This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
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As dogs age, they can develop may health problems. Dental disease is one of the most common diseases for older dogs. You can help manage your dog’s dental disease by taking them to the vet for proper cleanings and medical care, monitoring them for pain or signs of disease, and taking care of their teeth by brushing and giving them dental food and treats.
Steps
Seeking Medical Help
Take your dog to the vet for dental checkups. You should take your dog for dental checkups two more times each year. During oral checkups, your vet can examine the state of your aging dog’s teeth to make sure they stay healthy.[1]- The vet may be able to see a problem that you can’t see. They can do x-rays and other imaging tests to look deeper into the gums for problems.
Have bad teeth removed. When your dog ages, the health of their teeth often declines, too. This often leads to teeth that become loose or infected near the root. Instead of getting the tooth cleaned or fixed, you should consider having bad or decayed teeth removed. Dogs can easily live with missing or no teeth.[2]- This helps protect the health of your senior dog. Infections from decaying teeth can spread throughout their bodies, causing problems with their organs.
- Teeth cleanings cause the dog to be put under anesthesia, which can be problematic for older dogs.
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Give your dog medication for pain or infection. Many times, dental disease in older dogs can cause pain. It can also lead to infections in the gum tissue. If your dog has an infection or is experiencing extreme pain, your vet may prescribe medication for them to take to help.[3]- If your dog has an infection in their gum, your vet may give your dog medication to get rid of the infection before they can extract the tooth.
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Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. One way to help manage dental disease in older dogs is to brush your dog’s teeth. Buy a dog toothbrush, may be an actual brush or a finger brush. You can also use a child’s soft toothbrush or your finger. You also need to buy dog toothpaste. You cannot use human toothpaste on dogs.- Brushing your dog’s teeth should only about a minute. You should concentrate on the outer tooth surfaces.
- Avoid using human toothpaste since the fluoride can be toxic to dogs. Avoid baking soda too because dogs shouldn't swallow it. [4]
Buy dental dog food. You may want to try feeding your dog food that is supposed to help with dental care. Dental dog food helps to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth. Dental dog food will be labeled as dental food or say on the package that it is designed to clean dog's teeth and prevent plaque.[5]- Consult the Veterinary Oral Health Council's list of accepted products for options of dental dog food.[6]
- Talk to your vet before giving your dog dental food. Make sure it is okay for their age and overall health. You should also make sure your dog is able to chew the food.
Give your dog chew toys. Chew toys can help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Try giving them toys that are supposed to help rub the plaque off their teeth. Some dental treats, powders, and water additives are also designed to help clean a dog’s teeth. However, many older dogs don’t like to chew as much as they used to, so they may not chew enough to make a difference to their teeth.[7]- Dental treats and toys are sold at most pet stores, supermarkets, and supercenters.
- Chew toys, dental treats, and dental additives work best on a clean mouth to help prevent the initial buildup of plaque. For best results, it is advisable to have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned by their vet, then use these products as a way to help keep new plaque from forming.
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Monitoring Your Dog
Check your dog’s mouth for signs of dental disease. You should check your dog’s mouth on a regular basis for any problems. You can check your dog’s mouth by lifting their lips. Look for any signs of tartar buildup, gingivitis, or other problems along the gum line. If you see anything, make an appointment with your vet for an oral checkup.[8]- Look for yellow or brown build up along the gum line. You may also look for signs of tooth decay.
Monitor for signs of dental disease. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are very common in senior dogs. You should monitor for any signs that your dog is developing these problems so you can get the proper treatment for them. Signs of dental disease include:[9]- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Shrinking gums
- Reluctance to chew or eat
Watch your dog’s weight. If your dog is feeling pain due to decayed teeth or gum infection, they may be reluctant to chew, which can cause them not to chew. This may lead to weight loss for your pet. After you have had decaying teeth removed, your dog may feel less pain when they eat. This means they may start eating more than they have been and significantly gain weight. Keep an eye on your dog’s eating patterns after they have teeth removed for any changes.[10]- Monitor your dog’s weight to make sure they don’t lose or gain too much weight due to their teeth and gums. Significant weight changes can be harmful for senior dogs.
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Expert Q&A
References
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/common-health-conditions-in-senior-dogs
- ↑ http://www.2ndchance.info/olddog.htm
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/common-health-conditions-in-senior-dogs
- ↑ http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/brushing-teeth-in-dogs/3951
- ↑ http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/tartar-prevention-in-dogs/1005
- ↑ http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm
- ↑ http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/tartar-prevention-in-dogs/1005
- ↑ http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/severe-periodontal-disease-take-moment-lift-lip
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/common-health-conditions-in-senior-dogs
About this article
If you have an older dog that’s been diagnosed with dental disease, take it to the vet twice a year for dental checkups. Brush your dog’s teeth for about 1 minute each day with dog toothpaste and a soft toothbrush or a finger brush. You can also give your dog chew toys to help keep its teeth clean. In addition, consider having loose or decaying teeth removed to prevent your dog from developing more serious problems later on. Read on for tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to spot signs of dental disease, like bad breath, bleeding gums, or loose teeth!
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