Like humans, a dog needs a good oral routine to keep its gums and teeth in tiptop condition. If not maintained, their teeth might contract dental diseases. While we might think dental disease in dogs only affects their oral health, this can cause systemic conditions that could be unexpected and costly to cure. Now, let’s know how dental disease can reduce your pet’s wellbeing.
How Dental Disease Can Affect Your Pet’s Health
Heart problems, diabetes, and a damaged jaw are some health problems linked to poor oral hygiene in family pets. Dogs are good at hiding the pain that you might not even find out if they are in agony. This is why veterinarians and animal dentists always advise that you take your dog for regular checkups to track down their potential health issues.
It is crucial to understand how dental disease impacts your furry buddy’s life to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
1. Jaw fractures
Poor oral health may lead to major damage to your dog’s jaw, which is more likely experienced by small dog breed owners. Infections caused by the dental disease can deteriorate their jaw, and even the most minor impacts can break their tender bones.
While a damaged jaw is just a potential risk to poor tooth health, it’s unusual for pets. However, it’s important to bring your pet to a veterinary surgery professional if you observe indications of a damaged jaw to prevent their issue from getting worse.
2. Kidney and liver disease
Periodontal disease in canines is caused by a bacteria named periodontitis. This typically impacts a dog’s mouth, damaging its gums, teeth bones, and other supporting structures. It can cause gingivitis, halitosis, and loss of teeth. Pets with gum disease might not show visible symptoms until the disease has totally developed.
In the worst-case scenario, the said bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect your pet’s internal body organs, which can cause liver, heart, and kidney problems. Dogs with issues in the said organs have to be treated carefully to prevent major issues if they contract an oral disease. Facilities like Ambassador Dog and Cat Hospital offer internal medicine services. Bringing your pet in these places can help ease their internal problems through assessment, diagnosis, and specialized treatment for internal organs.
3. Loss of weight and appetite
Dental issues can impede your dog’s eating routines as it can be an uncomfortable and agonizing experience for them. This causes them to be reluctant in opening their jaws and possibly drop food from their mouth if they attempt to chew. Your pet’s health may suffer if they don’t want to eat, causing weight loss.
The moment your pet shows signs of dental concerns, do not think twice to do something about it immediately. Have them analyzed by a veterinarian dental practitioner so they can better take joy in eating to restore their lost strength and weight. You may click here to learn more about the necessary dental care for your pet.
4. Complicates diabetes
Pets with diabetes are vulnerable to contracting a dental disease, making it harder for them to handle diabetes. Diabetic animals might find controlling their blood sugar levels more difficult due to periodontal disease-related inflammation and infection, aggravating their condition. If you’re an owner of a diabetic cat or dog, it is vital to monitor their dental health regularly.
5. Promotes inflammation
Bacteria from a tooth infection activates your dog’s immune system, leading to an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory response eliminates bacteria, but it also destroys the healthy tissue. Infection, pain, and tissue loss are possible effects of this.
Inflammations brought on by dental illness increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bloodstream, affecting some parts of their inner organs. This can cause damage and infections to their body, leading to more complicated health problems.
