In our daily lives, brushing teeth in the morning and evening has become a routine, and for our pet dogs, oral health is equally important. After eating, food residues can easily remain in a dog’s mouth. If not cleaned promptly, these residues may lead to oral diseases. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), oral diseases are one of the top three health concerns for pet owners, with approximately 80% of dogs suffering from some form of oral disease by the age of three. This statistic suggests that pet owners generally neglect their pets’ oral health, highlighting the need for greater awareness.

Oral diseases not only affect a dog’s teeth and gums but can also spread bacteria through the bloodstream, potentially impacting vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, oral health problems can have a profound effect on a pet’s growth, development, and overall health. To ensure a dog’s oral health, owners should regularly take their pets to the veterinarian for check-ups and follow the vet's advice regarding oral cleaning and treatment. Additionally, pet owners can provide oral hygiene toys and foods to help maintain their pets’ oral health. A clean and healthy mouth is crucial for a dog’s growth and overall well-being. Only when a dog’s mouth is kept clean and healthy will it be more energetic and able to fully enjoy life.

Common Oral Problems

1.Stomatitis

The main symptoms of canine stomatitis include redness, swelling, blisters, and red spots in the mouth, which may progress to erosions and ulcers. Several factors can cause stomatitis in dogs:

• Mechanical Injury: Injuries caused by sharp, hard bone spurs while eating bones or fish.

• Physical Injury: Inflammation caused by consuming overly hot food that burns the tongue and mouth.

• Chemical Injury: Inflammation caused by eating spicy or irritating foods or accidentally ingesting harmful chemicals.

2.Tartar

The primary symptoms of tartar are yellowing or darkening of the teeth, loosening of teeth, and bad breath. Tartar forms gradually: food residues remain in the gaps between the dog’s teeth and are gradually broken down by saliva, eventually forming dental plaque, which hardens into tartar. This can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral problems.

Behavioral Signs of Oral Diseases in Dogs

A dog’s behavior can reflect its oral health. If a dog exhibits symptoms such as loss of appetite, drooling, or swollen gums, these could be signs of oral diseases. Owners should pay close attention to their dog’s behavior and oral condition and seek veterinary care if abnormalities are noticed. Preventing oral diseases involves regularly brushing the dog’s teeth and maintaining oral hygiene. As pet owners, we should monitor our dogs' mental and behavioral state to detect and address potential oral issues promptly.

Here are some common behavioral signs associated with oral diseases:

• Excessive Drooling: Unlike normal drooling, when oral diseases occur, saliva production increases, and the dog may drool excessively even when at rest. If this happens, it’s time to pay attention to the dog’s oral health.

• Inability to Close the Mouth or Drooping Lips: This may occur due to inflammation or swelling inside the dog’s mouth, preventing the dog from closing its mouth properly.

• Depression, Lying Down, and Loss of Appetite: Even when presented with their favorite food, dogs may exhibit a lack of appetite, which could indicate a problem with their teeth.

• Restlessness and Unusual Behavior: Dogs may show signs of restlessness or engage in odd behaviors such as pacing. They may appear hesitant when they see food, indicating discomfort while eating.

Daily Care

1.Diet Control

• Avoid feeding dogs food with spicy condiments, such as mustard or chili oil, as well as hot, spoiled leftovers.

• Limit soft foods like canned food to reduce food residues left on teeth. Mixing dry food into their diet can help promote tooth grinding and cleaning during chewing.

2.Prevent Tooth Damage

• Prevent dogs from engaging in intense biting activities, such as tug-of-war, to avoid loosening their teeth. You can buy chew sticks or rubber toys to satisfy the dog’s chewing needs.

3.Oral Cleaning

• Cultivate the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth, ideally brushing 2-3 times a week. If possible, take your dog to a pet clinic for professional teeth cleaning and use mouthwash and other oral care products to effectively protect your pet’s oral health.

4.Improve Water Quality

• Avoid giving your dog tap water directly. Boil and cool the water before giving it to the dog, or provide purified water.

A dog’s oral health requires the careful attention and care of its owner. In addition to providing the correct food, owners must also train their dogs to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Additionally, owners should be aware of foods that may negatively impact their dog’s oral health and avoid feeding them. By taking these measures, you can provide a healthy oral environment for your dog, allowing it to enjoy a happy and healthy life while keeping its owner company.