Since the bacterium that accumulates in Fido’s mouth is the same kind that can travel throughout his body and affect his inner organs and overall health, you need to know what to look for when it comes to your dog’s teeth and mouth.
So, let’s go over 3 most common signs that say: your doggo might be ill.
Sign #1: Bad Breath
Ok, nobody expects Fido to have a minty fresh breath, but should you detect any type of sour, acrid odor, it might mean there’s some kind of disease process going on in your pet’s mouth or other internal organs.
Sign #2: Inflamed Gums
Inflamed gums (or gingivitis) is a common disease that causes your furry friend to have red, inflamed or even bleeding gums. This is usually a result of the bacteria lingering in his mouth.
According to petful.com, “this bacterium typically gathers under the gum line around the roots of the teeth and can cause an infection that leads to tooth loss, bone degeneration and, in severe cases, possible major organ disease.”
Sign #3: Swollen Jaw
If the swelling of the jaw occurs and it is visible to the naked eye, it means the infection has gathered around the root his teeth and created an abscess.
Look for the lumps on the lower jaw close to his neck, but also on the upper jaw just under his eye socket. The abscess can even become so large that it bursts and breaks through the skin.
Should you notice any of these signs, it might be time to pay your vet a visit. Better safe than sorry, right?