After going through with a dog adoption in San Diego, it is your duty to ensure that your dog is well fed, exercised, trained and in perfect health. Needless to say, there are many health issues you will have to deal with in the life of your dog. Some dog breeds are more prone to health issues than others. A common health issue that is easily mistaken for old doggy breath is gingivitis. What is it?
What is gingivitis?
This is the inflammation of the gums. Inflammation in the gums is the first sign of trouble in the mouth of your dog. This is followed by gum disease which is more serious. Identifying this health issues in good time is very important. The good news, however, is that in an animal shelter, they will have diagnosed and treated this issue if your target dog has it. That means chances of bringing home a dog that has gingivitis are very small when using the route of dog or puppy adoption from a reputable shelter.
The main cause of gingivitis is plaque. This is the icky stuff that you floss and brush out every morning and night. Plaque is sticky, soft and colorless. As a result, plaque can go undetected. Focusing on the oral hygiene of your dog is the first step to preventing gingivitis.
Symptoms
Dog gingivitis is not the prettiest thing to look at. The best way to know how it looks like is to view pictures of gingivitis online. Your vet can also provide you with the images. In the early stages, the gums of your dog will appear puffier than normal. You should contact your vet as soon as you notice the inflammation. Other signs you will notice as the disease progresses include the following:
- Difficulty chewing
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Erythemic gingiva (red gums)
- Loose teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Bleeding gums
- Excessive drool
- Stained teeth
- Pus oozing from gums
- Reluctance to eat
- Swollen gums
Can gingivitis be stopped?
This is obviously the first question you will ask when you notice gingivitis. As aforementioned, poor dental hygiene is the root cause of gingivitis. You have to practice proper dental hygiene as soon as you bring your dog home after a dog rescue in San Diego. If the condition has already occurred, it can still be stopped. However, if the disease gets to connective tissues and bone, the damage can be irreversible.
There are many home remedies you can use to treat gingivitis. Maintaining proper dental hygiene is the most important thing. You also need to schedule regular visits to the vet. The sooner the problem is diagnosed the easier it will be to treat.