ARE YOUR DOG'S TEETH HEALTHY?
It can be difficult to see if your canine friend has healthy teeth. This is because different breeds of dogs have different faces: the symptoms of dental disease in one breed of dog may not be the same as in another. For example, a Labrador's tongue should be pink when healthy - while bluish-black is perfectly normal for a breed like chow-chow.
Review the information below to discover the signs of your dog's healthy teeth.
Healthy dog teeth
While the ideal color of a dog's teeth is white, chances are low that your dog has truly pearly white teeth. This does not mean that your companion does not have healthy teeth. Dog's teeth tend to darken with age and become slightly discolored.
Your dog should have 42 teeth. If this is not the case, and the dog has lost its teeth unnoticed, take him to the vet. This is because missing dentition can lead to dental complications later. When checking your dog's teeth, also make sure that none are chipped or cracked. If not, take your dog to the vet as well.
When your dog has a profuse brown or yellow coating at the gumline, the teeth are unlikely to be healthy. This plaque is plaque and can cause dental problems just like it does in humans. Brushing your dog's teeth and maintaining regular oral hygiene should help reduce this condition.
If your dog's teeth have turned darker, there may be a number of reasons for this situation. The first is that the teeth can simply become discolored due to plaque build-up; even if this plaque is removed by brushing, it can still discolor a dog's teeth. Some types of drugs can also discolor your teeth, as can conditions such as systemic infection.
Healthy canine gums
Many pet owners ask themselves what color a dog's gums should be. There is really no one answer. A dog's gums should generally be pink; however, it is perfectly normal for your dog to have black gums or black dots on the gums. Such dots are often an innate trait of a dog. However, it's important to make sure the dots are flat,
not convex. This is because raised gums can be a sign of cancer. If you notice your dog has raised gums, take him to the vet immediately. In addition, when spots appear where they were not there before, take your dog for a veterinary checkup of his teeth and gums.
Another way to check your dog's gum health is to make sure the gums are firm. Firm gums are usually a positive sign of their health. However, if your dog has fragments of swollen or white gums, this could be a sign of periodontal disease. This disease is an early-stage gingivitis that can cause a lot of pain as well as loss of teeth.
A healthy dog's tongue
A dog's tongue varies depending on the size and breed of the dog. Most dogs should have a pinkish tongue, however slight color variations are perfectly normal. There are a few exceptions to this rule as some races, e.g. chow chow, they have a bluish-black tongue instead of pink.
The color of the dog's tongue may indicate dental disease. A healthy dog's tongue should not be white. If your dog's tongue is white, it may indicate anemia. If so, visit your local vet.
Some pet owners notice tiny warts appearing on their dog's tongue. These warts are usually harmless and should go away within a few weeks without treatment. However, if they do not disappear, take your dog to the vet.
Healthy canine breath
As most owners probably notice, dog's breath does not always smell nice. However, there are certain types of odor that you should be aware of as they may indicate other medical conditions. "Sweet " or "fruity " breathing in dogs may indicate diabetes. Breath
Odor of urine can be a symptom of your dog's kidney disease. Disgusting or foul-smelling breath, coupled with a lack of appetite, could mean your dog is suffering from a liver disease. If you think your dog has any of these conditions, take him to the vet.
Find out more about your dog's healthy teeth in our full list of our articles on the subject.