Understanding the importance of oral health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Surprisingly, over 80% of dogs develop some form of dental disease by age three, which can have severe consequences on their general health. How do you identify and treat oral infections in dogs? Let’s find out!
Canine Oral Health: More Than Just Teeth
Good dental care in dogs is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing tooth loss, bad breath, oral pain, and even organ damage due to spreading bacteria. Identifying oral infections in dogs is important, and your vet can help, but the truth is, preventing periodontal disease can also be key to preventing other health issues.
Identifying Oral Health Issues
As we said, prevention is vital, but you also need to be able to identify issues and possible infections with your dog’s teeth. Your dog’s oral health goes hand-in-hand with their overall health, as advanced periodontal disease often becomes systemic and affects other organs. When looking for infection in your dog’s mouth, check it out for bad breath, changes in eating or chewing habits, pawing at their mouth, and excessive drooling as signs. If your dog looks like it’s in significant chronic pain, that could indicate dental disease or infection. In any event you believe your dog may have an infection, confirming with your veterinarian is advised.
Dental Disease: What Do I Look For?
Symptoms of oral infections include persistent bad breath, changes in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the mouth, and excessive drooling. These signs may indicate underlying dental problems that require attention.
Gum Disease in Dogs
Periodontal disease in dogs is one of the most common dental diseases in dogs. There are several other oral infections in dogs, however, that often require pet dental care, including a possible dental procedure. This gum disease can arise from various causes, including infections, trauma, and immune system diseases. It’s a condition that can have far-reaching effects on a dog’s health if not addressed promptly.
Additional infections that can come from poor oral hygiene or other underlying disease in dogs include:
- Canine Stomatitis This severe condition involves gum inflammation and mouth sores, often linked to an overreactive immune response to dental plaque. Managing it involves thorough dental care and sometimes tooth extractions from the dog’s mouth.
- Lip Fold Dermatitis Dogs with drooping lips are susceptible to this chronic inflammation. Regular dental cleanings to keep the area dry are vital for treatment and prevention.
- Fungal Stomatitis in Dogs Caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, this infection is often associated with suppressed immune systems or existing oral diseases. Addressing both the fungal infection and underlying conditions is crucial for treatment.
- Trenchmouth in Dogs Characterized by intense gum inflammation and ulceration, Trenchmouth requires extensive treatment, including antibiotics and professional dental cleaning.
- Glossitis: Inflammation of the Tongue Various factors, including infection and irritation, can lead to glossitis. This condition can cause discomfort, drooling, and a reluctance to eat. Removal of irritants and treating the primary cause are necessary steps in managing this condition.
Preventing Oral Infections in Dogs
When it comes to your dog’s oral hygiene, prevention is so important! Daily tooth brushing and using products endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can significantly reduce the risk of tartar build-up and dental diseases. Avoiding hard objects that could fracture teeth is also essential for maintaining oral health. Untreated dental disease can have a more devastating impact on your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Nutritional Support and Prevention With Bernie’s Charming Chompers
Incorporating Bernie’s Charming Chompers, which are made with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and turkey, can be a great addition to your dog’s dental care routine. Sweet potatoes provide essential dietary fiber for digestive health and are less likely to cause immune reactions. Turkey, rich in protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, and iron, supports muscle growth, efficient metabolism, and a healthy nervous system.
We love our dogs, and let’s face it–sometimes, taking care of your pet’s mouth is tough to do. Professional teeth cleanings are pricey, and often hard on your dog as dental procedures typically require anesthesia that may compromise your dog’s health.
We know that daily brushing is excellent, but the truth is, we wanted to create dog chews that actually made a difference for your dog’s teeth and gut health. No, it’s not great when your dog’s breath reeks, but more importantly, it’s a sign you likely need to address dental disease.
When we created our dog dental treats, we used the latest science on dental health in dogs and a commitment to providing something yummy that you could feel good giving your dog.
Most importantly, we understand that some dental infections require antibiotic treatment. The ingredients in Charming Chompers aren’t just good for your dog’s oral health but for their gut microbiome too. This can mean better recovery from antibiotics courses if the infection in your dog’s teeth or gums requires it, and that’s always going to help boost their overall health and vitality!
We can’t keep everything terrible away from our canine companions, but we CAN easily help keep our dog’s teeth clean, help remove dental plaque, and reduce the risk of infection. The best part is your dog will just think you’re giving them a delicious treat.
