Oral ulcers can be a very painful and distressing experience for both you and your dog. These mouth sores can make it difficult for your pet to eat, drink, and even play. Understanding what causes oral ulcers in dogs, how to recognize them, and how to treat them is essential for ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being.
What Are Oral Ulcers?
Also known as mucositis, or inflammation of a dog’s oral mucosa, oral ulcers are painful lesions that can appear anywhere on the oral mucosa of your dog’s mouth. These sores can form on the lips, gums, palate, tongue, and inner cheeks. They can range in size and severity, and may appear as red, raw areas with a whitish or yellowish center. They are often associated with bad breath and excessive drooling.
Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers in Dogs
The most common signs and symptoms of oral ulcers in dogs include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling excessively
- Reluctance to play
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Pain when eating or engaging in oral play
- Thick saliva, which may be tinged with blood
- Inflamed or swollen gums
- Whining
- Pawing at the mouth
Causes of Mouth Ulcers in Dogs
Lip and mouth ulcers can occur due to a variety of causes, which may be directly related to oral health or a systemic health disturbance. Some of the most common causes of mouth ulcers in dogs include:
- Periodontal Disease
Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth may also be a cause of mouth ulcers. The soft tissues inside the mouth can rest on teeth covered with plaque and tartar, causing painful ulceration. These contact ulcers are often referred to as ‘kissing lesions’.
- Canine Chronic Ulcerative Stomatitis
This is a spontaneously occurring, painful inflammatory disease of the canine oral mucosa, which can be seen across many breeds. An immune-mediated cause is suspected but not yet proven. Common clinical signs include severe oral pain, drooling, and severe oral malodor.
- Oral 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.
- Folds in the Facial Skin
Some dog breeds have prominent skin folds around their mouth, near the lips and cheeks. Saliva accumulation can occur in these areas, resulting in skin ulcers. The skin fold can contribute to saliva accumulation, leading to a skin fold or lip fold pyoderma.
- Kidney Disease
Ulcers in the mouth can be a sign of kidney disease and advanced renal failure in dogs.
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 canine companion recovers.
Home Care
We recommend adding an oral chlorhexidine rinse as part of your dog’s oral home care. It can help reduce the bacteria present and improve gum health. As well as regular brushing of your dog’s teeth after the ulcers have healed.
If you notice ulcers, you should see your regular veterinarian so they can rule out underlying diseases as a cause. If the ulcers are related to your dog’s dental health, we recommend seeing a veterinary dentist to help treat the ulcers and diseased teeth.
If you have concerns about your dog’s oral health, call us today to schedule an oral health consult. We are here to help improve the oral health and comfort of your companion friend.
Veterinary Dentist in Bozeman, 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 at our Bozeman, Montana clinic.