Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Many dogs don't receive the proper dental care necessary to prevent health problems. Keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy ensures your pup isn't suffering from dental disease.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. It is caused in part by bacteria buildup in the mouth and threatens your canine's overall health and well-being. If left untreated, the illness can spread and cause other problems.
This article will provide all you need to know about periodontal disease as a dog owner. You can learn where it comes from, how to look for signs, and the best treatment options to help your dog stay happy and healthy.
What is periodontal disease?
More commonly referred to as dental disease, periodontal disease comes from plaque and tartar buildup around dog's teeth. It can result in inflammation of the gums and break down the tooth structure, causing your dog severe pain.
Dogs with early-stage periodontal disease don't show obvious symptoms. Once it becomes more advanced, the disease is more painful for your dog and noticeable, but the hardened mineral into tartar on your dog's teeth is difficult to scrape away.
Without proper and quick treatment, tartar will continue to build up and cause deep pockets between the teeth and the gum line. Abscesses can form and cause bone loss; you may even see your dog's teeth loosen and fall out.
What causes periodontal disease in dogs?
Many factors contribute to the cause of periodontal disease in dogs. One of the more common causes is failure to brush and maintain your dog's necessary dental care or poor oral hygiene, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
You can help with oral care at home by using pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste. Take time to check your dog's mouth and look for signs of buildup or advanced stages of dental problems, and contact your veterinarian with any questions or advice on dental care at home.
Another contributing factor to periodontal disease in dogs is their diet and nutrition. If your dog exercises poor nutrition, it can play a role in developing plaque and bacteria within the oral cavity.
It could also be caused by poor grooming habits, such as constant licking, or the alignment (or the misalignment) of your dog's teeth. Dogs with crowded teeth are more susceptible to gum disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
While there may not be noticeable signs of periodontal disease immediately, there are still some things you can watch out for—older or more senior dogs may show more easily detectable symptoms than younger pups. Here are some of the symptoms of canine periodontitis.
Early Warning Signs
You may not know what you'll see until your dog gets advanced periodontal disease. But some of the symptoms in your pup you could see to indicate a dental condition include:
Bad breath
Inflamed or bleeding gums
Excessive drooling
Tooth decay or loss of teeth
Teeth chattering
Reduced appetite or difficulty eating
Yellow or brown teeth
Facial swelling or favoring eating on one side of the mouth
Blood on chew toys or in water
Upon noticing these signs, you may want to examine your dog's mouth to check for signs of disease. If this proves difficult, you may need to use a dog sedative to keep your furry friend calm to examine the mouth.
Progressed Disease Symptoms
Your dog may be in much more chronic pain in the more advanced stages of dental illness. It may stop eating altogether and start losing weight rapidly.
The bacteria can travel throughout your dog's body and cause even more health issues. It can reach major organs and lead to problems like significant bone loss, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Behavioral Changes
You may notice that your dog snaps or bites, showing signs of being more irritable than usual because of the pain. Senior dogs are often more irritable because they experience more pain as they age, but it could also be due to dental disease.
Our expert veterinary technicians assert that pets often hide their pain out of instinct to avoid showing weakness and out of survival, which is why you may not notice until this stage or symptom that something is wrong.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, consult your veterinarian immediately for an appointment.
How to Treat Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Fortunately, periodontal disease in dogs is treatable. If it's detected early, it can be reversed. Here are three ways to treat dental disease.
Professional Dental Cleaning
It's a good idea to schedule professional dental cleanings for your dog at least once every six months. Like humans, dogs need regular dental checkups to maintain oral hygiene and detect any areas that might cause problems.
Bond Vet’s in-office cleanings are easy to schedule with same-day or drop-in appointments. They offer some of the best dental care for your pup. In the early stage of gum disease, professional dental cleaning will help rid your dog's mouth of bacterial plaque.
Medications and Antibiotics
If you bring your dog to the vet if you are concerned about possible dental disease, your vet may require a mouth X-ray to determine whether periodontal disease is present for a prognosis and treatment plan. With a complete mouth exam, your vet may need to prescribe medications and antibiotics to treat the problem.
There are no over-the-counter treatments for dental disease. The cost of your dog's dental care may vary, depending on the treatment necessary.
Surgery and Advanced Interventions
Surgery or procedures may sometimes be necessary when treating Advanced Periodontitis . Dental procedures for your dog could include:
Dental x-rays
IV fluids
Blood work
Anesthesia and monitoring
Scaling or polishing with a professional cleaning
Pain medications with post-care
Tooth Extractions or other oral surgery (if the infection is severe)
In addition to the use of anesthesia for procedures, your dog may also need local anesthesia, like Novocaine, when performing extractions.
At-Home Care for Dogs with Periodontal Disease
Many pet parents don't know the critical step of being more proactive with dental care at home and how that can help minimize bacterial infections of the mouth. Paying close attention to your dog's overall health involves checking for dental disease.
Being proactive about your dog's oral health may include daily brushing of its teeth or ensuring that you take your dog for routine dental cleanings. Watch for obvious signs of problems with your dog's mouth and bring it to your vet in case of an early stage of periodontal disease.
How Can Periodontal Disease in Dogs Be Prevented?
One of the best ways to have a role in the prevention of periodontal disease in your dog is to stay on top of their oral health. Toy breed dogs are often more susceptible to bacteria buildup in the mouth, and it's crucial to look for dental issues.
Routine Dental Care and Cleaning
From the time your pup is young, dog owners should keep up with checkups and dental appointments on a regular basis. Your dog should visit the veterinarian at least once a year and if you have any concerns regarding tartar forms or how you should be brushing teeth at home.
Using pet toothpaste and a dog toothbrush, you can spend a few minutes brushing off plaque layers to help prevent the most common dental disease. You can also use a finger brush or even a gauze pad for a quick wipe across the teeth.
Dietary Recommendations
Another preventative measure is paying close attention to your dog's diet and nutrition. For example, if your dog has used wet dog food, it can stick to the teeth and be more likely to cause dental problems. Consider switching to dry dog food, where the hard pieces work to scrape off plaque from your dog's teeth when they eat.
Talk to your veterinarian about alternate dietary recommendations for dental care. Vets sometimes prescribe foods like leafy veggies, eggs, and coconut oil to help soothe and restore irritated or inflamed teeth and gums.
Use of Dental Chews and Toys
Specially formulated dental chews for dogs help reduce the risk of gum infections and promote healthy teeth. Look for chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.
The Impacts of Periodontal Disease on Your Dog's Health and Quality of Life
Periodontal disease in dogs can significantly impact their overall health and quality of life by causing chronic pain, difficulty eating, and loose teeth. It can also potentially damage major organs like the heart and kidneys.
When periodontitis bacteria enter the bloodstream from infected gums, they can lead to reduced activity levels, weight loss, and even behavioral changes if left untreated. The costs of dental procedures can also be difficult for dog owners.
Kidney disease and heart disease are serious problems that significantly affect your dog's quality of life. Prevent these issues head-on by getting professional teeth cleanings and exams and regularly brushing your dog's teeth to check for signs of oral problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease in Dogs
How Long Can Dogs Live with Periodontal Disease?
Dogs can live for long periods while suffering from periodontal disease - however, it is not without side effects. If left untreated, the illness can shorten your dog's life by up to two years, sometimes more.
Can You Fix Periodontal Disease in Dogs?
Yes, if detected early enough, the effects are completely reversible, but you can also seek treatments through your veterinarian. Some may require medicine, and others may require surgery or procedures. The best fix is prevention, by taking an active role in your dog's oral health, doing regular checkups or professional cleanings, and brushing at home.
What Are the Stages of Periodontal Disease in Dogs?
There are four stages of periodontal disease in dogs. These stages are:
Gingivitis is when irritability or redness along the gumline is detected. This is the most treatable and quickly reverses the disease.
Early periodontal stage: inflammation goes beyond the gum line and creates pockets, with more than 25% bone loss and loss of soft tissue that holds the teeth in place.
Moderate or established periodontal disease is the next stage, where the infection becomes more advanced; the bacteria reaches the roots of the teeth with 25% to 50% bone loss and abscess formation.
Advanced periodontal disease is the most severe stage, where there is destruction of tissues, ligaments and bone supporting the teeth with more than 50% bone loss, and in some cases where the bacteria enters the bloodstream and affects other organs.
Care For Your Dog's Oral Health
The good news about periodontal disease is that it is preventable and manageable with proper care. Pet owners can take an active role in their dogs oral health, scheduling routine checkups with their veterinarian to assess any signs of the disease.
Bond Vet's same-day or drop-in appointments and telehealth services make a welcome and helpful step in caring for your dog's dental needs. It's easy to prioritize your dog's oral health and address any issues to keep their mouths healthy and clean!