Like humans, canines need a consistent oral routine to preserve their gums and teeth in great condition. If not looked after, their teeth may contract dental diseases. While we may believe dental disease in canines only affects their oral health, this can lead to systemic diseases that could be very unpredictable and even costly to treat. Now, let’s figure out how oral illness can minimize your pet’s well-being.
How Dental Disease Can Affect Your Pet’s Health
Heart disease, diabetes, and damaged jaw are some health concerns linked to poor oral hygiene in pets. However, canines are experts at hiding pain that you may not even know if there’s an issue. This is why vets and dog dentists always suggest that you take your dog for routine check-ups at this vet clinic to identify their possible health issues.
It is crucial to understand how oral illness impacts your dog’s life to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
1. Complicates diabetes
Pets with diabetes are vulnerable to developing dental illnesses, making it harder for them to manage diabetes. Diabetic cats and dogs might find it more difficult to handle their blood sugar levels because of the gum disease-related inflammation and infection, worsening their condition. If you’re a pet owner with a diabetic cat, it is necessary to monitor their dental health more frequently.
2. Jaw fractures
Poor oral health might result in severe damage to your pet’s jaw, which is most likely encountered by small dog breed owners. The infections caused by the oral illness can deteriorate their jaw, and even the most minor impacts can shatter their delicate bones.
While a damaged jaw is just a possible threat to bad tooth health, it’s unusual for pets. However, it’s still important to bring them to a veterinary surgeon if you see signs of a damaged jaw to prevent their condition from worsening.
3. Kidney and liver disease
Periodontal disease in dogs is brought on by a bacteria named periodontitis. This typically impacts a canine’s mouth, damaging its gums, teeth bones, and supporting structures. It can cause gingivitis, bad breath, and loss of teeth. Pets with gum disease may not show noticeable symptoms until the disease has completely developed.
In the worst-case scenario, the said bacteria can go into the bloodstream and affect your pet’s internal organs, which can cause heart, liver, and kidney issues. Dogs with complications in the said organs must be treated carefully to prevent severe problems if they develop dental disease. Taking your dog to an internal veterinary medicine professional can help reduce these complications through diagnosis, evaluation, and specialized treatment plans for internal systems.
4. Loss of weight and appetite
Oral complications can impede your pet’s eating habits as it can be an unpleasant and painful process for them. This causes them to be reluctant in opening their jaws and even drop food from their mouth if they attempt to chew. Your canine’s health might suffer if they don’t want to eat, causing weight loss.
The moment your pet reveals indications of dental problems, do not think twice to act quickly. Have them checked by a vet dental expert in facilities like Ambassador Dog and Cat Hospital right away so they can better indulge in eating to gain back their lost strength and weight.
5. Promotes inflammation
Bacteria from a tooth infection triggers your dog’s immune system, resulting in an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory response gets rid of bacteria, but it damages the healthy tissue. Infection, discomfort, and tissue loss are possible consequences of this.
Swellings caused by oral disease increase the risk of bacteria going into the bloodstream, which affects some parts of their internal organs. This can result in damage and infections to their body, leading to more complicated illnesses.
