How you can help prevent dog dental problems
You love your dog more than anything, and always want to do what’s best for your four-legged friend. As dogs get age, there’s a lot pet parents can do to ensure their dog’s golden years are as healthy and happy as possible. If you’ve noticed your senior dog is losing their teeth, you might be wondering: Do dogs lose teeth? Contents
While it’s natural for puppies to lose their teeth as their adult ones come in, this is a sign of concern in older dogs. Here’s what you need to know.
Is it normal for older dogs to lose teeth?
Ordinarily, adult dogs should not lose their teeth as they age. If they do, it is typically a sign of some type of shock or disease. Injury or trauma, like if your dog hits their head or mouth, can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Hard treats like antlers and marrow bones can also damage teeth. When dogs chew something too hard, their teeth could crack and fall out. Poor diet and metabolic disorders can also lead to dental damage. If your dog experienced distemper, malnutrition, or some other ordeal when they were a puppy, they could suffer from abnormal development of their teeth and tooth enamel as they age. The result leaves their teeth weakened and more susceptible to plaque growth and tooth decay.
But perhaps the most common cause of adult dog tooth loss is poor dental hygiene. When left untreated, tartar growth can evolve into periodontal disease. This condition can cause tooth infections, abscesses, and bone loss, all of which can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. Thankfully, many of these causes can be prevented with the assistance of your veterinarian. Keep reading to learn what to do to protect your furry friend’s teeth.
What To Do If Your Dog Shows Signs of Dental Disease
The first thing would be to schedule a visit to your vet to determine the current state of your dog’s teeth and mouth.
Since he is obviously experiencing some level of discomfort, if not outright pain, the sooner you have a diagnosis, the quicker your dog will be feeling better.
Request the earliest appointment your vet has available. If it’s a week or two (or more) away, explain what you’ve been noticing, any changes in your dog’s behavior and see if they can squeeze you in.
If not ask if they can put you on a waiting list when there’s a cancellation. Even if you’re on the list I would still tell them you’re going to call every morning to check if there’s anything available.