By three years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease, which is the most common condition in dogs diagnosed by veterinarians. Hence, it is increasingly pertinent to adhere to recommended pet healthcare tips to ensure your furry friend is always healthy and happy. For dog owners, here are some of the common dental problems that you need to know.
- Gingivitis
This condition occurs due to the bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Typically, it is triggered by the accumulation of bacteria between the gums and teeth. The early signs of gingivitis include swollen gums, red coloring, bleeding, and bad breath. If discovered early enough, these symptoms can be reversed to ensure your pet safety.
- Mouth Tumors
Also known as oral tumors, mouth tumors can appear as lumps on the jawbone area or near the teeth. Some of the lumps are benign and can be easily removed while others may be malignant. During your visit to a vet clinic, the veterinarian may carry out a lab test to determine if the tumors are cancerous.
- Bad Breath
This problem is also known as halitosis, and it’s usually a common symptom of an underlying dental issue. You will need to visit a Phoenix dog dental clinic the moment you notice extremely foul breath. In some cases, this may occur due to failure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Although veterinarians explain the importance of brushing, 65% of pet owners do not brush their pet’s teeth.
- Periodontitis
When you fail to treat your dog’s gingivitis, the condition eventually aggravates and advances to periodontics. This happens after the plaque accumulation on the teeth turns into tarter. To ensure better pet healthcare, it’s always wise to seek help the moment you discover unusual symptoms. Signs of periodontitis include brownish tartar, sore gums, and blood spots.
- Salivary mucocele
Salivary mucocele appears as a large fluid-filled sac inside the mouth cavity. It is caused by damaged salivary glands, which causes saliva to leak and accumulate in the nearby tissues. This results in inflammation that causes the condition.
An adult dog has 42 teeth, and treatment can be costly if they are all affected. Being aware of these dog dental care problems helps to ensure your animal friend is sound. Visiting dog clinics routinely allows owners to learn essential pet healthcare guidelines that can help to keep their dogs healthy while avoiding unnecessary treatment costs.