Does your dog have bad breath? If so, Fido may need his teeth checked. Dental problems are not uncommon among our canine friends. These issues can be very painful for your pet, and can seriously affect his health and well-being! Below, an Oshawa, ON, vet discusses doggy dental woes.

Common Dental Issues

Fido can have many different dental problems, including cracked, broken, or infected teeth; abscesses; and misalignments. Gum disease is one of the most common ones. By some estimates, over 80 percent of adult dogs have some form of this harmful disease. Gum disease is painless in its early stages, but as it develops, can cause Fido’s teeth to loosen, shift, or even fall out. The infection can also be spread to your pet’s organs through his bloodstream, and can cause or contribute to some very serious health conditions, such as heart disease.

Signs of Doggy Dental Woes

As noted above, bad breath is often symptomatic of dental trouble in dogs. Other signs of doggy dental problems include a lack of interest in chewing and/or toys; excessive or bloody drool; reduced appetite; visible tartar buildup; swelling; and crankiness. Fido may also take longer eating if his teeth hurt, and he may not want you to touch his mouth.

Home Care

Brushing Fido’s teeth is one of the best ways to keep his choppers healthy. Start by just gently massaging your furry pal’s teeth and gums, so he gets used to the idea of having his mouth handled. Next, add some doggy toothpaste. Once your pooch accepts this, you can start using a pet toothbrush. If your dog fidgets too much for you to clean his teeth, ask your vet for recommendations about dental-formula treats, kibble, and/or chews. Also, make sure your canine buddy has plenty of fresh water and suitable chew toys.

Veterinary Care

Fido’s teeth should be checked by a vet at least once a year. If your pooch has gunk on his teeth, he may need a good deep cleaning, which will remove tartar and reduce inflammation. Other issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis. When it comes to treating dental problems in dogs, cosmetic issues aren’t really a concern: your vet will focus on problems that can cause pain or affect your pet’s health. Does your pet need dental care? We can help! Call us, your Oshawa, ON, animal clinic, today!