Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Periodontitis in dogs (tartar along with infection in the gums) is the most common cause of dental disease in dogs. It affects many dogs usually from 2 years of age. Bad breath can begin to be a sign of this disease.
Small breeds tend to be more predisposed to suffer from this disease as well as the accumulation of tartar. Mainly due to the acidity of their saliva, because the teeth are smaller and it is easier to accumulate the remains of food. Since the dogs that live in houses, usually, receive homemade food or soft prizes whose remains are usually fixed more to the teeth.
So in this article, we are going to provide the complete details of Periodontal Disease in dogs and how they are caused. Even we provided the periodontal disease in dog stages, symptoms and treatment to cure it. Stay tuned and continue reading.
What is Periodontitis or Periodontal Disease in Dogs?
It is the main oral affection that affects dogs of all races and ages. Especially those of small size and from two years old onwards. Periodontal disease in dogs is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and tartar in the teeth, which results in infection of the gums and in the loss of bone and supporting structures around the teeth. Over time, they can result in the loss of teeth.
Periodontitis can be treated but, if it is not done, it can lead to serious infections that affect vital organs such as the liver, kidney or heart. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that if our dog suffers an infection in the mouth and bites or licks us on the face or hands, it can transmit some diseases (this is what is called zoonosis, or transmission of diseases among non-human animals and human animals).
Which Dogs is More Predisposed to Suffer from Periodontitis?
All dogs are exposed to this type of ailment if they do not maintain proper oral hygiene. Now, tartar usually appears around 2 or 3 years old. The small breeds are the ones that show the greatest predisposition to this oral problem.
The reason is that the teeth of small dogs have a smaller size and it is easier to accumulate traces of food between teeth. The accumulation of these food remains are what when mixed with saliva and the bacteria that inhabit the oral cavity are transformed into dental plaque and then tartar.
On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that the saliva of dogs is more acidic than that of humans. So the risk of bacterial plaque and tartar accumulation is greater in these animals. Therefore, we can say that the dogs most predisposed to suffer periodontal disease are
- Dogs of small breeds
- Dogs from two or three years of age
- That maintain inadequate dental hygiene
- Dogs that usually receive soft homemade food or soft prizes whose remains are usually fixed more to the teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Canine owners often do not recognize periodontitis. However, there are some clear signs that should serve as an alert
- Bad breath
- Accumulation of tartar on teeth
- Inflammation of the gums
- Loss of teeth
- Anorexia: The dog stops eating or decreases the daily intake
Bad breath is something that many owners consider normal in their dogs. However, it can be a clear symptom of periodontal disease in dogs. Against bad breath, there are multiple remedies, including dental snacks or multifunctional prizes. In this post about bad breath, we explain them in detail.
According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, this disease can be divided into four phases of development. They are called as Periodontal Disease in Dogs Stages
Stage 1
In this stage, there is a visible accumulation of tartar or dental tartar. Also slight swelling and redness of the gums.
Stage 2
In stage two of canine periodontitis, the gums are more inflamed and there may be a slight loss of bone around the roots of the teeth (only visible by radiography).
Stage 3
In the third stage of periodontal disease in dogs, the teeth do not look very different compared to the previous stage with the naked eye but by radiography, a more severe bone loss is revealed.
Stage 4
In this phase the accumulation of tartar is very visible, the gums are retracted, the teeth are damaged and the loss of teeth can occur.
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Treatment of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
During stage 1 of periodontitis, the treatment can be totally curative and Gingivitis is reversible. However, if no treatment is applied, the disease progresses and the loss of dental bone is irreversible. In the following phases, the process can be controlled but can not be completely reversed. That is why prevention through proper dental hygiene is so important.
The preventive treatment of periodontal disease in dogs consists of the routine care of the dog’s mouth by brushing teeth daily. The use of multifunctional dental prizes that help prevent the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Therefore, the formation of tartar and its associated problems.
In more advanced phases of the disease, the treatment may consist of a dental cleaning at the veterinarian and the administration of antibiotics to fight the infection.
Prevention of Periodontal in Dogs
Since the treatment of periodontitis in dogs when it is in advanced stages is simply palliative but cannot be curative (the loss of dental bone is irreversible once it has already occurred). The important thing is to carry out good prevention.
Remember to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Failing that will make a lot of problems. Use dental prizes like Greenies to combat the accumulation of bacterial plaque. The formation of tartar and halitosis or bad breath associated with these two elements.
Conclusion
Hence, we have explored you to the complete details about Periodontal disease in dogs and how they are caused. Each and every symptoms and treatment for periodontal in dogs. We hope you like the article and willing to share the article with friends and families at social media networks. Feel free to ask your quires in the comment section below. Stay tuned to dogsfud f0r more awesome articles.