Caring for your four-legged family member is something most pet owners enjoy doing.
However, when our dogs seem so happy-go-lucky all the time, it can be hard to remember that they may need help with something they can’t vocalize.
Watching for symptoms is extremely important. Catching symptoms early on can save your dog from potential trauma.
Noting symptoms will also save your bank account. By catching the problem early enough, you can stop it before it becomes so serious that medical intervention is needed. Veterinary surgical and dental operations for your pet can be extremely costly.
Here, you’ll learn the 5 signs your dog needs a dental check-up.
1. Bad Dog Breath: Dragon Breath
Dogs are notorious for having occasional bad dog breath.
If your dog’s breath smells like he swallowed a dead bird, it may mean that there is severe bacteria or even an infection in his mouth.
Perhaps there are abscesses at the tips of his roots. Maybe his tartar and plaque have gotten so bad that the gums are no longer attaching to the teeth and they are coming loose. This can create bad infections that can head straight to the blood stream.
Once your dog’s gums start to detach, it is very difficult to get them to reattach. Once there is an abscess you’ll be headed straight for surgery. Bad dog breath is a major sign of deeper issues.
2. Broken or Worn Down Teeth
Besides bad dog breath, look for worn down or broken teeth.
Natural wear is completely normal for a dog’s set of teeth. However, if the teeth wear down too much, the sensitive pulp cavity will be exposed. This can cause your dog great pain. It can also open up a new highway for bacteria to travel to the tip of the root.
Dental pain often goes undetected in dogs. Perhaps your dog isn’t chewing on his favorite hard toy anymore. Maybe he is less interested in the harder chewy treats he used to love.
Any of these symptoms may mean your dog needs a little dental checkup.
3. Puppy Puts on the Brakes
Much like bad dog breath, lethargy in dogs can be normal. But if you are noticing a major change in your dog’s energy, it could be related to a dental disease.
Take your dog to your local vet and have them run the tests. If he isn’t finding any issues with his bloodwork, get your dog’s teeth cleaned. Eliminating any disease or bacteria from your dog’s mouth will get him back to his normal, fun-loving state.
4. Pup Won’t Eat
If he has hard kibble and isn’t eating it at his normal rate, it may be because it’s painful for him.
Much like avoiding his favorite toys, if he isn’t eating his dry food, you should take your dog into the dentist.
5. Blood
Inspect your dog’s toys. If there are blood bits on them, your dog may be having gum trouble. Bleeding gums and teeth are a major sign that your dog needs some extra TLC in the mouth department.
Healthy Teeth = Happy Dog
By taking careful note of the condition of your dog’s teeth you can help him stay happy and healthy. Stop any dental problems before they get worse. Brush your dog’s teeth on a weekly if not daily basis.
Consider putting pet-friendly liquid mouth care in their water on a daily basis.
This will fight tartar and plaque. For more tips and tricks on caring for your pets, check out our blog.