[Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your dog's periodontal disease can be dangerous
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Have you ever noticed that your dog's breath smells bad?
This may be a sign of periodontal disease, which is said to be the root cause of all other diseases and can be dangerous if left untreated.
This time, we will explain in detail about periodontal disease in dogs.
In addition, Bow Wow Place offers a wide range of food snacks and care products that contain the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Please use the correct information to help maintain the health of your beloved dog!
1. About periodontal disease
◆ What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition in which the periodontal tissues that support the teeth (such as the gums and bones) are destroyed or absorbed.
This is different from tooth decay, which is a disease of the tooth itself.
Dogs have characteristics such as their saliva being alkaline, so they are less susceptible to cavities than humans and are primarily affected by periodontal disease.
Many people may think that periodontal disease is something that occurs in older people, but in fact, it is said that more than 80% of dogs over the age of 2 have some form of periodontal disease, and it is a disease that requires careful attention.
Owners often notice periodontal disease when their pet complains of pain when eating dry food or their gums become red.
As we will explain in the next section, patients may visit the hospital with symptoms such as a runny nose.
In this case, the periodontal disease is often quite advanced and it becomes necessary to extract the causing tooth.
Causes and pathology
The bacteria present in dental plaque infect the gums and cause inflammation.
Symptoms of gingivitis include red, receding gums, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the surrounding area and dissolve the bone that supports the teeth.
If the bones dissolve, teeth may fall out, holes may form between the mouth and nose, and the jaw may break.
Also, a hole in the upper palate can cause a runny nose and pus can come out from the skin under the eyes.
When bacterial infection or inflammation becomes severe in this way, bacteria and inflammatory substances can enter the bloodstream through weakened capillaries, affecting distant organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver.
This is why periodontal disease is said to be the root of all diseases.
2. Treatment methods for periodontal disease
◆ Treatment under general anesthesia
Many people have been told by their veterinarian that they would need to undergo anesthesia when consulting about periodontal disease. In fact, general anesthesia is necessary to accurately evaluate and treat periodontal disease.
The procedure after anesthesia is administered is as follows:
① Using X-rays, etc., evaluate how severe the periodontal disease is and which teeth need to be extracted.
② Remove tartar and plaque using an ultrasonic scaler. During this process, we thoroughly clean even the periodontal pockets hidden under the gums.
Finally, an abrasive is used to smooth the surface of the teeth.
③ Extract any necessary teeth and suture (if necessary)
It will be.
What is scaling without anesthesia like ?
As explained in the previous section, dental treatment requires various steps.
Doing this without anesthesia and while holding the dog down is difficult and cruel.
Even if visible tartar is removed without anesthesia, periodontal disease will not be cured unless the hidden periodontal pockets are cleaned.
Of course, general anesthesia does have risks, so it's important to choose a veterinary hospital that has a proper system for managing and administering anesthesia!
◆ Animal hospital specializing in dentistry
Recently, there has been an increase in veterinary clinics that specialize in dentistry.
Veterinary clinics that specialize in dental care are equipped with the latest equipment and perform detailed procedures using a microscope, so you can receive more optimal treatment.
If there is a veterinary clinic specializing in dentistry near your home, you may be able to get some detailed advice by consulting them.
3. How to prevent periodontal disease in your dog
◆ Dental care
Home dental care is the only way to prevent periodontal disease.
Get your child used to having the inside of their mouth touched from an early age and teach them that brushing their teeth is fun.
During practice, you can reward your dog with treats for taking good care of his mouth!
When you begin training, get your dog used to holding the muzzle first.
Once you get used to it, practice touching the teeth and gums with your fingers, then touching the inside of your mouth with gauze wrapped around your fingers.
Once you get used to this, it's finally time to use a toothbrush.
Gradually practice and work towards your goal of brushing your teeth with a toothbrush.
Once you get used to brushing your teeth, it's best to brush the inside of your teeth as well as the outside.
◆ Toothpaste gum
Toothpaste alone is not enough dental care.
However, it is great for when your child just doesn't like brushing their teeth or as a reward after brushing their teeth!
When giving your pet toothpaste, be careful not to swallow it whole.
It is recommended that the owner hold one side of the gum while feeding it to the dog, as this allows the dog to chew the gum properly.
◆ Dental snacks
In addition to dental care and brushing gum, we also recommend supporting your health through daily snacks.
BAUWAW dental care snacks are:
It is additive-free, gluten-free, and low in salt, making it highly recommended for your beloved dog.
To support oral health,
It contains lactic acid bacteria, known for preventing insoluble glucan, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, and mushroom extract.
If you'd like, please take a look at the article below!
[Veterinarian-supervised] Dental health support treats for your dog
Summary If you are looking for additive-free dog food, come to Bow Wow Place!
Today we explain in detail about periodontal disease in dogs.
It's a scary disease if left untreated, but it can be prevented to some extent with daily care. Please try your best to care for your pet at home!
At Bow Wow Place, we offer a wide range of additive-free, safe and secure dog food.
If you are looking for a safe place to dine with your partner, please check out Bow Wow Place.
