Home
Addison's Disease
Allergy
Anal Gland
Anxiety
Asthma
Arthritis
Canine Atopy
Bladder
Cancer
Coccidiosis
Cold
Canine Coronavirus
Constipation
Cushings Disease
Kennel Cough
Cough
Diabetes
Ears
Distemper
Energy/Lethargic
Epilepsy
Eye
Fleas
Flu
Liver
Irritable Bowel (IDB)
Giardia
Heart Disease
Heartworm
Kidney
Hives
Hyperactivity
Hypothyroidism
Lyme Disease
Medicine Guide
Canine Nose Bleeds
Mange
Pain
Parvo Virus
Paw
Poisoning
Pneumonia
Pregnancy
Rabies
Prostate
Ringworm
Sinus
Skin Lumps
Skin
Spleen
Stroke
Warts
Teeth and Gums
Vomit
Weight
Worms
Vaccines
Dog Care Links
Dog Training
Dog Food Recall
Canine Insurance
Photos
Read Our Blog
Dog Breed Info
About Us
Leptospirosis
Pancreatitis
Heat Stroke
Thyroid Disease
Bleeding
Diarrhea
Diapers
Beds

XML RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google
 










Canine Gingivitis Remedies

Canine Gingivitis remedies should be effective at reducing or reversing gum disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Brush the teeth well and it could be reversed. Most dogs who are over age 2 have some form of gum disease which usually occurs on the premolars and molars.

I’m always confused when I go to the dentist so here is a simple way to think about it. The condition when food and bacteria are trapped below the gum line is called gingivitis. The stuff that gets trapped is first called tarter, and then when it gets harder because no one removed it, it turns into plaque. Both plaque and tarter are forms of calculus.

Plaque tends to form on the tooth just below the gum line on the upper and back teeth first. Without cleaning, in as little as 36 hours, this plaque could harden and become tarter. Unfortunately tarter must be professionally removed since a brush is not effective.

If plaque or calculus is not removed, it changes the ph in your dog's mouth allowing bacteria to form around the gums. This bacteria eats away at the gums with the tooth eventually falling out.

Your Veterinarian will rate the amount of disease affecting a toothing into either stage I through IV. Stages I and II can be resolved with cleaning and scaling the tooth. Stages III and IV usually involving removal of the diseased canine tooth and some gum surgery.

Poodles and smaller dogs tend to have bigger problems with plaque and tarter. Dogs that eat dry food and chew on bones tend to have less with those that eat soft foods having more.

Treating Canine Gingivitis

Moderate Canine Gingivitis Like humans, a Veterinarian can clean, polish and remove the tarter and plaque. During this process your dog will probably be sedated or receive an anesthetic. If the gum is badly diseased, the Veterinarian may remove part of the gum (called gingivectomy) and remove some teeth. Canine anesthesia is given to the dog either via intravenous (for procedures under 15 minutes) or through a tube that goes into the windpipe if longer than 15 minutes is needed.

See your Veterinarian if you see lumps, bumps, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, foreign bodies you can’t remove, stains, damaged teeth, pimples around the mouth, drooling that just started out of nowhere or breath problems.

Your dog will be given antibiotics for 1 to 3 weeks after treatment.

Canine Gingivitis Remedies - For Home

Canine gingivitis remedies that can be given at Home include rinsing your dog’s mouth with .2% chlorhexidine (Peridex or Nolvadent) 1x or 2x a day. Soak a cotton ball with this solution and gently rub the gums and teeth. Wash and massage the gums until healthy.

Veterinarians sell Stomadhex, which is a patch that is used for 10 days and that sticks to just inside the upper lip. The patch is time released and contains chlorhexidine and nicotinamide (a vitamin). This approach helps to prevent plaque, tarter and controls bad breath.

Natural Canine Gingivitis Rememdies

Vitamin C- Decreases swelling and pain associated with periodontal disease.
Myrrh- Soothes inflamation of the gums. Apply to your dog's gums with a Q-tip mixed with distilled water.
Echinacea- Used in periodontal treatment.
Arnica- Relieves symptoms associated with oral surgery.
Calendula Lotion- Promotes healing in the mouth and soothes ulcers.
Fragraria- May prevent tarter buildup.
Chamonilla- Decreases puppy teething.
Hypericum- Decreases oral pain

Consider a supplement made to help with gingivitis such as Pet Alive's Gums-n-Teeth to prevent pet gingivitis.

Canine Periodontal Disease

Moderate Canine Periodontal Disease Bad canine gingivitis results in canine periodontitis. If the gums are badly infected, the infection spreads to the roots, causing the teeth to loosen or come out. Signs of periodontal disease include drooling and reluctance to eat. Review the canine gingivitis remedies on this page to prevent this from happening.

Canine Halitosis

Gingivitis may cause a dog to have bad breath. If you dog’s breath smells, the gums are red or bleeding and there is the presence of puss at the gum line, your dog probably has gingivitis. To check your dog's breath, pull back a lip and smell. Follow any of the recommended canine gingivitis remedies for treatment.

Sources

Bellows, Dr. Jan, DVM, “Pet Orthodontics”. Excellent source for complete information on Canine Dentistry. Source for all Canine Dental pictures. Dentalvet.com

Rosenblad, Dr. William, “How to Brush Your Dogs Teeth”, Petsplace.com.

Giffin, James M, MD, & Carlson, Liisa D., DVM, Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, 3rd Edition

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats, Prevention Magazine

From Canine Gingivitis Remedies to Canine Teeth To Dog Health Guide Home

Save money on your pets vet visits with dog insurance. Get our affordable veterinarian pet insurance today or just compare pet insurance to see what is right for your dog. Save on your pet expenses today!


footer for canine gingivitis remedies page