Symptoms: How can I recognize gum inflammation in my dog?
An inflammation of the gums is also called gingivitis and is a serious matter. It is often a consequence and develops due to bacterial plaque on the teeth. Sometimes, however, there is more behind it. Usually, dogs show the signs of gum inflammation quite clearly and it can therefore be treated well. Watch for the following symptoms:
yellowish discoloration or coating on the teeth
unpleasant bad breath
bleeding gums, redness, swollen gums
eating more slowly than usual up to →refusal to eat
refusal of dry food, chew snacks, tug-of-war games or similar.
Dogs often show their usual appetite and continue to eat normally. Only with advanced inflammation does eating become painful and the dogs become noticeable.
Tartar and plaque are a common cause of gum inflammation.
Treatment of gum inflammation in dogs
If you suspect that your furry friend has gum inflammation, a visit to the vet is unavoidable. There, your dog will first be thoroughly examined to find out what the actual cause of the inflammation is. The further treatment will then be based on this.
If the gum inflammation in your dog is only mild, the removal of →tartar and plaque under anesthesia is usually sufficient. This drastically reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth and the gums can heal. If the inflammation is advanced, a more extensive dental treatment may be necessary, during which loose teeth are extracted to prevent the entry of germs. Afterwards, antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed.
If there is another cause for the gum inflammation in your dog, appropriate treatment must be carried out. In the case of misaligned teeth, for example, braces may be necessary.
Which home remedies help?
The fact is that gum inflammation always requires treatment by a veterinarian. To alleviate the symptoms a little until treatment, you can give your dog some cooled chamomile tea.
Brushing teeth as a "home remedy" is probably the most effective method for prevention. Once inflammation is present, it must be treated by a veterinarian!
What are the causes of gum inflammation?
The most common cause of gum inflammation in dogs is so-called plaque. This is a bacterial dental plaque, which hardens over time and forms tartar. Numerous bacteria also accumulate there, which together then cause gingivitis and loosen the tissue around the teeth.
Plaque and tartar are promoted by →insufficient dental care and low-quality food varieties are contributing factors. If you are unsure which food is right for your four-legged friend, you are welcome to →get free advice from us. The fact that high-quality food can be uncomplicated and also tasty is proven by our Pets Deli dry food: Lots of juicy meat, select fruits and vegetables, nutritious oils and fresh herbs - all together in crunchy pieces of dry food!
Delicious! Premium Dry Food for Your Dog
But sometimes it can also be the case that misaligned teeth or malformations of the teeth can lead to gum inflammation up to an overgrowth of the gums (hyperplasia). Due to the anatomical misalignment, there is a mechanical overload of the teeth and gums. This constant irritation can also cause the gums to become inflamed.
How you can easily prevent gum inflammation in your dog
The good news is: prevention of gum inflammation is quite simple. To prevent your four-legged friend from getting inflamed gums, you can do the following:
High-quality food: →species-appropriate dog food with high-quality ingredients and a balanced composition prevents the formation of dental plaque, tartar, and thus inflammation in the mouth. Unnecessary additives such as sugar, grains, flavorings or colorings in the food are also not exactly health-promoting and should not end up in your dog's bowl.
Chew treats for dental cleaning: By occasionally giving your four-legged friend some harder chew treats like our →Denta Bones, you support the cleaning of the teeth and care of the gums.
Regular tooth brushing: Sounds silly, but it's highly effective! →Brushing your dog's teeth is one of the best ways to prevent inflamed gums and other diseases in the mouth area. Once well trained, it becomes child's play and is part of your furry friend's care routine.
Regular professional dental cleaning: Even with "brushed" teeth, high-quality food and tasty chew snacks, it's worth having veterinarians take a look inside your dog's mouth from time to time. If there is dental plaque or tartar, a professional dental cleaning can help directly and thus a painful gum inflammation can be avoided.
