Do Dogs Get Cavities?
Posted on: 10 September 2015
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One of the questions commonly asked by dog owners is whether or not their dog can get cavities. Knowing the answer to this question and other cavity-related questions can help you take care of your dog and improve his or her dental health.
Do dogs get cavities?
Just like their human owners, dogs can get cavities. Dogs are less likely to get cavities than people because their teeth are differently shaped, their diet is different, and the bacteria in their mouths are different. Even when they do get cavities, dog cavities are often less severe than people cavities because dogs only live for one or two decades and the bacteria has less time to cause damage. Still, dogs can get cavities and they can be painful, just like human cavities.
How can you tell if your dog has a cavity?
Dog cavities look like discolored spots in the middle of the dog's tooth enamel. You might be able to see cavities in your dog's teeth when your dog opens his or her mouth. Even if you can't see the cavity, your dog may show signs of discomfort by refusing to chew on toys, showing preference for soft foods and turning down crunchy snacks. This kind of behavior is a good sign that your dog has a cavity or dental disease of some kind.
How can you prevent your dog from getting cavities?
You can prevent your dog from getting cavities in several ways.
- Brush your dog's teeth. Many dog owners brush their dog's teeth with specially made dog toothbrushes and dog tooth paste. Training your dog as a puppy to accept having his or her teeth brushed will make the job easier for you. Don't use human tooth paste for your dog, because it was not designed to be swallowed and your dog will very likely swallow the toothpaste in his mouth.
- Feed your dog right. Avoid feeding your dog human junk food. Give your dog treats formulated to encourage healthy tooth development.
- Give your dog tooth cleaning chew toys. Some chew toys are actually designed to promote development of healthy teeth and gums.
- Get your dog regular dental checkups. Veterinary clinics offer dental services for dogs. These services include teeth cleaning and checkups just like the services offered by human dentists.
What should you do if your dog gets a cavity?
If you believe that your dog has a cavity, take him or her to the vet as soon as possible. Cavities that are caught early enough can often be filled. Cavities with serious tooth decay often require extraction.
For more information about your dog's dental health or to schedule an appointment, speak with a veterinarian, like one from the Parkview Animal Hospital.