Dogs use their mouths for much more than eating: Fido also uses it to play, hunt, and for defense. It’s probably not a huge surprise then that our canine companions are prone to developing a whole slew of dental issues, such as gum disease, misalignments, abcesses, and infections. These problems are not just painful for our furry friends: they can actually be quite debilitating! A local Frederick, MD vet discusses doggy dental care in this article. 

Common Issues 

Gum disease is liketly the most prevalent dental issue we see in our canine companions. More than three out of four pups that are older than the age of three are afflicted. Fido is also prone to cracking and breaking his teeth, which isn’t a huge surprise, seeing as how he loves playing with and chewing on hard objects, like sticks. Man’s Best Friend can also be afflicted by abscesses, overcrowding, and misalignments. 

Warning Signs 

Dental issues are both painful and dangerous, so it’s important to keep an eye out for red flags. Some of the common ones include drooling, bad breath, swelling, tartar buildup, excessive or ropy drool, and bleeding gums, which you may notice as smears on your pet’s toys or bowls. Fido may also act a bit withdrawn or grumpy. He may shy away from having his mouth touched, and may retreat to a quiet corner instead of begging you to play with him.  You may also notice your pooch eating differently. He may dribble food, chew on one side of his mouth, or start avoiding hard or crunchy foods. 

Care

We recommend that all dogs have their choppers examined at least once a year. This should start around the time your canine pal is about a year old. By then, all 42 of his adult teeth should have come in. You’ll also need to bring your pup in if you notice any of the warning signs we listed above. In some cases, medication may resolve the issues. Other pups may require different treatments, such as extractions. Your vet will be able to go over the specific options with you once your furry friend has been properly diagnosed. Of course, proper home care is also very important. Ask your vet for specific advice on this.

Do you know or suspect that your canine pal has dental issues? Contact us, your local Frederick, MD animal clinic, today!