How to Tell If Your Dog Has Dental Problems
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The study “A Cross-Sectional Study to Estimate Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in a Population of Canis Familiaris in Commercial Breeding Facilities in Indiana and Illinois” has shown that 86.3% of pups had some stage of periodontal disease. The reality is that mouth issues are as painful and dangerous for canines as they are for you. But while you have regular checks, your pet’s oral health may go without necessary attention. Today at Healthywoof.com, we’ll explain the signs of dog dental problems so you to take immediate action.
1. Changes in Their Appearance
If you wonder, “How do I know if my dog has dental problems?” take a closer look at your good boy’s face, mouth, teeth, and gums. Are there any changes? Do you see swelling around teeth or face? Or, perhaps, their gums are bleeding? Is a tooth broken or missing? You can notice a lot of the dog dental problems just by checking the animal’s appearance regularly.
2. Yellow or Brown Buildup
Known as tartar, this buildup along the gum line is one of the key signals that plaque is hardening on your pet’s teeth. If nothing is done, infection and tooth decay are inevitable.
3. They Eat Less
If you have ever suffered from a toothache, you know what it’s like to chew when you literally howl with pain. The same happens to your furred buddy. When in pain, your canine companion may be reluctant to eat or avoid food completely. Perhaps you notice they drop food from their mouth. Take it all as symptoms of oral health conditions.
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In our blog, we’ve already mentioned that bad breath is not just an obstacle for kisses and cuddles but one of the dog dental problems symptoms. If your pet’s breath odor leaves a lot to be desired, something is just not right. Chances are the pooch suffers from a tooth infection or decay.
5. Excessive Drooling
If you own one of the mutts famous for drooling a lot, no need to worry. However, all the other canines tend to drool when in pain. Salivary glands start working overtime, so you notice drooling more than usual. The problem could be any, from a fractured fang, irritation of the gums, or tartar buildup to tumors inside the mouth, throat, esophagus, etc.
6. Pawing or Scratching at the Mouth
They can’t talk, but they can signal it’s time to see a vet. For example, one of the symptoms of tooth pain in dogs can be a simple pawing at their mouth. Or you may notice your woofie rubbing its face on pieces of furniture or simply looking away when touched around the head.
7. Chewing Only on One Side
Dog tooth pain, swollen and bleeding gums, tumors, or any other issues may be the reason why the sweet pup is chewing on one side of the mouth. Watch the pup. Chances are, it may drop a toy or food if it accidentally touches the skin that hurts.
Photo by Mariana Silvestre from Pexels
Please, do not confuse it with shyness that some pooches may experience due to negative moments in their past (being abused, mistreated, etc.). If the furry family member enjoyed being cuddled, kissed, and petted, but then it all stopped all of a sudden, chances are a dental disorder is in the game. Irritation, aggression, general lack of energy, depression, or simply lack of interest in activities the animal had before – all these are the behavioral signs your buddy is sick.
Now you know how to tell if dog has toothache, gum disease, tartar, decay, or any other condition, so…what’s the next step? Provide your pet with quality dental care to help fight plaque buildup. Check out our catalog for products to provide a complete oral health routine for your pup. In case of any symptoms, take them to the vet ASAP.