Diabetes isn’t just a human condition; dogs can get hit with it too. Diabetes in dogs doesn’t just mess with their insulin and sugar levels, it impacts their overall health. High blood sugar can make it difficult for wounds to heal and can even affect their eyesight. But what about their dental health? It turns out diabetes and dental issues go hand-in-hand, or rather mouth-in-hand. content.
Diabetes and Dental Health in Dogs
The connection is all about inflammation and bacteria. High blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs can weaken their immune systems, making it harder for their bodies to fight infections. High blood sugar can also cause bacteria to grow in the mouth and throughout the body. This can lead to gum disease, infections, and even tooth loss. The bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream and interfere with the effectiveness of the insulin, making their diabetes harder to control. goes here.
Poor dental health can be a real problem for diabetic dogs. It can make it tough for them to eat properly, which may lead to weight issues. Any oral wounds or infections may take longer to heal, increasing the risk of complications. Infections can affect their organs if they spread which can lead to more severe problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease. content. goes here.
What to Look For
Consistent bad breath, drooling, or difficulty chewing are often signs something’s not right. Watching for these symptoms and understanding their link to diabetes can make a big difference in your dog’s quality of life.
Effective Dental Care Practices for Diabetic Dogs
The good news is committing to regular dental hygiene and check-ups can help you avoid these problems. Routine cleanings prevent plaque buildup, and your vet can spot problems before they become big headaches. Dogs need their teeth checked during their regular vet visits to catch any issues early.
Dog Food for Dental Health
What your dog eats can also make a difference in their dental health. High-fiber diets and specialized dental foods can help clean their teeth as they chew. But remember, always talk to your vet before making any changes to your diabetic dog’s diet to ensure it fits their unique nutritional needs. You don’t want to cause a different problem by trying to care for their teeth without considering how that change affects the rest of your dog’s health.
Dental Care Products for Dogs
There are lots of dental care products out there, but not all are created equal. Look for dog-friendly toothpaste, dental chews, and water additives that are specifically designed to promote oral health. Do not use human toothpaste which often contains fluoride and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate. Ingredients like these are harmful to dogs if swallowed, which is pretty likely when you’re brushing their teeth. The best brands safe for dogs contain mild abrasives like silica to remove plaque, enzymes to break down bacteria, and dog-friendly flavors like chicken or beef.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Regular brushing might seem like a challenge, but the potential health risks of neglecting your dog’s dental health make it worth it. Getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed can make a significant difference in their oral health. Brush or wipe each tooth front and back using a circular motion. Start slow, brush for one minute then stop to offer scritches and praise. At the end give them a small dental chew as a reward. It can become a routine your dog looks forward to. We use dental wipes that we rub over Brady’s teeth with our fingers a few times weekly.
Dog Oral Care Beyond Brushing
We also use a water additive called Healthy Mouth. It contains natural ingredients that prevent bacteria from accumulating in Brady’s mouth. This reduces the amount of plaque on his teeth and softens the remaining plaque which makes the wipes more effective and keeps his mouth cleaner.
To complete Brady’s dental care, we also invest in annual professional cleanings under anesthesia. Your vet can perform the kind of deep clean that you can’t because 2/3s of your dog’s tooth is underneath the gum line. Regular X-rays and deep cleaning help keep their gums healthy and infection-free. As I’ve said before, for diabetic dogs, these cleanings are especially important because of their increased risk for dental issues.
Managing Complications and Enhancing Quality of Life
Dental complications can sneak up on diabetic dogs, and it’s vital to stay ahead of them. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral infections are common issues.
What to Watch For
The warning signs that your dog might have a dental issue include red gums, bad breath, and changes in their chewing habits. If they seem reluctant to eat, have noticeable mouth pain, or show any unusual behavior, it’s time to check in with your vet. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Early in Brady’s life, we were not as attentive to his teeth as we should have been. He had a few teeth removed when he was 3- or 4-years-old. That alerted us to the need. We committed to the routine I described above and he has not lost another tooth.
Final Thoughts
Preventative measures make all the difference. Regular brushing, the right diet that avoids sugary treats, and routine vet visits keep your dog’s mouth healthy and their diabetes better managed. Simple steps consistently applied go a long way in maintaining your dog’s oral and overall health.
We believe our commitment to Brady’s dental health makes a significant contribution to his exceptional quality of life, even with diabetes, even at 13 years old.
Hearing about success stories and real-life cases can be incredibly motivating. We are better together. Please share your challenges and triumphs with your dog’s teeth in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
More good stuff! Thanks, Julie!!!
Thanks Donna. I’m glad you found the information helpful.