Dental health is crucial for a dog’s overall well-being. Pet owners often focus on their dog’s eyes, fur, food, and activity levels, but they don’t always pay enough attention to their teeth and gums. This neglect can gradually lead to tartar, gingivitis, and eventually periodontal disease. This is particularly common, and often goes unnoticed, with Periodontal disease in senior dogs. It’s a serious illness that affects not only their mouth but also poses a threat to their entire body’s health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious dental condition that affects the gums, the bone holding the teeth in place, ligaments, and deeper tissues.
- It all begins with plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria and food particles that builds up on the surface of the teeth.
- A thin layer of bacteria forms on their teeth.
- This layer slowly turns into tartar (a hard, yellow/brown deposit).
- Tartar causes infection and inflammation in the gums, which is called gingivitis.
- If gingivitis isn’t treated in time, it goes deeper and becomes periodontal disease.
Causes of the Disease
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Not brushing your dog’s teeth or keeping them clean.
- Bad Diet: Giving only soft or sticky food, which allows plaque to build up quickly.
- Breed Predisposition: It’s more common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire Terriers.
- Age: It’s common in senior dogs (over 7 years old) as they get older. This is why Periodontal disease in senior dogs is so prevalent.
- Weakened Immunity: Due to age-related illnesses or medications.
- Genetics: Some dogs are naturally more prone to this problem.
Recognizing the Symptoms
As Periodontal disease in senior dogs progresses, you may notice several symptoms. It’s important to pay attention to these:
- Bad breath (Halitosis): This is often the first and most obvious sign.
- Bleeding or red gums: Healthy gums are pink, while diseased gums are red, swollen, and tender, and can bleed easily.
- Loose or missing teeth: In advanced stages, teeth can become weak, loose, or even fall out.
- Difficulty or pain while eating: Your dog might hesitate to eat, seem to be in pain while chewing, or chew only on one side of their mouth.
- Pain around the mouth: Dogs may avoid letting you touch their mouth or pet their head.
- Weight loss: If eating is painful, your dog won’t eat enough, which can lead to weight loss.
Effects on the Dog (Complications)
- Local Effects: Pain, tooth loss, and refusing to eat.
- Systemic Effects: Bacteria can travel and cause heart disease, kidney failure, or liver infections.
- Quality of Life: The dog can become lethargic, irritable, and in constant pain.
Treatment
- Scaling and Polishing: A dental cleaning done at a vet clinic.
- Extraction: Removing severely damaged teeth.
- Antibiotics and Painkillers: To reduce infection and pain.
- Gels or Mouthwash: To reduce gum inflammation.
- Diet Change: Soft food, dental-specific diets, or dental treats.
Home Care
- Brush your dog’s teeth with dog-friendly toothpaste at least 3 times a week, or daily if possible.
- Use dental chews and treats.
- Do not give hard bones or sticks, as they can break teeth.
- Always provide clean water.
- Get a dental check-up from the vet at least once or twice a year.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease in senior dogs is a serious but preventable illness. If we pay attention to our dog’s dental health from the beginning, it will never become a severe problem. Taking care of your senior dog’s mouth can significantly improve their overall quality of life.
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