Like humans, a dog needs a good oral routine to keep its gums and teeth in good condition. If not looked after, their teeth might contract dental diseases. While we might believe oral illnesses in canines only affect their dental health, this can cause systemic diseases that may be very unexpected and even costly to handle. Now, let’s know how oral disease can reduce your dog’s quality of life.
How Dental Disease Can Affect Your Pet’s Health
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and broken jaw are some health issues connected to poor oral health in family pets. However, canines are good at hiding the pain that you may not even recognize if there’s a problem. This is why vets in animal hospital Los Angeles and dog dentists always recommend taking your dog for regular appointments to see their possible health problems.
It’s important to know how oral illnesses impact your furry buddy’s life to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
1. Loss of weight and appetite
Oral issues can impede your pet’s eating routines as it can be an uneasy and painful process for them. This causes them to be reluctant in opening their jaws and even drop food from their mouth if they try to chew. Your canine’s health might suffer if they refuse to eat, leading to weight loss.
The instant your dog reveals signs of oral problems, do not think twice to take action quickly. Have them checked by an animal professional that offers dental services so they can take pleasure in eating again to restore their lost strength and weight.
2. Jaw fractures
Poor oral hygiene may cause serious damage to your dog’s jaw, which is most likely experienced by small dog breed owners. The infections caused by the dental disease can damage their jaw, and even the smallest impacts can crack their fragile bones.
While a damaged jaw is only a potential risk to bad tooth health, it’s rare for pets. It’s vital to bring them to a veterinary surgery professional right away if you notice indications of a damaged jaw to prevent their condition from becoming worse.
3. Kidney and liver disease
Periodontal disease in dogs is caused by a bacteria named periodontitis. This usually impacts a canine’s mouth, harming its teeth bones, gums, and supporting structures. It can cause gingivitis, halitosis, and loss of teeth. Dogs with gum illness may not show visible symptoms until the disease has fully developed.
In the worst-case scenario, the stated germs can enter the bloodstream and affect your dog’s internal organs, which can cause liver, heart, and kidney issues. Dogs with problems in the said organs have to be treated thoroughly to avoid serious problems if they contract a dental disease. Taking your dog to an internal medicine veterinarian can help reduce these concerns through assessment, diagnosis, and specialized treatment for internal systems.
4. Complicates diabetes
Dogs with diabetes are susceptible to developing dental disease, making it harder for them to manage diabetes. Diabetic animals might find it harder to control their blood sugar levels because of periodontal infection and gum disease-related inflammation, aggravating their condition. If you’re a pet owner with a diabetic dog or cat, it is crucial to monitor their oral health more often.
5. Promotes inflammation
Bacteria from a tooth infection activates your dog’s immune system, leading to an inflammatory response. The inflammatory reaction eliminates bacteria, but it also destroys the healthy tissue. Infection, pain, and tissue loss are possible repercussions of this.
Swellings brought on by oral illness increase the threat of bacteria getting into the bloodstream, which affects some parts of their inner organs. This can cause damage and infections to their body, causing more complex illnesses.