Signs & Symptoms of Periodontitis or Gingivitis in Dogs

Gum disease, including periodontitis and gingivitis, is the most common dental problem affecting dogs. The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that more than 80 percent of dogs will have gum disease by the time they reach 3 years of age. Watch for signs and symptoms of gum disease in your dog, and make an appointment with your vet when symptoms occur to prevent tooth loss and serious infection.

  1. Periodontitis

    • Periodontitis is an infection under the gum line. Symptoms include pain, loose teeth or tooth loss, bad breath, sneezing and nasal discharge. This is a serious infection that can spread to the rest of the body, and the symptoms call for a vet visit as soon you can arrange it.

    Gingivitis

    • Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. The primary cause is a buildup of tartar on the teeth. Look for symptoms that include bleeding, swollen, red or inflamed gums and bad breath. If your dog has any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a veterinarian for a thorough cleaning to remove the plaque and disease-producing bacteria from the dog's teeth.

    Septicemia

    • When a dog has periodontitis or gingivitis, bacteria is released into the blood stream when he bites down on his food. Normally, his immune system fights off the bacteria, but occasionally the bacteria survives, causing an infection of the blood stream called septicemia. The symptoms include loss of appetite and fever. This type of infection is treated with antibiotics and professional oral care. When an older dog refuses to eat and becomes less active, you may think that the problem is old age, when in fact, these symptoms may be caused by a treatable gum disease.

    Prevention

    • Gum disease in dogs is preventable with home care that includes regular brushing and annual vet checks. Brush your dog's teeth using a specially designed canine toothbrush and dental paste. Two or three times a week is adequate, but daily is even better. Brush your dog's teeth at the same time every day so that it becomes a part of his daily routine. Hard chew toys and treats help prevent gum disease by massaging the gums and removing tartar. The UC Davis Department of Veterinary Medicine recommends avoiding soft, sticky foods.