Signs Of Doggy Dental Trouble

Did you know that dogs can be afflicted by a variety of dental issues, such as gum disease, abscesses, and misalignments? Man’s Best Friend also sometimes cracks or breaks his teeth chewing on or playing with hard objects. Your four-legged friend can’t tell you if he has a toothache, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for signs of trouble. A Porters Lake, NS vet lists some common ones below.

Bad Breath

Granted, Fido’s breath will probably never be minty-fresh. However, if his smooches leave you green and nauseous, he may need his choppers looked at.

Drool

To be fair, some pups, such as Bloodhounds and Saint Bernards, are, well, a bit slobbery. However, ropy, stringy, bloody, or excessive drool can be warning signs of doggy dental woes. Fido may also dribble food out of his mouth when eating.

Bleeding Gums

As with people, this is often a sign of gum disease. Although gum disease is painless at first, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in both people and pets. It’s also been linked with some other very dangerous medical issues, such as heart disease.

Tartar Buildup

Is there a lot of tartar on Fido’s teeth? That yellow-brown gunk is another indication that your canine companion’s teeth need attention. Like bleeding gums, tartar buildup is also associated with gum disease.

Swelling

Any swelling around the mouth or face should be taken seriously. Infections so near the brain can become very dangerous, very quickly!

Reduced Interest In Play

Are your canine buddy’s favorite toys just lying around, neglected? Dental trouble could be to blame. Given that Fido uses his mouth to play, it only makes sense that doggy dental woes could put a damper on his regular play schedule.

Grumpiness

Dental problems can be extremely painful for our canine companions. That can definitely affect your furry pal’s mood. If Fido seems uncharacteristically grumpy or withdrawn, his teeth may need attention.

Difficulty Chewing

Dogs with dental issues sometimes chew on one side of their mouths. They may also start ignoring kibble and chew toys, and/or showing a preference for softer foods.

Tips

Many of these issues can be caused by a variety of medical problems. If you notice any of them in your pooch, contact your vet immediately!

Do you know or suspect that your dog has dental issues? Contact us, your Porters Lake, NS animal clinic, today!