. If your dog stops eating, be sure to have him checked by your local veterinarian so he can look for any underlying causes.

Redness of Gums: If you notice your dog's gums are particularly red, this is a good sign that they have become inflamed and infected. Red gums are a key sign in dogs that are suffering from periodontal disease.

Bleeding Gums: Dogs who are suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis will often bleed along the gum line, simply from eating hard kibble or even from tooth brushing. If your dog's gums bleed even after a gentle tooth brushing, you should certainly check in with your veterinarian about the matter.

Swollen Gums: Another sign that your dog may have dental problems is that his gums may become swollen, particularly around infected teeth. Left untreated, swollen or infected gums pose a serious health risk to your pet, as well as being very painful.

Lethargy: Quite often, dogs that are sick or in pain will act very lethargic. They do not want to do more than to lay somewhere quiet and/or sleep, showing a general disinterest in their surroundings.

Other Signs of Pain or Abnormality: Any time your pet shows an abrupt change from his normal routines or habits, you should pay attention to what he's doing and, if needed, take him to your veterinarian. Most dogs are creatures of habit and any deviation from their normal routine should be examined further by a trained professional.

By learning to read the unspoken signs our pets share with us daily, we are better able to determine if they are in trouble or feeling poorly. Spending a few minutes of bonding time with your pet, every other day, will help you to strengthen your ability to detect when he's not feeling well. This will help you to catch the problem before it becomes acute and helping to keep your favorite four-legged friend safe. Preventative measures, such as brushing your dog's teeth and routine teeth cleanings will help to prevent the risk of any tooth or gum disease.

Sources:

Long term pet owner

Dog Illnesses - http://www.dog-illnesses-n-symptoms.com/canine-dental-problems.html

Dog Customer -http://www.dogcustomer.com/symptoms/dog_mouth_tooth_problems.htm