Dental Disease

One of the more common problems we see in dogs as they age is dental disease. While dental problems are a normal part for the ageing process, good care for our pet’s teeth can have significant benefits for their health and wellbeing.

The early signs of dental disease in our pets are often quite subtle. Redness of the gums and a build-up of calculus can often be seen by lifting up the lips, and bad breath (halitosis) can be noticed when you are close to the animal.

As the problem progresses, we rarely find that animals show any outward signs of pain. We often see dogs with tooth root abscesses where the owner didn’t realise the dog had a problem until the face started to swell, but once the teeth have been removed or treated the dog will be noticeably happier and more active, with some owners saying they are like a puppy again. Cats are more likely to show signs of pain when they eat, with the cat approaching the food bowl as if hungry then backing away quite quickly.

Dental disease can have wide-ranging effects on the body. A recent study showed that dogs with advanced dental disease had a significantly higher risk of liver or kidney damage. We believe this is because large numbers of bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream from the diseased mouth, which are then filtered out by these organs.

Good dental care starts at home. Diet is one of the main factors that influences an animals dental health. Food can be used to physically clean the teeth with a scraping action. Animals that are fed a diet entirely of tinned or soft food will be at an increased risk of dental disease as the soft food does little in the way of physically cleaning the teeth, and can leave the teeth coated in food remnants, encouraging bacterial growth.

The use of bones to help keep teeth clean is controversial. Chewing bones carries the risk of tooth fractures, bones becoming stuck in the intestine, or constipation. Personally, I think the benefits of bones outweigh the risk in most cases, so I do recommend feeding bones. Bones should always be raw, and avoid bones like chop or neck bones that could become stuck in the throat or intestine if swallowed whole. If you pet has a history of constipation, pancreatitis or other illness then talk to your vet before feeding bones.

Specialised diets specifically designed to protect your pet’s teeth can be fed, and the Australian Veterinary Dental Association also recommends brushing your pet’s teeth daily – there is even chicken and beef flavoured toothpaste for pets.

The next time you see your pet, have a quick look at its teeth and gums. If you pet already has established dental disease, treatment at the vets is often needed. Otherwise a few simple things can help prevent a big problem.

Bunbury Vet Clinic - Modern Medicine, Compassionate Care for the animals of Bunbury, Australind and surrounds.