Pedigree Dogs Vet – MOUTH MATTERS
One of the most common conditions affecting dogs today is dental disease. A dog’s mouth is similar to a human’s, and they suffer from some of the same oral problems as we do. By examining your dog’s mouth on a regular basis, you can help identify problems early. Early detection is important because dental disease can lead to other diseases.
When buying a puppy, always examine the mouth to make sure that the lower jaw isn’t overshot or undershot (unless it is normal for the breed, such as Bulldogs), and make sure that the teeth line up properly. Puppies do not suffer from the same mouth problems as adult dogs. They can, however, have retained baby teeth, which can trap food, hair, and debris. The canine teeth are most commonly retained and must be removed under general anaesthetic. Start your dental exams with your puppy right away to get it used to having its mouth handled. This is also a good opportunity to start brushing the teeth with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste to help prevent future problems. NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE! It contains ingredients that can be harmful or toxic to your dog.
Dental disease can be divided into 4 categories: tartar, gingivitis, pyorrhoea, and periodontitis. Tartar is the accumulation of bacterial plaque and food debris. This is the hard brown substance that is visible on the teeth next to the gum line. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. The gums appear red and irritated, particularly at the gum line. With chronic irritation, the gums will recede and expose the tooth roots. Pyorrhoea refers to pus in the mouth, usually between the teeth and the gums. This leads to periodontitis, which is the loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place. Periodontitis can lead to heart and kidney disease because the bacteria in the tartar enter the blood stream in the gums and can lodge on the heart valves or in the kidneys, liver, and lungs.
One of the first signs of a problem is bad breath or reluctance to eat and play with toys. Severe periodontal disease may cause excessive drooling, swelling under the jaw and around the face, depression, and anorexia.
How does dental disease occur? Poor diet is the main contributor. Dogs do not have to chew much with tinned and soft food. The mechanical action of chewing hard food, bones, and toys, aids in scrubbing plaque off of the teeth. In addition, many tinned foods are high in sugar and additives that are bad for teeth. Dogs with long hair around their mouths are also predisposed to dental disease. The hair around the mouth catches moisture, bacteria, and food, which are then introduced into the mouth. Genetics also plays a role in dental disease. Some breeds or lines are more prone to dental problems than others.
You can protect your dog from dental disease by making sure your pet is on a good quality, dry dog food. Certain dog food companies add ingredients to the diet that aid in dental care. There are also dental toys and dental chews that are designed to help brush teeth and decrease tartar build-up. And, of course, check your dog’s mouth on a regular basis and have your vet check the teeth once or twice a year. If your dog’s teeth are not as healthy as they should be, your vet may perform a dental descale and polish under a general anaesthetic. This may have to be repeated every 1- 2 years.
For further enquiries, please phone 045 480478, email info@animalsfirst.ie
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