Mouth ulcers are sores that can appear anywhere in the soft tissue of your dog’s mouth. Ulcers can form on the lips, gums, and tongue, as well as the inner cheeks. They can be very painful for your dog, and should be treated as soon as possible.
Montana Pet Dental specializes in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. Our resident dental expert, Dr. Tony Woodward, is the only board certified veterinary dentist in all of Montana. Read on to learn more about mouth ulcers in dogs, how to recognize them, and how we can help you treat them.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers in Dogs
There are a variety of different health issues that can lead to the formation of mouth ulcers. If any of these problems go untreated, it could lead to serious health problems for your pup. Some of the most common causes of mouth ulcers in dogs include:
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Periodontal Disease
Plaque and tartar buildup that eventually results in periodontal disease may be the cause of mouth ulcers. The soft tissues inside the mouth can rest on these diseased areas, causing painful raw lesions.
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Folds in the Facial Skin
Some dog breeds have an excess amount of skin around their mouths and snouts, which can lead to irritation, resulting in blisters or ulcers.
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Tumors
Ulcers may form in your dog’s mouth as a result of oral tumors on the gums, lips, tongue, or lymph nodes. Your veterinary dentist might need to perform a biopsy on any tumors to determine whether they are cancerous or benign.
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Kidney Disease
Sores in the mouth can be a sign of kidney disease and advanced renal failure in dogs.
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Gingival Hyperplasia
This overgrowth of gum tissue looks much like a small tumor. Hyperplasia overgrowths are usually benign, but may need to be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis..
Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers in Dogs
Mouth ulcers are also known as mucositis, or inflammation of a dog’s oral mucosa. The most common signs and symptoms of oral ulcers in dogs include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling
- Reluctance to play
- Decreased appetite
- Pain when using the mouth
- Thick saliva
- Inflamed or swollen gums
Mouth Ulcer Treatment for Dogs
For the most part, mouth ulcers in dogs can be treated successfully. Diseased teeth are one of the main causes of oral ulcers and oral tissue inflammation, so scheduling regular dental exams for your dog can be very important.
The type of treatment your dog needs will depend on the underlying cause and its severity. We will identify the reason for the ulcers and develop a treatment plan specialized for your dog. We’ll address the issue head-on, treat the problem at its source, and provide medications to help alleviate the pain of mouth ulcers while your dog recovers.
Veterinary Dentist in Montana
If your dog has an oral ulcer, you should not hesitate to get it examined by a veterinary dentist. Not only is it painful for your pup, it can also be a warning sign of many serious underlying medical conditions. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your dog with veterinary dentist Dr. Woodward at our Bozeman, Montana clinic.