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Articles Dog Health and Care The Symptoms and Care for Canine Dental Disease
Articles Dog Health and Care The Symptoms and Care for Canine Dental Disease | The Symptoms and Care for Canine Dental Disease |
| Written by Heather Fox | ||||||||
| Saturday, 05 September 2009 | ||||||||
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Dental disease is one of the most common problems that dogs have. Up to 85% of dogs over the age of three years usually have some degree of tartar and gingivitis. The symptoms that owners notice most frequently include:
Dental disease is one of the most common problems that dogs have. Up to 85% of dogs over the age of three years usually have some degree of tartar and gingivitis. The symptoms that owners notice most frequently include: Bad Breath (halitosis) Bleeding gums Blood left behind on chew toys As gingivitis and dental disease become more severe, other symptoms may appear. These include: Not wanting to eat Excessive Drooling Inability or difficulty in picking up or chewing hard food Discomfort when opening mouth Enlargement of lymph nodes underneath the jaw Swelling on the face underneath the eye With advanced dental disease; it is possible for bacteria from the mouth to spread to other organs and cause infections. Organs which may be affected include the heart, kidneys, and brain. Visiting Your Veterinarian - Diagnosis and Treatment Generally, a physical examination performed by your veterinarian can determine if your dog has dental disease. All that is needed is a thorough view of the inside of the mouth and teeth. However, tartar below the gum line cannot be seen by the naked eye. For this, your veterinarian will require X-rays. This procedure will require your dog to undergo general anesthesia. This is typically performed during the treatment process as both require anesthetic. The best way to treat gingivitis and tartar accumulation is with a professional veterinary cleaning. This procedure is usually an outpatient procedure that is done in the veterinary office. It requires general anesthesia. While a dog is under anesthesia, the teeth are cleaned and polished in the same manner that a human dentist cleans and polishes peoples teeth. The teeth are cleaned both above and below the gum line. If a dog has severe infection or abscesses on or around any of its teeth, the veterinarian will perform x-rays to determine if the tooth can or cannot be saved. This is done while the dog is sedated. If teeth must be pulled, don't worry, most dogs do very well after teeth have been removed. Often times they are still able to eat solid food. In some cases, owners may wish to not have teeth pulled. In this case, it is wise to see a board certified veterinary dentist. Root canals and other procedures may be done which might salvage a broken or infected tooth. Preventing Dog Dental Disease The best way to prevent tartar accumulation and gingivitis is with daily brushing. Use special toothpaste made only for dogs along with a soft toothbrush when brushing your dogs teeth. Do not use human toothpaste as it was not meant to be swallowed and foams too much. The video below contains a detailed description of how to brush your dogs teeth. About the Author: Heather Fox is an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge about Dog Illness Diagnosis. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Dog Ringworm Symptoms. Views: 69
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