Effective Prevention and Treatment of Canine Stomatitis

Section 1: Canine Stomatitis

Stomatitis in dogs can be categorized into three primary types based on the nature of inflammation: catarrhal, vesicular, and ulcerative. Among these, catarrhal stomatitis is the most common form encountered in dogs.

The most frequent cause of canine stomatitis is the ingestion of rough or hard bones, or the injury to the oral mucosa due to sharp teeth, hard food, wire, and other foreign objects, which can lead to secondary infections and the development of stomatitis. Other causes include accidental ingestion of substances like quicklime, ammonia water, moldy food, or irritant medications. Stomatitis can also be a secondary condition following tongue injuries, pharyngitis, or other infectious diseases.

Once a dog develops stomatitis, it may refuse to eat hard foods and prefer liquid diets or soft meats. The dog may not chew thoroughly, often swallowing food directly or spitting it out after a few chews. Saliva production increases, and you might notice white foamlike substances or stringy saliva on the dog's lips. In severe cases, excessive drooling becomes more apparent. When examining the dog's mouth, the owner may observe red and swollen mucous membranes, elevated oral temperature, and an unpleasant odor. Vesicular stomatitis is characterized by the presence of blisters, while ulcerative stomatitis results in specific ulcerations on the mucous membranes. The type of stomatitis can be diagnosed based on the dog's medical history, underlying causes, and clinical symptoms.

Section 2: Prevention and Treatment Measures for Canine Stomatitis

1. Eliminate the Cause: Begin by addressing the root cause of the stomatitis. Clean the dog's mouth thoroughly, removing any foreign objects like sharp teeth or bones. If the dog's teeth are the issue, they should be trimmed. It's also important for the owner to discontinue any irritant medications.

2. Enhance Oral Hygiene: During the treatment period, feed the dog a liquid diet and encourage plenty of water intake. After each meal, rinse the dog's mouth with water to maintain cleanliness.

3. Medication: Treatment involves cleaning the affected area followed by medication and proper oral care. For cleaning, use a 1% saline solution, a 2% to 3% boric acid solution, or sodium bicarbonate solution, cleaning the mouth two to three times a day. For cases with severe odor, add 0.1% potassium permanganate solution. If excessive drooling is a problem, use 1% alum or tannic acid to alleviate it. If there are ulcers or erosions, apply iodine glycerin, 2% gentian violet, or 1% sulfuric acid glycerin ointment to the affected areas, twice or thrice daily. In severe cases, sulfonamide compounds or traditional Chinese medicine like Qingdai powder may be used, as these can be highly effective in treating canine stomatitis.

That's all for the tips on preventing and treating canine stomatitis from Dr. Oxygen Pet. If you have any suggestions or additional advice, feel free to leave a comment below!