Have you had your dog’s teeth checked lately? If not, you may want to get Fido’s choppers examined. Dental issues are actually extremely common in our canine pals. Just like people, dogs can be afflicted with painful and potentially-dangerous dental issues, such as gum disease, abscesses, misalignments, and cracked or broken teeth. Of course, your cute pet can’t tell you if his teeth hurt, so it’s important for you to watch for red flags. Read on as a Greater Cincinnati vet lists some signs of doggy dental woes.
Man’s Best Friend has many charming attributes, but minty-fresh breath isn’t one of them. If Fido’s doggy kisses could knock you over, dental trouble could be to blame.
Does your furry buddy sometimes shy away from having his head or face touched? This can also be a sign of dental problems.
Visible swelling is a serious warning sign, and one that should be treated like a medical emergency. This can be a sign of a severe infection, which, given the proximity to the brain, can be very dangerous.
While some dogs are naturally, well, a bit slobbery, drooling can sometimes be a red flag. If Fido is drooling excessively, or if his saliva is ropy or bloody, he may have dental issues.
Tartar buildup is another red flag. That icky gunk is often indicative of gum disease, which can cause or contribute to many other medical issues, like heart disease.
Dental problems can affect how your pooch eats. Fido may dribble food, take longer eating, or start preferring wet food. In some cases, dogs with dental issues don’t eat much or at all, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
It’s probably safe to say that toothaches have never improved anyone’s mood. This is also true for pets. Fido may seem uncharacteristically grumpy if his teeth are hurting him. He may also withdraw, and spend more time by himself.
Dogs use their mouths to play, so it really isn’t surprising that dental issues can really put a damper on Fido’s fun. If your pup’s toys are gathering dust, he may need his choppers checked.
Please contact us, your Greater Cincinnati vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s dental care. We’re here to help!
