Just like humans, dogs can get gingivitis too. This is an inflammation in the gums and is commonly an early symptom of dental disease. A regular dental check is important to prevent this from happening and progressing into a much more severe case. Gingivitis in dogs can be managed and treated but if left neglected, could cause serious health conditions that could be dangerous for your dog.
Causes of Gingivitis in Dogs
Most people consider their dogs as a huge part of their family. Lucky pets even get to have a room of their own and a warm meal served to them all the time. But what if one day, they just lost appetite and does not seem interested in eating your well-prepared foods for them? You might want to consider gingivitis in dogs and bring them to the vet immediately.
In general, gingivitis emerges because of bacterial infections that infested the gums and the teeth. These bacteria can be found in plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth which is the result of poor dental care. Gingivitis takes place when the bacteria has found its way into the gums and teeth through small holes, after this, the inflammation will begin.
For some dogs, specifically toy breeds, overcrowded-teeth could also be the main cause of gingivitis. If you notice that they are starting to show signs and symptoms of gingivitis, take them to their doctor right away as it could lead to severe dental disease or periodontal disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gingivitis in dogs often show up after the gingivitis has progressed. You can protect your dog’s teeth by knowing the basic symptoms of gingivitis early on:
- mild inflammation
- a thin line in the gum, usually in the color red
- foul breath odor
- swollen gums
- plaque and tartar build-up
- bleeding gums
- pain in the mouth
- trouble eating
- no appetite
- salivating
- loose teeth
- receding gums
Treatments for Gingivitis
The best way to relieve your dogs from gingivitis is by taking them to their doctor at once. However, there are home remedies that you can try to save your dog from dental disease.
- Anti-inflammatory pain relief. Gingivitis can be painful and unbearable. If your dog is in pain, you will notice that they do not have any interest in doing their usual activities and their appetite is declining. Anti-inflammatory medication can reduce the pain that your dog is feeling.
- Mouth wash for pets. Mouth wash is an important product in your dog’s dental care regimen. This keeps their oral health in check while washing away bacteria that causes bad breath and infections.
- Professional cleaning. Dog’s teeth can be professionally cleaned as well. In this procedure, the vet will remove tartar and plaque build-up and polish the teeth afterward. Your dog will be put under anesthetics to guarantee that all areas of its mouth will be cleaned thoroughly. You will most likely be advised to continue a home treatment regimen to fully treat your dog’s gingivitis. The vet might even prescribe special gels, toothpaste, formulas, rinses, or chews.
Complications of Neglected Gingivitis
As you may already know, gingivitis in dogs can result in dental disease. But what most people don’t understand is there so much more to poor dental health accompanied by periodontal disease. Studies show that neglected gingivitis is often the root cause of many health problems in dogs.
Here are the five possible complications that your dog may suffer from due to gingivitis:
- Poor immune system. As the inflammation proceeds, it also destroys your tissue. This gives the bacteria a pathway to enter the bloodstream and ultimately affects your dog’s immune system. The inflammation will keep on occurring as long as the dental disease is growing. This puts your dog in a riskier situation.
- The risk for dog heart disease. Poor oral health has a significant effect on your dog’s heart and liver. Multiple research concludes that dogs with severe dental problems are extremely prone to cardiopulmonary diseases. When your dog gets to this stage, a dental cleaning may not be enough to save them from other health conditions.
- Complicates diabetes. If your dog has an underlying condition like diabetes, a dental disease would definitely make things worse for them. It doesn’t really matter which of these two comes first. Researches conclude that a combined periodontal disease and diabetes can put your dog in a critical situation.
- Undetectable pain. One of the many dilemmas of a pet owner is not knowing and understanding how their dogs feel. Additionally, dogs are not really good at showing and addressing that they are in pain. Losing appetite and behaving oddly are some of the indications that your dog is in severe pain.
- A broken jaw and tooth loss. This is the irreversible result of neglected gingivitis. Without proper care, your dog might suffer from a broken jaw and tooth loss. This needs to be cared for as it can be very painful for the dog and could even begin a new dental problem.
Prevention
Keeping your dog safe from any kind of health problems is rewarding in a way that you won’t have to worry about them being in pain, or worse, being in a fatal condition. This is the reason why preventative methods are important, not only that you will save plenty of money for treatments and vet visits but you will also be able to spend a long time with a healthy dog.
Clean their teeth and gums every day.
- Provide your dog with an ozonated water to keep their mouth clean.
- Give them supplements.
- Prepare bone broth for your dog. Bone broth contains plenty of minerals that strengthen gums and teeth.
- Take them to their vet regularly for oral and physical examinations.
- Do not feed them foods that are not suitable for dogs.
- Offer them treats and chew toys to play with.
- Consider professional dental cleaning at least once or twice a year.
- Use toothpaste and mouth rinse specifically formulated for dogs.
- Be an angel and do dental check-ups at home. Check to see if plaque or tartar is starting to build-up in their teeth and if certain measures must be followed.
