Dogs’ dental health is not different from that of humans, but many people do not consider this. Since this breed is quite playful and friendly, they tend to develop dental problems, he said, adding that beagles are usually born with small mouths; thus, they have limited space in their mouths and, therefore, end up having overcrowded teeth. If left untreated, dental problems lead to other major health complications in the mouth and other body parts. Below are the major signs that may raise suspicion about your Beagle’s dental health, warranting a dental checkup.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Halitosis is one of the first visible signs that your Beagle will show he needs a dental appointment. The dog’s breath may not smell like cinnamon gum, and there is no shame in that, but if your dog’s breath reeks of something a bit smelly extraordinaire, it could mean there are bacteria in his mouth or gum disease. This is usually due to the build-up of plaque or Tartar on the teeth, which, if not removed, may cause infection or even other dangerous diseases such as periodontal diseases.
- Excessive Drooling
Generally, beagles don’t drool too much, so if you find your Beagle drooling more than normal, he could have some dental problems. Your dog may drool more than usual whenever it is in pain due to gum disease, a tooth infection, or a damaged tooth. The mouth’s mucous membrane secretes more saliva to remove some bacteria or foreign bodies that may irritate it.
- Swallowing problems or Poor Appetite
If the Beagle is reluctant to eat or drops the food, especially from its mouth, it probably suffers from toothache. A dog with a tooth or gum problem can chew his food adequately, whether dry or hard. You may observe that they hold the utensils awkwardly while eating, chew on one side of their mouth, or avoid hard-to-chew foods. If this complication is left untreated, they are likely to develop dental pain, which may lead to loss of appetite, loss of weight, and general malaise.
- Pawing at the Mouth or Face
Somehow, dogs attempt to convey they are in pain or uncomfortable by using their paw to touch the painful part of the body. Is your Beagle constantly putting his paws to his mouth or rubbing his face against furniture or the floor? They could be suffering from dental pain. Such behavior may signify dental issues such as toothache, gum inflammation, or an abscess. However, it would help if you took your dog to the vet to diagnose the root cause of such behavior.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Gums, on the other hand, should be pink in color and also firm to the touch. This is why gum inflammation, redness, and sometimes bleeding indicate that your Beagle suffers from gum disease or gingivitis. This condition is attributed to the deposit of plaque and tar, which causes inflammation of the gums and leads to infection. Unless it is treated, the gums can worsen and result in periodontal diseases, including those of the tissues and bones holding the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
- Gingivitis and Periodontitis or Gum disease
Take some time to check your Beagle teeth from time to time. There are some common symptoms of plaque and Tartar on your teeth, such as yellow or brown formation. Plaque is easily wiped clean by most people when they brush their teeth; however, Tartar is somewhat harder, and it requires to be scraped off by a dentist. The accumulation of these substances also impacts the teeth and causes irritation and infection of the gums.
- Tooth Discoloration or Damage
The color of a dog’s teeth should be white; if this is not the case, this is a sign of dental problems. On the other hand, yellow, brown, and black-themed teeth may result from plaque, Tartar, or decayed teeth. Occasionally, you will find that your Beagle has chipped or broken teeth, which are very painful and make it hard for him to eat. Chronic teeth that have not been treated and those that have been affected by choking on hard substances are some examples of teeth that may be compromised.
- Sudden change in behavior or mood
That Beagle playfully running around the house will suddenly scream in pain when having dental issues. From this scenario, it is clear that if your dog starts getting irritated, less active than it used to be, or more aggressive than usual, it could be discomfort in the mouth. Like children, dogs in pain may refuse to play as usual, play less, or even go into a shell. A dog owner needs to pay attention to the behavior and mood of their dog as this will help in the preliminary diagnosis of such conditions as dental.
- Visible Lumps or Swelling Around the Mouth
Besides that, ensure that you frequently check its mouth, jaw, and neck area for any lumps that might be present or any swelling. These could be symptoms of a dental abscess, a pocket of infection that can develop around the root of a tooth. They are usually inflamed pus-filled tissue masses, which are very painful and should be taken to the vet. If left untreated, these abscesses may cause infection to spread through the bloodstream or become systemic and result in a life-threatening condition.
Conclusion
Regular checkups on your Beagle’s teeth are very important to avoid future health problems. Some visible signs that may indicate the need for a dental checkup include constant bad breath, drooling profusely, difficulty chewing on foods, or other signs such as red gums, stains, or chipped teeth. These problems, if not detected and treated early, will compound with time and may lead to other severe problems that require attention, such as oral and dental health issues that may need attention through dental checkups and cleaning. Taking care of your Beagle’s mouth is important not only for the dog’s comfort but for their well-being, too. It is always advisable to contact your vet as soon as you notice any problems with your Beagle’s teeth so they can remain healthy and have a beautiful smile.
