All dogs have temporary, or so-called baby teeth. Puppies are born without teeth. Dairy milk appears at the age of one month. There are 32 of them in total: four canines, 12 incisors and 16 molars.
Features of changing baby teeth in dogs
From the third month of a puppy’s life, baby teeth begin to fall out, gradually being replaced by permanent teeth. The incisors begin to change first. Under the root baby tooth The rudiment of the root begins to grow. The root of a baby tooth dissolves and the tooth falls out.
After the incisors, the molars fall out and the last ones - the canines. The deciduous fangs are usually highly developed and very sharp. They have a saber shape and are fragile. The change of teeth should end by six to seven months. In especially small dogs of toy breeds such as Toy Terriers and Chihuahuas,
U large dogs teeth change faster. At the same time, illness of the puppy or even ear cropping can delay the change and growth of teeth. Permanent teeth grow along the path of least resistance, that is, along the canal that appears after the loss of a baby tooth. The change of baby teeth is slightly behind the average norm.
Therefore, if a baby tooth does not fall out for some reason, a permanent tooth may grow into
in the wrong place or not grow at all. And this is a serious obstacle both to participation in exhibitions and to the dog’s participation in breeding. Milk teeth that do not fall out must be removed in time to make room for permanent ones.
Disturbance in the replacement of primary teeth in dogs
The replacement of milk teeth in dogs with permanent ones largely depends on the breed, as well as the characteristics of maintenance and feeding. A fairly common occurrence is already a breed predisposition to disruption of the replacement of baby teeth. Especially among dwarf and small breeds, weighing up to eight kg.
Such violations are especially common in long- and medium-snouted dogs. This is due to poor development chewing muscles, which leads to a strong reduction in the size of the gums while the size and shape of the teeth remain unchanged. The reason is feeding the dog loose and soft food, as well as a significant reduction in the time of feeding.
So, if previously the pet ate for 20-30 minutes, then it eats in 5 minutes, as a result of which the load on the entire dental apparatus of the animal is greatly reduced. Under such circumstances, teeth change cannot occur without outside help. And now this trend is already observed in such breeds as
- poodles,
- toy terriers,
- greyhounds,
- miniature pinschers,
- scotch terriers,
- chihuahua,
- lap dogs, etc.
also in last years Cases of dental irregularities have become more frequent in Doberman Pinschers, German and East European Shepherds, Boxers, Rottweilers, and Labradors. The most common violations are: - partial or incomplete retention of milk teeth, in which almost all milk teeth are preserved, and permanent teeth erupt nearby; - a temporary delay in the change of teeth, in which baby teeth completely fall out only by the age of one year.
First of all, at the slightest suspicion of a tooth change disorder, you should contact a veterinary dentist. Because retained milk teeth need to be removed urgently, but very carefully.
Pets' teeth are a real blind spot for many owners, who believe that the oral cavity of animals is the least susceptible to various ailments. However, dental problems are just as common in dogs as they are in people. Caries, pulpitis, stomatitis - all this can poison a dog’s life if you don’t take care of its teeth. Diseased teeth, in turn, tend to fall out. We'll talk about why your dog's teeth fall out and how to avoid it below.
A variety of reasons can lead to tooth loss in dogs, including severe bruise or elderly age pet. However, now we will focus on diseases oral cavity and the teeth themselves, which account for the vast majority of dental problems. It is important to remember that all of the listed diseases do not appear by themselves, but are often the result of improper living conditions.
Caries
Caries is one of the most common dental diseases among both humans and many domesticated animals. The initial stages of caries development can occur completely unnoticed by the owner and the dog itself, appearing as small black dots on the teeth. Over time, these dark spots gradually increase in size and deepen, beginning to cause discomfort to the dog.
Acute pain occurs when caries spreads to the nerve endings and affects them. If this happens, the dog loses interest in food, whines frequently, and becomes more lethargic. Advanced caries leads to loosening of the tooth and its subsequent loss. However, if you take timely measures and take your pet to the veterinarian, such a fate can be easily avoided.
Causes
Among the prerequisites for the formation of caries, the following factors can be noted:
Treatment
Treatment of caries is carried out only in a veterinary clinic. Treatment methods depend on the depth of the caries - for superficial holes, silver nitrate is used to fill the cleaned cavity. Deeper damage
Pulpitis
Pulpitis involves inflammation of the pulp, by which dentists understand the soft tissue that fills the inside of the teeth. Since the pulp consists of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, its exposure can be very dangerous, especially if we are talking about gangrenous or purulent types of pulpitis.
Pulpitis is experienced more acutely by dogs than caries. Often animals refuse to even open their mouths because they do not want even more reinforcement. pain. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of pulpitis:
- open pulpitis, which involves exposure of the pulp, is more difficult for the dog and poses a greater danger;
- closed pulpitis presupposes the presence of dentin, which covers the pulp and smoothes out the severity of painful manifestations.
Causes
Pulpitis develops in dogs for the following reasons:
- mechanical damage resulting in cracks in the tooth;
- movement of inflammation from nearby tissues;
- existing diseases associated with the oral cavity (gingivitis, stomatitis, etc.).
In most cases, pulpitis develops against the background of other diseases of an infectious nature, leading to excessive proliferation of streptococci, bacilli and other pathogenic bacteria in the dog’s body.
Treatment
Treatment methods for pulpitis depend on its severity. As already mentioned, purulent and gangrenous types of pulpitis require only removal. In other cases, options for helping an animal may be different:
- removal of the pulp while preserving the tooth itself (which then becomes dead and insensitive);
- introducing special medications that remove any sensitivity from the pulp, thereby killing it);
- removal of the crown followed by filling the cavity in which the pulp was located with a special composition.
Since some of these procedures are performed under anesthesia, it takes time for the dog to fully recover from it. If the tooth was saved during the procedure, the pet can quickly return to its normal life. If a tooth has been removed, he will need to switch to special soft food for a certain time.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can occur in both acute and chronic form. There are many subtypes of gingivitis:
- local;
- generalized;
- catarrhal;
- purulent;
- hypertrophic (occurs due to metabolic disorders);
- necrotic.
One of the most common forms of the disease is considered to be catarrhal gingivitis, in which all the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves most clearly. The most severe is the necrotic form, which can threaten the life of the animal, but it is observed quite rarely.
Causes
Gingivitis can develop in dogs according to the most various reasons. From experiencing serious bruises to imbalances in the body as a whole. Among the prerequisites leading to gum inflammation, we note the main ones:
- lack of care for the dog’s teeth and oral cavity;
- advanced caries;
- jaw injuries or ordinary bruises received by the dog;
- accumulation of dental plaque and stones;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- immunodeficiency;
- hormonal imbalance leading to changes in the microflora of the oral cavity.
Symptoms
Despite the fact that gingivitis can occur in different ways, its main manifestations include the following:
- redness and swelling of one or more gums (depending on whether the form is local or generalized);
- bleeding, which can occur both during food and in the absence of food;
- expressed bad smell from the mouth, especially characteristic of purulent form diseases;
- excessive salivation;
- ulceration of gum tissue (manifests itself with advanced untreated gingivitis);
- increased temperature (typical of purulent and necrotic varieties);
- loosening and loss of teeth;
- loss of interest in food.
Treatment
It is important to understand that gingivitis, as a rule, is a secondary disease that develops as a result of the influence of another pathological factor. Most often, treatment of gingivitis is preceded by treatment of caries or removal of tartar, which allows you to relieve the gums from subsequent damage and constant irritation.
Sometimes it happens that removing the source of irritation leads to the fact that gingivitis goes away on its own, without requiring additional medications. The purulent type of gingivitis will most likely require antibiotics wide range actions.
It is very important to show your pet to a veterinarian in a timely manner so that he can correctly identify the problem, which is not always obvious. Any attempts to cauterize ulcers or disinfect your pet’s mouth yourself can end sadly.
In some cases, veterinarians advise rinsing the animal's mouth before full recovery by the following means:
- baking soda;
- chamomile decoction;
- infusion of oak bark.
All these liquids are auxiliary and gently promote the speedy healing of gums.
Stomatitis
If gingivitis is accompanied by inflammation of the gums, then stomatitis acts more globally, affecting the entire oral cavity of the animal, namely the mucous membranes. Stomatitis spreads to everything: the cheeks, gums, tongue, palate. Stomatitis can act either separately or as a symptom of another infectious disease.
Types of stomatitis
The symptoms of stomatitis directly depend on its type.
Table 1. Types of stomatitis
| View | Description |
|---|---|
| Atrophic | This type of disease involves the covering of the mucous membranes and gums with characteristic blisters filled with clear liquid. In addition to blisters, the oral cavity gradually becomes overgrown with bleeding wounds, due to which the animal completely refuses solid food. |
| Ulcerative | As a rule, it is localized on the pet’s gums, less often observed on the tongue or cheeks. Involves the appearance of bleeding ulcers and swelling of the tissue around them. Ulcerative gingivitis sometimes develops due to stress, but more often it accompanies gastrointestinal pathologies, immunodeficiency, hormonal imbalance or tumors |
| Phlegmonous | With phlegmonous stomatitis, the mucous membranes become covered with small ulcers. This form is considered one of the most dangerous, since it does not exclude the possibility of such stomatitis developing into sepsis. Often phlegmonous stomatitis is the final stage of other inflammations of the oral cavity |
| Catarrhal | The most common type of stomatitis is initial stages without any significant symptoms. Gradually, the gums and mucous membrane take on an unhealthy reddish tint and swell. All these symptoms are accompanied by the appearance gray plaque, hiding the ulcerative surface. Catarrhal stomatitis is a consequence of untreated tartar, caries and gastrointestinal dysfunction |
| Gangrenous | This type of stomatitis is the most dangerous for a dog’s life because it is accompanied by tissue necrosis. In the initial stages, it proceeds according to the same pattern as ulcerative stomatitis, however, without proper treatment it can subsequently lead to sepsis, causing great damage to the health of the animal |
Treatment
In most cases medication assistance for stomatitis consists of the use of antibacterial and antiviral drugs. In situations where the initial cause of stomatitis is a fungus, antifungal agents are also used.
Before any treatment, the animal’s oral cavity must be treated antiseptics(for example, chlorhexidine or potassium permanganate). A decoction of regular chamomile may also work.
Until complete recovery, the dog is transferred to therapeutic diet, consisting of soft food that does not injure the already painful mucous membranes of the mouth. It is important that the food is at room temperature so that the animal does not burn itself or consume food that is too cold. Can be used as dishes rice porridge, meat broth soups and pates.
Video - Treatment of gum inflammation in dogs
Tartar
Depending on the location, there are two types of tartar:
- supragingival;
- subgingival.
Supragingival stones are easier to remove, while subgingival stones require special care from the dentist and are often removed only with the help of ultrasonic cleaning.
Treatment
It is recommended to remove tartar in a veterinary clinic, but if you really want to, you can try to carry out this procedure at home. To do this, owners use Elixir Xident, which softens dental plaque, and then carefully removes the remaining stone particles with a dental scaler. It should be noted that the sharpness of the scaler makes this procedure dangerous, especially for a person without experience in this field.
IN veterinary clinics Tartar is removed using two methods:
- mechanical cleaning. It is carried out using a scaler already familiar to us using general anesthesia. The procedure is quite cheap, but often leads to thinning of the enamel, as a result of which the teeth weaken and become more vulnerable;
- ultrasonic cleaning. Allows you to remove tartar without damaging the enamel, which is a big advantage of the method. The effect of ultrasonic cleaning is longer than mechanical cleaning. The procedure is also carried out under general anesthesia. The only drawback of ultrasonic cleaning is its high price.
Video - Removing tartar from a dog in a veterinary clinic
How to prevent tooth loss
Of course, with age, teeth gradually begin to deteriorate, and nothing can be done about it. However, with proper care of your pet's oral cavity, you can put off this sad moment for as long as possible. Caring for teeth and mucous membranes does not require much effort or time and consists of the following main points:
- creating a proper diet
- periodic brushing of teeth at home;
- professional teeth cleaning in a veterinary clinic.
In the event that your dog has a normal bite and is naturally healthy teeth, compliance with the above points will be enough to forget about tooth loss for a long time.
If for some reason the dog’s bite is not formed correctly, he will have to visit the veterinarian more often to monitor his condition. Sometimes dentists decide on the need to wear a braces system, which will prevent teeth from decaying ahead of time and prevent jaw deformation. You can read about pathological types of bites below.
The right diet
Since in natural environment dogs are predators, do not forget about this trait at home and try to remove meat from your pet’s diet. Dental problems often begin in dogs due to a lack of protein, which is detected when the dog switches to a natural diet, in which portions of meat are small or absent altogether.
Among the products that must certainly be included in the menu of a dog that is natural nutrition the following are observed:
- meat - it is this that plays a dominant role in any diet;
- bones - fed only raw. Bones reduce the risk of developing tartar in dogs, as they are a distant relative of the toothbrush;
- dairy products;
- vegetables and fruits.
Dry food
If you lack time and don’t want to bother with the correct calculation of portions, there is also the option of switching your pet to dry food. Moreover, if the dog previously had problems with teeth, it can be transferred to special medicinal feed oriented towards animals painful teeth, such as Royal Canin Oral Care. Feeds of this type protect the animals’ teeth and prevent the formation of plaque.
Teeth cleaning at home
Brushing your teeth is an integral part of your dog's oral care. It is advisable to accustom your pet to the “ritual” of teeth cleaning from puppyhood, so that in the future he does not show resistance. All you need for cleaning is:
- toothpaste;
- brush (or set of brushes).
Most pet stores sell so-called kits that include one or two brushes and the paste itself. When choosing a brush, it is important to consider the size of your pet's mouth.
Important! It is advisable to brush your teeth once a week, or (at least) a month.
How to choose pasta
When choosing toothpaste for your dog, it is important to consider several factors:
- absence of fluorine;
- the presence of a taste in the paste that causes the dog's appetite. These flavors include chicken, bacon and other meat variations. In most cases, pastes with bacon flavor are found;
- versatility. It is advisable to opt for toothpastes that not only freshen your breath, but also prevent the formation of tartar.
By the way! Any human toothpastes are completely unsuitable for cleaning dog teeth. The enamel in dogs is significantly different from the enamel in humans, so such experiments would be simply pointless. Among other things, mint, which is part of most human toothpastes, negatively affects dogs’ sense of smell.
Liquid toothbrushes
In pet stores there is such a thing as a “liquid toothbrush”. This unusual name means various liquids for rinsing your mouth. They can also be used to clean teeth, but they are significantly less effective than regular “hard” toothbrushes.
Rinse liquids are more often used in for cosmetic purposes when owners set themselves the task of improving their pet’s bad breath. This product is most in demand at exhibitions and similar events. The use of such a liquid under ordinary conditions is completely impractical.
Visit to the vet
Even regular teeth cleaning at home cannot guarantee that your dog will avoid any dental problems. In some cases, diseases of the teeth and oral cavity appear as a result of a general weakening of the immune system or pathologies associated with completely different organs.
Therefore, it is important to monitor the pet’s health and show it to a specialist at least once every six months. Moreover, home teeth cleaning should occasionally be supplemented by professional teeth cleaning, since a brush is not always able to clean teeth completely.
By getting a dog, a person takes on great responsibility. Unfortunately, pets sometimes get sick, so the owner needs to have basic knowledge in order to contact a veterinarian in time.
Often inexperienced dog breeders ask questions: why do dogs lose teeth? When is this considered normal? It is important to know that they change only once in a lifetime. This happens in puppies when their molars erupt. Naturally, this process is accompanied by loss of milk.
But do dogs over one year old lose teeth? This also happens, but it indicates deviations in health. This will be discussed in detail in the article.
Formation of the dentition
Before we understand the causes of tooth loss in adult dogs, let's familiarize ourselves with the anatomy. Puppies, like small children, are born with empty gums. Their first teeth appear at 1 month of life. They are called “needles”. After two to four weeks, the rest will emerge. Puppies do not have molars in their first bite. A complete row of primary teeth consists of 32/28 pieces. Their number may vary depending on the breed of dog. In the first case, there will be 16 teeth on each jaw, in the second - 14. It is worth noting that they can appear in different time puppies not only have the same breed, but even the same litter. The norm is a difference of 7-14 days.
Let's look at the order in which teeth erupt:
- milk fangs - on the 20-25th day;
- incisors - on the 30-40th day;
- premolars appear from the 35th day of life to the 60th.
In decorative dog breeds, the first teeth erupt only on the 40th day of birth. Moreover, this delay applies to the entire dairy range.
When are baby teeth replaced with permanent ones?
What teeth do dogs lose? If the animal is healthy, then only dairy products should be changed. This happens around 3 months of age. It is impossible to determine the exact timing, since everything will depend on the breed of the dog. The main thing is to know that the dentition completely changes in the first year of life. Time frames vary by several months. For example, at large breeds molars appear by 36 weeks. But for small ones - only by the 11th month.
If the animal develops correctly, then by the age of one year all its permanent teeth have erupted. They must be sharp, strong, and also have White color, without yellowness.
Causes of loss of molars
Has your dog lost a tooth? Why is this happening? What reasons can lead to such consequences? Let's look at the main ones (of course, we are not talking about the process of changing baby teeth):
- The gums are inflamed. This problem occurs due to improper oral hygiene. Also, the inflammatory process occurs after injury to the mucosa. Each owner can independently examine the oral cavity. If there is inflammation, the gums will be swollen and very red.
- The surface of the teeth is covered with a soft plaque. It has either a green or brown tint. Appears in animals that do not have special hard toys and solid food. Its formation is also provoked by a lack of calcium, protein and fluoride. Plaque can also appear in dogs whose bodies contain excess carbohydrates. The consequences are loosening of teeth and inflammation of the gums.
- Tartar. This plaque is considered the most common reason why dogs lose teeth. Stones form over a long period of time. As a rule, they appear due to the fact that the soft plaque was not removed in time. Consist of food debris, bacteria that destroy tooth enamel, dead cells. Tartar can cause inflammation on the gums.
- Periodontitis. This disease is very difficult to diagnose. On early stages Only an experienced veterinarian can do this. The pathology causes tooth loss and bleeding from the gums. Lesions of pus may also form.
- Gingivitis. This disease causes inflammation of the skeletal system. It also applies to soft fabrics. Tooth loss and gum atrophy during this pathology indicate an advanced stage.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, if you adult dog If a tooth falls out, this indicates some kind of violation. The fact is that this problem does not manifest itself in healthy individuals. Dog owners are advised to pay attention to certain symptoms that are warning signs of tooth loss. Here are the main ones:
- There is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth.
- A dense plaque or even stone has formed on the teeth.
- In some areas of the gums, the inflammatory process is clearly visible.
- The teeth began to loosen.
- Caries.
- The gums are bleeding.
- A large amount of saliva is produced.
- Stomatitis.
- Refusal to eat or decreased appetite, for example, the pet does not eat solid food.
Even one of these symptoms should alert the dog owner. It is best to contact your veterinarian immediately. It is important to remember that if the problem is diagnosed in a timely manner, there is a high probability of saving all the animal’s molars.
Diagnostics
Why do dogs lose teeth? All possible causes of this pathology were described in detail above. Based on this information, every owner at the slightest suspicion should immediately contact qualified help. During the consultation, a specialist will easily determine the cause of tooth loss. However, to make a diagnosis, he needs to know the pet’s lifestyle, its diet, general condition and, of course, the circumstances that made the owner worry. Remember, the animal will not be able to talk about itself, so the dog owner must do this.
After the conversation, the veterinarian must conduct an external examination of the pet. To prevent the dog from accidentally biting the doctor, an additional restraint method is used. After the examination, a decision is made to undergo testing. Only on their basis is a diagnosis made and treatment prescribed.
Treatment
What to do if your dog's teeth are falling out? Do not delay treatment under any circumstances! Owners should know that it will not be possible to return teeth that have already fallen out, but it is quite possible to stop this process. What will the therapy consist of? The following needs to be done:
- Changing your diet. You will need to adhere to the developed diet constantly, and not just during treatment.
- Pass the course medicines to get rid of the underlying disease, which caused tooth loss.
- Boost your immunity by taking vitamins.
- Clear plaque.
- Eliminate inflammation and bleeding.
- Strengthen loose teeth using fiberglass or dental wire.
Consequences
Having figured out why dogs lose teeth, it’s worth talking about the consequences. Note that they are quite serious. If an adult animal loses at least two chewing teeth, this will lead to a worsening of his condition. What pathologies can develop if a dog has incomplete dentition? The main ones are listed below:
- Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Severe painful spasms, due to which the pet will refuse food. And the shortage nutrients will lead to deterioration of health.
- Rapid wear of other teeth.
- Bite displacement.
Prevention
Every dog owner should know how to prevent adult molars from falling out. Let's look at preventive measures:
- Regular examination of the dog's oral cavity.
- Proper hygiene graze with pastes and brushes.
- Make sure your pet always has stringy toys. For large breeds, beef joints are suitable.
- Remove dental plaque in a timely manner.
- A dog's diet should not consist only of soft food.
And finally: if the owner notices changes in the animal’s behavior, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian. In the early stages, it is much easier to cope with the disease than to deal with complications later.
So, there are enough reasons for unsteadiness with subsequent loss of masticatory organs. Here are the main ones:
- Raid. Even if it is soft, it has a brown, yellowish or green tint. Over time, the plaque hardens.
- Tartar. It is precisely the result of a soft plaque that was not removed in time. Tartar is hardened food debris, microorganisms, iron and phosphorus salts that destroy enamel and gums. They become inflamed due to bacteria in the plaque.
- Gingivitis. Oral disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums, which progresses and leads to their atrophy (recession), the formation of periodontal pockets, and instability of the masticatory organs. If the disease is neglected, then over time the dog may lose them.
- Periodontitis. The insidiousness of this disease is that long time he may not make himself known at all. Periodontitis causes inflammation of the gums with bleeding, discharge of pus, putrid odor from the mouth, pain when chewing food. The dog or bitch loses their appetite and loses weight significantly. They become nervous, irritable, and sometimes even aggressive. Another specific sign diseases - asymmetry of the muzzle. Sometimes swelling may appear under the eyes. Treatment of periodontitis is long and painstaking.
Why does a dog's teeth fall out? The reasons are varied and can be divided into the following groups:
- genetic, inherited;
- arising as a result severe violation metabolism;
- acquired after injury.
Diseases in which there is a high risk of tooth loss
Most often this happens with highly developed tartar. It affects both the tooth itself and the gum that holds it. Damage to the gums progresses to gingivitis, and if the course is negative, periodontitis occurs - tooth destruction.
The stone begins to form from the so-called biofilm. It consists of colonies of various bacteria, fungi, fusobacteria, and spirochetes. This is where the unpleasant smell comes from. It can lead to necrotic changes in the jaw. Gingivitis can also be caused by:
- malnutrition,
- acute microelementosis,
- immunosuppressive conditions,
- heavy metal poisoning,
- bite pathologies,
- nasal breathing disorder,
- diabetes.
Internal diseases leading to hair loss
This is all internal diseases causing immune suppression, for example:
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- diabetes,
- osteoporosis.
Causes not related to disease
This should include:
- heavy metal poisoning,
- the effect of ionizing radiation,
- severe maxillofacial injuries.
Possible reasons
There is no smoke without fire. We suggest you look into possible reasons loose teeth in dogs.
Changing dairy products to indigenous ones
When the puppy turns 3 months old, the period of teeth change begins. If at the age of about 3 months you notice that your pet’s teeth are loose, do not panic. The logical explanation here is that dairy products are replaced by permanent ones.
This process is explained by the fact that the rather long stone of the baby tooth is gradually crushed, weakened and pushed out by the growing tooth.
IMPORTANT! During this period, it is necessary to inspect the puppy's mouth daily.
What to do if a tooth that turns out to be a baby tooth is swaying? The owner can independently, with extreme care, loosen and pull it out using a sterile gauze pad.
However, when deviations from the norm are observed: the molars have already grown, but the baby teeth still remain, or the change of teeth has not yet begun at the indicated age, it is necessary to show the puppy to a specialist.
There are a number of factors:
- presence of plaque;
- tartar;
- inflammatory process;
- gingivitis;
- periodontitis.
As we can see, dental ailments in dogs are exactly identical to the problems with the oral cavity that occur in humans. Animals, just like humans, are very susceptible to various problems.
The presence of plaque on the dog’s teeth indicates that the problem already exists. This is usually a yellow growth and is generally not a cause for concern. But still, it is worth paying attention to this, because if this problem is not eliminated immediately, complications may arise. The yellow growth may begin to darken and turn brown and even green.
If plaque is not removed in time, tartar will soon appear. This is a variety of plaque that takes a long time to form and hardens over time. Tartars are not difficult to see, they look like dark spots, in the roots of the tooth. They can also cause gum inflammation. Of course, it does not pose any direct threat to the health of the animal, but it can still have a bad effect on the condition of the entire body.
Gums can become inflamed for various reasons. Tartar microbes begin to transfer to tissues, forming gum inflammation. Also, the inflammatory process can begin due to the bones that their owners feed them. To protect your pet from oral diseases, you need to set a clear meal schedule and try to stick to it. Damage to the gums, as a rule, leads to the appearance of gingivitis, which can later develop into a complication, the so-called periodontitis.
Gingivitis is partial or complete inflammation of the gums in dogs. This disease has several main symptoms, which provide the owner with the opportunity to understand that inflammation has begun to develop. Also, such inflammation can spread to the larynx and pharynx. The first symptoms that you can see in your animal, such as an unpleasant odor from the dog’s mouth, which appears due to the accumulation of bacteria on the animal’s gums.
The dog may begin to refuse food and not chew hard bones. Loses interest in any toys. The animal's mouth may be slightly open and there may be a lot of drooling. The dog is lethargic and can lie there all day. If you press on the gum, you can see how it begins to bleed. In severe cases, this disease causes gum atrophy. A loose tooth or a tooth that has fallen out are signs of gingivitis.
After gingivitis, the stage of periodontitis begins. This disease is very cunning and dangerous because it develops slowly and breaks the entire tooth structure.
In addition to tooth loss, it can cause swelling of the gums, as well as pockets of infection. In this condition, the animal feels a lot of pain when chewing food, which can cause a loss of appetite, and the dog may also begin to lose weight. In deeply affected stages, the dog may have a swollen face and loss of head symmetry. If periodontitis has reached a similar state, you need to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
The most common causes of toothache in dogs are:
- Soft coating.
- Tartar.
- Gingivitis.
- Periodontitis.
Tooth loss can be caused by
If a dog eats only soft food, then self-cleaning of the teeth does not occur, which is why the dogs' front teeth become loose and fall out. These diseases can be avoided if you carry out the necessary preventive measures in a timely manner and are regularly examined by a veterinarian.
Another reason for dog teeth falling out is lack of play. The dog should regularly chew something - this prevents the formation of stone, and therefore problems with teeth. The absence of such a load on the jaws leads to the teeth atrophying. Therefore, it is recommended to walk your dog regularly and keep special toys at home to entertain your pet.
How many teeth does an adult dog have?
An adult dog has 42 teeth - 22 in lower jaw and 20 at the top. Each jaw has two canines, six incisors, and eight premolars. Molars on upper jaw four, and on the bottom - six.
Large dogs - Great Danes, Mastiffs, Rottweilers - have additional incisors. This is considered a variant of the norm.
Dogs with short muzzles (such as pugs) have fewer teeth.
A permanent grin develops by the age of one year. The bite depends on the breed. With the correct bite, the teeth will grind down evenly in the future without causing discomfort to the dog.
Types of bites:
- bulldog-shaped;
- snack;
- undershot;
- normal (scissor);
- straight (glue-like).
Symptoms that precede tooth loss in dogs
Initially, a light plaque appears on the tooth - biofilm. Then - a characteristic unpleasant smell. The smell intensifies as tartar develops. The stone begins to irritate the gums, they become inflamed and gingivitis occurs. There are many different forms of gingivitis, but they are all similar, ranging from simple inflammation to ulcers. Discharge and blood may appear, and in severe cases, periodontitis may develop.
Each disease has its own symptoms, but pet owners may notice the formation of tartar or plaque on the teeth. If your pet has a loose tooth, this is also easy to notice. Plaque can be observed on the gums. If such symptoms are detected, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Typically, such problems are observed in puppies six months old.
If there is an unpleasant odor coming from your pet's mouth, it may indicate the development of gum and dental diseases. In dogs two years of age, it is often possible to observe the development of periodontitis, tartar and gum disease. This leads to loosening of teeth and their loss. If symptoms of dental disease are detected in an animal, it should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for consultation. The doctor will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Diagnosis and correction of the situation
Important! At the first symptoms, we contact a veterinarian. Early diagnosis gives a high chance of correcting a particular defect.
You can remove the biofilm yourself using special pastes, brushes or a gauze pad soaked in peroxide. It is visible to the naked eye. This will also eliminate the smell.
The stone should be removed by a specialist; anesthesia may be used.
If gingivitis was detected at an early stage, then basic oral hygiene, rinsing with oak bark, sage, chamomile, etc. can help. Oral antiseptics or chlorhexidine can be used.
For severe gingivitis use:
- novocaine blockades with an antibiotic
- washing with furatsilin,
- X-rays may be required
- surgical intervention is possible.
Periodontitis is treated by removing part of the damaged tooth or removing it completely. Drug treatment helps only in the very early stages of the development of this disease.
My dog has a loose tooth, what should I do? If a staggering permanent tooth, then contact the clinic. It is possible to save him. You can get by drug treatment gums. It is important to relieve inflammation from the gums and remove its cause. Antibiotics and antiseptics will help.
Nutrition is adjusted, special medications are used, for example, Tsamax with Spirulina. In critical cases, tires made of stainless wire and special fiberglass are used. A splint is being built that holds several teeth, including loose ones.
In case of necrotic damage to the teeth, gums, or jaw, the dead areas are removed and strong antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Washing with furatsilin, chlorhexidine and maintenance therapy are required.
Dental treatment for dogs
Broken fang? This cannot be ignored, so you need to urgently visit a veterinarian, who will prescribe a course of treatment that will promote the pet’s recovery: - first, the dog will undergo an x-ray, which will clearly show at what stage the destruction is. bone tissue;- according to the analysis, the appropriate therapy will be selected; - cleaning of teeth from deposits with their complete polishing; - a broken or dead tooth must be removed.
The doctor will give you recommendations on how to carry out the necessary therapy at home to eliminate inflammation, without which no loss of teeth in dogs can occur. For these purposes, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and enzyme preparations are used. If no improvement is observed, the dog will be prescribed a course of antibacterial drugs.
Splinting is a real salvation for some animals, especially when it is loose, the gum pockets are enlarged, and their roots are greatly exposed. It can be done by a veterinarian using either fiberglass or special wire. To do this, he tightens healthy and loose teeth, giving them stability.
Important! This procedure not only makes your dog’s teeth stronger, but also relieves gum inflammation and prevents its occurrence.
And yet, why does a dog’s teeth fall out, what to do and how to treat it. As we have already said, the cause of tooth loss in the first place may be poor nutrition. When a dog eats only soft food, self-cleaning of the teeth does not begin, which is why dental problems occur. Of course, if the dog already has such a problem in the oral cavity, the veterinarian will definitely help you, but in order not to lead to such a state, you need to carry out the necessary prevention as often as possible.
It is believed that when a dog plays a little, this can also affect dental problems. Always remember and remember that your dog should always chew on something, this will help prevent your pet from developing stones. Lack of such load on the jaw will cause the teeth to atrophy.
To prevent and identify dental problems, your veterinarian recommends starting treatment and diagnostic measures. The so-called dental sanitation is needed to polish and remove dead teeth. Cavity sanitation is the most primitive measure necessary for the health of an animal’s teeth. The veterinarian may also prescribe a therapeutic course for the animal to relieve inflammation. And if necessary, prescribe antibiotics.
One of the well-known methods of treating an animal’s oral cavity is splinting. This procedure will save loose teeth and help save them from falling out. When an animal's gums are enlarged, its roots are inflamed, or its teeth are loose, this kind of procedure will be a balm for it. Moreover, this method of treatment will help not only remove toothache, but also prevent the occurrence of gum inflammation.
My dog's teeth are falling out, what should I do? In this case, the dog needs the therapeutic help of a specialist. The reason for the development of the process should be established. Possible ways Treatments are based on medical history. We must remember that biofilm is the predecessor of all further complications. Identifying and treating tartar is the first step. At severe forms Antibiotics are used for gingivitis. At earlier stages, novocaine blockades and antiseptics are used.
It is important to exclude possible internal diseases that contribute to tooth loss. Make sure there is no poisoning with heavy metals or damage from ionizing radiation. For purulent processes, it is recommended to conduct an antibiotic sensitivity test. An x-ray is required.
Often it comes down to surgery to remove a tooth or affected area of gum or bone tissue. The likelihood of prosthetics is very high. Oral splints based on stainless wire and special fiberglass have proven themselves very well.
After the veterinarian does X-ray your pet will be diagnosed and treatment will begin. If the tooth is loose, it is dead and should be removed. This will prevent inflammation, which means it will preserve the rest of your pet’s teeth. Other measures will also be taken, which will depend on the root cause of the disease.
If loose teeth are found, they are usually splinted to prevent further loosening and loss. That is, a group of teeth is tied together to prevent one of them from loosening. The more teeth a dog has, the more effective this technique will be. In addition to treating the teeth themselves, the dog will have to undergo a full course of removal. inflammatory process, which usually becomes the cause of the disease. And everything needs to be done in a timely manner, otherwise the form of the disease may turn into chronic, which is much more difficult to treat.
Consequences of tooth loss
There are several types of complications during the period of teeth change.
Malocclusion
To avoid the formation of an incorrect bite, it is not advisable to take away toys from the dog that it clenches in its jaws, and it is not advisable to feed it soft food. You need to take care of those teeth that are in no hurry to fall out.
Gum inflammation
Symptoms: severely reddened, swollen gums, drooling, poor appetite. In case of inflammation, too rough foods are excluded from the diet. If the inflammation does not go away, the veterinarian may prescribe a course of Stomadex.
Persistent teeth
This is a delay in the loss of baby teeth when permanent ones are already growing. Threatens malocclusion, inflammation and injuries of the cheeks. You can help your dog by loosening an old tooth. If this cannot be done painlessly, contact your veterinarian.
Loss of teeth entails changes in bite, deformation of dental arches, and changes in the contours of the muzzle. The remaining teeth begin to shift towards the free space, and then the bite changes again. Also, the area of the bone where the tooth is missing loses bone mass. Changes in the jaws lead to pathology of the masticatory joint, which is accompanied by pain. Of course, it becomes difficult to chew. Gastrointestinal disorders are also quite common.
Preventive measures
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. We offer several easy-to-follow recommendations.
- Remember that the first rule healthy teeth and gums - regular cleansing. For this you can use soda solution and gauze, special gel and a toothbrush for dogs, special hard treats. You can also visit the veterinary clinic regularly for professional cleaning.
- Watch your diet. The presence of solid textures is required: dry food, cartilage, small bones. It is also necessary to periodically allow special sticks and chewing toys to be chewed. Remember that the dog interacts with them through the oral cavity, so buy toys in trusted places: veterinary clinics and pet stores.
- Avoid sweet treats for your pet.
- For any manifestation external symptoms described diseases, pronounced formation of dental plaque or stones Take your pet to a doctor immediately.
Most dog breeders have a main rule: caring for the dog should not only be complete, but also constant. And to comply with it fully, you need: 1. Regularly clean off plaque while it is still soft. This is easy to do with a soft cloth.2. If necessary, brush your pet's teeth once a day, but at least once a week.
It all depends on their condition and the doctor’s recommendations.3. Clean with special toothbrushes and toothpastes, which can be purchased at your nearest veterinary pharmacy. If a brush can be made from a regular one, then it is better to buy a special paste that does not foam.4. Buy special toys for your baby more often so that he can chew them, tourniquets for better cleaning teeth.5.
Take your dog regularly to see a doctor to have tartar removed or simply checked for tartar.6. The dog’s diet should include foods rich in calcium, so make sure that at least once a week there is dairy and fermented milk products in his bowl.7. Train your dog to chew carrots or other hard vegetables. This will not only be good for his health, but will also clean off plaque well.
The loss of teeth by your dog is not only discomfort for him and difficulty in choosing a diet for you, but also a sign of more serious illnesses. Most often this is a weakened immune system, and if this is not corrected, then the dog can simply be lost.
As you know, health is not something to joke about, and therefore, to avoid problems, it is better to try to prevent them. Therefore, it is worth investing a lot of effort and your whole soul so that your pet does not suffer. A responsible owner must carefully monitor the health of his dog. To avoid the appearance of caries, tartar, and periodontal disease, it is advisable to brush your dog’s teeth as often as possible.
When the owner notices that his animal is not feeling well, he needs to act immediately, it is advisable to buy a special spray and toys that will help strengthen the enamel and remove plaque.
It is worth regularly strengthening and cleaning the dog’s teeth from food debris using a special brush or finger attachment. You can also strengthen your body with vitamins and minerals.
It is recommended to introduce fermented milk products into the diet. Visit your veterinarian more often to avoid such diseases. Remember that a dog is man's friend, and we are responsible for those we have tamed. Don't leave your friend in trouble. When your pet's teeth are in order, he will be happy and stay in good mood. This means that his owner will be happy.
- Regular oral examinations, especially if you are the owner of a small dog.
- If problems arise (bleeding and inflammation of the gums, loose or irregular teeth), contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Clean your teeth daily or at least weekly.
- Examination of the oral cavity by a specialist at least 3-4 times a year.
- Nutrition should be balanced.
- Give your dog chew bones, etc., to strengthen your pet's jaws.
Dog owners can take care of their pets' health on their own. You should always monitor the condition of your jaws four-legged friend. In addition, the dog also needs teeth cleaning, and it is easy to do at home. There is a special paste for dogs and brushes that make the whole process easier.
It is important to visit your veterinarian regularly, preferably annually, to avoid dental disease. If your pet's teeth are in order, he will be healthy and happy. This means that his owner will be happy.
Miroshnichenko Irina
