(Newswire.net — June 7, 2021) –Gum disease can happen to dogs too. In fact, dogs are even more prone to gum disease than humans, because they have more alkaline in their mouths, which causes plaque-forming bacteria. About 80% of dogs will have gum disease by the time they’re two years old.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent gum disease in dogs. Read on to find out how you can keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
Dogs and Gum Disease
Dogs get gum disease the same way humans do. Saliva, food, and fluids combine in a dog’s mouth making for optimal conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Gum disease is more likely to occur if dogs’ mouths aren’t properly cared for. Small dogs are more prone to gum disease because they have smaller jaws that increase tooth crowding. Older dogs are also at higher risk as their weak immune systems leave them poorly armed in fighting against the effects of bacteria.
There are several signs your dog may be dealing with gum disease including the following:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Becoming fussier about what they eat
- Reddened and/or swollen gums
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in the water bowl
How To Treat and Prevent Gum Disease in Dogs
There are several things you can do to treat and prevent gum disease in dogs. Here are some treatments that are recommended:
Dog Mouthwash: Dog mouthwash is specially formulated to be safe for dogs. It is effective in minimizing the buildup of plaque and bacteria and it improves bad breath.
Anti-Inflammatories: Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation associated with gum disease.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to fight infections that are a side effect of gum disease. They are usually prescribed to treat tooth abscesses related to periodontal disease.
Dental Cleaning: To minimize the risk of gum disease, it’s advisable to brush your dog’s teeth twice a day. With proper training, your dog will get used to having its teeth brushed without feeling irritated. Here you can learn some tips that are going to help you and your puppy improve its dental hygiene while enjoying the process. You can also take him or her to a vet for regular cleanings. The vet will place your dog under an anesthetic and remove plaque and tartar. X-rays will be taken to determine if your dog is at risk for gum disease or any other oral health conditions.
(Check out this link for recommended kinds of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other products you should get for your dog.)
Oral Care Drops
It’s hard to get into a dog’s mouth to clean. Oral drops make it easy to add a solution that improves oral hygiene.
The oral drops you give your dog should be free of harmful ingredients. Pet Wellbeing makes a Healthy Gums for Dogs and Cats product you can trust.
Pet Wellbeing incorporates holistic principles with the latest scientific research to produce products that improve your pet’s quality of life. Their Healthy Gums drops use a medium-chain triglyceride oil base that provides optimal absorption. It supports a healthy immune response to microbial challenges and helps maintain gum health during normal aging.
No one likes to see their dog in pain. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce your dog’s risk of gum disease giving you one less thing to worry about. What do you do to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy?