Effective Treatments and Prevention for Dog Oral Ulcers

As mentioned by Dr. Oxygen Pet in previous articles, there are numerous causes for canine oral ulcers. If the ulcers are due to heat or physical trauma in the mouth, they can often be managed quite easily, and in some cases, the dog may even heal itself. However, if the ulcers are caused by more serious underlying conditions, the situation can become much more severe, and treatment can be quite challenging. Such conditions include canine oral papillomas, skin folds, kidney diseases, and immune disorders. Today, we'll delve into the treatment methods for these two specific cases.

1. In cases where oral ulcers are caused by oral papillomas, it is typically necessary to anesthetize the dog and perform surgical intervention. Of course, this does come with certain risks for the pet.

2. For inflammation caused by facial skin folds, the vet usually prescribes antibacterial ointments to aid in the dog's recovery. It's up to the owner to regularly clean the dog's skin folds to prevent future bacterial and fungal infections.

3. When oral ulcers are a result of kidney disease, the vet will first assess the severity of the dog's condition, and hospitalization may be required.

4. The most challenging issue is often canine autoimmune diseases. If oral ulcers are caused by this, the dog will need immunosuppressive drugs to control the immune response. If there's also a bacterial or fungal infection, antibiotics will be used in conjunction with the treatment. However, it's important to note that these conditions, which may stem from an overactive immune system, may not be completely curable.

Preventive Measures for Canine Oral Ulcers

It's crucial for pet owners to recognize the various risks associated with canine oral ulcers and to take preventive measures. The most effective way to prevent oral ulcers in dogs is to maintain good oral hygiene. Owners should ensure regular dental care for their pets, not just to prevent ulcers but also to safeguard against a host of other dental issues and oral infections. The notion that "it's not necessary to clean a dog's mouth" should be discarded. As a pet parent, you should schedule regular dental cleanings for your pet at the groomer's and also check and clean your dog's mouth and teeth at home, about once or twice a week. Keeping up with this routine can greatly prevent oral diseases in dogs. If you have a dog with many facial folds, it's also important to apply antibacterial ointment during baths to prevent skin inflammation and ulcers.

If you notice signs of oral ulcers in your dog, pay attention to any other abnormal symptoms or behaviors they might exhibit, such as reluctance to eat due to pain, drooling, or teeth chattering. Keeping a record of these can help you better determine the cause of the ulcer. Since the causes of canine oral ulcers are varied, it's best to identify and treat the underlying cause promptly to minimize the risk of secondary infections.

Dr. Oxygen Pet pats you on the back! Groomers, are you taking regular care of your furry friends' oral health?