Did you know that dental issues are one of the most common problems in our canine friends? Dogs can suffer from many different dental problems, such as gum disease, infections, abscesses, and broken, cracked, or misaligned teeth. These issues can be very painful for Fido, and can even lead or contribute to some very serious health problems, such as heart disease. Your dog can’t tell you if his teeth are bothering him, so it’s up to you to know what to watch out for. A local Marietta, GA vet lists some signs of doggy dental woes in this article.
Bad Breath
While your pet’s breath will probably never remind you of a cool winter breeze, it shouldn’t knock you over, either. If Fido’s doggy kisses could wilt plants, he may have dental issues.
Excessive Drool
We know, some of our four-legged buddies are, well, a bit slobbery. But if Fido is drooling excessively, or if his saliva is bloody or stringy, he could have dental trouble.
Grumpiness
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how painful they can be. Just like people, dogs can get rather crabby if they are sick or in pain. Fido probably won’t be very cheerful if his mouth is bothering him, and may act a bit cranky.
Tartar Buildup
Yellow or brown buildup on Fido’s teeth is another warning sign. Tartar contributes to gum disease, which can cause some very serious problems in dogs. Not only can gum disease cause your dog’s teeth to become loose or fall out, the infection can be carried to his vital organs, and can contribute to some major medical problems, such as heart disease. A good deep cleaning will get rid of that yucky buildup, and fight bacteria and inflammation.
Reduced Appetite
It’s hard to chew with a sore tooth! Dogs with dental problems sometimes take a long time eating. They may also start preferring softer foods. In severe cases, Fido may even lose his appetite.
Lack of Interest In Chewing/Play
Dental problems can definitely put a damper on your pet’s playful activities. Fido may lose interest in his favorite doggy toys if his teeth hurt. He may also not feel much like playing fetch or Tug-O-War.
Do you know or suspect that your dog has dental trouble? We are here to help! Contact us, your Marietta, GA animal clinic, today.
