There are lots of doggos with stinky breath, which is not only unpleasant for their owners who like to snuggle, but could also be a health issue for the doggo. There are many treats available which will assist with dental health, so helping to keep those teefies pearly white needn't be a struggle.
Dental disease can have a significant impact on a dog's health and well-being. Some of the most common effects of dental disease in dogs include
Pain and discomfort
Dogs with dental disease often experience pain and discomfort, especially when eating, chewing, or barking. This can lead to a decrease in appetite, weight loss, and an overall reduction in quality of life.Even if the dog's appetite isn't affected, their general demeanour may change as the pain makes them grouchy.
Tooth loss
Dental disease can lead to tooth loss, which can cause further problems with chewing. This can also lead to further tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth loss is a common consequence of dental disease in dogs. When plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and gums, they can cause inflammation and infection in the mouth. Over time, this can lead to damage to the gums, jawbone, and supporting structures of the teeth, which can eventually result in tooth loss.
In addition to the obvious cosmetic concerns, tooth loss can also have a significant impact on your dog's quality of life. For example, it can make it difficult for your dog to chew and eat, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. It can also be painful, causing your dog to experience discomfort at mealtimes, and may make them less tolerant.
To prevent tooth loss, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene for your dog. This includes regular dental check-ups and cleanings, a balanced diet, and toys and chews that promote good oral health. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from dental decay, it is important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent further problems. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend extractions or other dental procedures to alleviate your dog's discomfort and improve their oral health.
Bacteria and infection
Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth as a result of dental disease, which can lead to infection and inflammation. This can cause discomfort, swelling, and even spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious health problems.
Bacteria and infection are a common consequence of dental disease in dogs. When plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and gums, they provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. Over time, this can lead to the development of infections in the mouth, including gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth).
If left untreated, these infections can spread from the mouth to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This can lead to a number of serious health problems, including endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), and nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).
In addition to the risk of infection and inflammation, bacteria in the mouth can also contribute to bad breath, which can be unpleasant for both the dog and its owner.
To prevent bacteria and infection in the mouth, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene for your dog. This includes regular dental check-ups and cleanings, a balanced diet, and toys and chews that promote good oral health. If you suspect that your dog has an infection in the mouth, it is important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent further problems.
Some dogs can get bacteria trapped in the skin folds around their mouth, giving an unpleasant odour. To prevent this, wipe the area with a cloth soaked in an antiseptic such as chlorhexidine. This should also clear up any bacterial infection in the skin folds around the mouth.
Organ damage
Organ damage is a serious concern when it comes to dental disease in dogs. Bacteria from the mouth can spread through the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
This can lead to inflammation and infection, which can be difficult to treat and potentially life-threatening.
For example, if bacteria reach the heart, they can cause endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves. This can lead to damage to the valves and potentially heart failure.
In the liver, bacteria can cause hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver failure.
In the kidneys, bacteria can cause nephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys that can lead to kidney failure.
In addition to the potential for infection and inflammation, dental disease can also contribute to a decline in overall health by putting additional stress on the body's organs. This is why it is so important to address dental disease early and take steps to prevent it from getting worse. By taking care of your dog's teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help reduce the risk of organ damage and other health problems associated with dental disease.
How to prevent dental disease
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, along with a balanced diet, toys, and chews that promote good oral health, can help keep your dog's mouth healthy and prevent dental disease.
If you suspect your dog has dental disease, it is important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent further problems.
You can find a full range of treats which can assist with dental health here. If you would like some suggestions of what might be suitable for your dog, just click on the brown speech bubble in the bottom left hand corner to connect with us.
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