It’s hard to watch the beloved family dog get older. Often, advanced age is accompanied by new medical conditions, and it’s difficult for the untrained observer to determine what is a serious problem and what is simply a part of aging. You might notice an increase in dog breathing problems in old age, which can be especially tricky.

Is your senior pup just panting from the heat, or is something more sinister happening? Keep reading to learn more about the types of abnormal breathing to watch for, the causes of dogs’ breathing problems in old age, and some tips for easing your pup’s troubles.

What types of breathing are abnormal for dogs?

There are a few different types of breathing problems that dogs may experience as they age. In general, healthy dogs of all ages take 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest. Puppies breathe faster than older dogs, and smaller dogs breathe faster than larger ones. Naturally, when your pup is exercising, their heart rate will increase. But ordinarily, they should breathe at a healthy pace, and their breathing should not seem labored. Any type of respiration outside this norm may be a cause for concern. Here are some potentially dangerous breathing patterns you should watch out for:

Wheezing: If a dog’s airways have a partial or complete blockage, they may begin making a loud, high-pitched wheezing sound when they breathe. Senior dogs who wheeze may also appear to gasp for air and have a faster respiratory rate.

Labored breath: Also known as dyspnea, labored breathing occurs when a dog has difficulty breathing in, out, or both. Signs of labored breathing include noisy respiration, flared nostrils, an open mouth when breathing, and the stomach or chest moving more than average while breathing.

Fast breathing: Not to be confused with panting, this type of breathing involves taking shallow, rapid breaths. Your dog may also have their mouth open less than they normally do while panting or the mouth may be closed completely.

Panting: A normal dog behavior, panting helps regulate a dog’s body temperature on hot days or after exercising. But, at times, panting may be a symptom of a deeper issue. You should get your pet checked out by a vet if their panting is accompanied by pain, fever, high blood pressure, obesity, labored breathing, or fast, shallow breaths.

What are the signs of respiratory distress in dogs?

Dog breathing problems in old age may increase. However, you should be on the lookout for symptoms of respiratory distress in a dog regardless of how old your pup is.

These signs aren’t limited to breathing. Red flags that your dog is experiencing respiratory distress include the following:

• Rapid breathing or continuous panting
• Exaggerated, longer breaths
• Inability to settle due to distress
• Outward-facing elbows
• Extended neck
• Significant increase in the movement of the chest and abdomen while breathing
• Blue gums
• Increased lethargy
• Fainting or collapsing

There could be several reasons why your dog is in respiratory distress. Your best bet is to call the vet to get a proper diagnosis immediately if you notice any of these signs. If the vet isn’t available, search for the nearest emergency vet in your area.

Why is my dog making weird breathing noises?

Various factors can cause different types of breathing problems. These are several of the most common causes of abnormal breathing in senior dogs:

Heat: Pups become more sensitive to heat as they age and may be more likely to have elevated heart rates and develop heatstroke. On hot days, avoid walking your dog when the sun is at its peak, and ensure that they have plenty of cool water to drink.

Respiratory diseases: Medical conditions that impact the respiratory system can create breathing issues. Some of these conditions include cold and flu, pneumonia, kennel cough, canine distemper virus, COPD, and lung tumors.

Injury or trauma: A dog may also breathe shallowly because of physical injuries, trauma, and their associated pain.

Breed: Some dog breeds are more prone to respiratory issues than others. These include pugs, boxers, bulldogs, and other short-nosed breeds.

Blockage by a foreign object: Small bits of food, toys, or other items can occasionally lodge in the nose, mouth, or windpipe. Any sort of obstruction may cause breathing problems.

Medication side effect: Excessive panting may be a side effect of your dog’s medication. Prednisone, a prescription used to treat arthritis, skin irritation, and cancer, can cause abnormal breathing patterns. Consult your vet if this is the case.

Other medical issues: Labored breathing can be a symptom of a number of medical conditions, like allergies, thyroid problems, obesity, metabolic acidosis, congestive heart disease, and cardiovascular disorders.

How do I help my dog that’s struggling to breathe?

If your dog begins breathing abnormally, it’s only natural to worry. Sometimes, irregular breathing patterns clear up on their own, such as if your dog is panting from the heat or after vigorous playtime. But other forms of breathing abnormalities, like wheezing, labored breath, and fast breathing, can be signs of more serious issues. In these situations, a trip to the veterinarian is in order.

If you notice a change in your pup’s breathing, take them to a cool, dry area where they can relax comfortably. This can help to return their breathing to normal if the issue is caused by heat or overexertion. You can also give them cold water to drink. If your senior dog’s breathing doesn’t return to normal, take them to the veterinarian for an exam. The vet will ask you about your pup’s other symptoms and run tests to diagnose the problem. Depending on the cause of the labored breathing, treatment can range from medication to surgery.

Always consult your vet

Is your old dog breathing heavily? While it may not be anything serious, your best bet is to approach any uncharacteristic behavior with caution. At the first sign of breathing troubles, schedule an appointment with your vet. No matter what’s causing the problem, a veterinarian can provide a diagnosis and a treatment plan to ease your senior pup’s discomfort and bring them (and yourself) some peace.

Few first-time cat owners expect their cats to be affectionate, yet many cats seek their owner’s attention. Compared to dogs, cats are typically thought of as more standoffish and less loving. That’s certainly not always the case. You may be surprised when your otherwise aloof cat prefers to sleep in your bed over any other place in the house, but cats have many reasons for wanting to sleep in your bed. Read on to learn why your cat likes sleeping in your bed and the pros and cons of letting them do so.

Reasons your cat likes sleeping on your bed

How did your bed become your kitty’s favorite sleep space? Several reasons could be in play.

Your cat loves you

Though they sometimes act indifferent, cats love people just as much as dogs do. Sleeping in your bed may be your cat’s way of letting you know they care. When your cat sleeps with you, they show that they enjoy your company. This is especially common if you met your cat during the first four to nine weeks of their life when imprinting occurs. If you were a stable and caring presence during this time, you’ve likely imprinted on your cat and gained their complete adoration and trust.

Your bed is oh-so-comfortable

Cats can sleep up to 15 hours a day — they are sleep pros. They’ve probably tried to nap in every spot in your home, so they know the comfiest, warmest, and best locations for napping. It makes sense that they would try sleeping in your bed. And all the blankets and pillows you put on your bed for yourself only make it more enticing for your cat. After all, you find your bed comfy, so why wouldn’t they?

Here are some products you could try to give your furry friend their own comfortable bed:

They like warm places

Your cat loves lounging in warm places. They may curl up by the window in the sun, on your freshly cleaned laundry right after you take it out of the dryer, or among the blankets on your bed. There’s actually a scientific reason why your cat loves warm places: A cat’s average body temperature is 102 degrees Fahrenheit. When the weather is warm, they can easily maintain this temperature. But, when it gets colder, your cat has to burn more calories and expend extra energy to remain at the proper temperature. Sleeping in your cozy bed next to you is an easy way for them to stay warm. They can absorb your body heat, so they can stay nice and toasty with no extra effort.

Your cat feels safe in your bed

Your cat may sleep with you because they feel safe in your bed. Animals are most vulnerable when they’re asleep, and there’s safety in numbers. This is ingrained deep in your cat’s brain from their ancestral days in the wild. Their instincts tell them that lowering their guard while asleep could be dangerous.

For their own safety, your cat may choose to sleep with you. Together, you have better protection against predators. And, at least one of you will likely awake at the sounds of danger that the other may sleep through. If your cat is joining you in bed, it may be for your protection, too.

Your cat: What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine

Whose bed is it, anyway? While you’re wondering why your cat wants to sleep in your bed, they may wonder why you are sleeping in theirs. Cats are very territorial and often claim your belongings as their own. From your cat’s perspective, you may be sleeping in their bed with them.

Should you let your cat sleep in your bed with you?

Whether to share your bed with your cat is a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people enjoy the companionship while they sleep; others find it disruptive and bothersome. Here are a few pros and cons of sharing your bed with your feline friend.

Pros

• Bonding: Sleeping in the same bed can help you spend some quality time together and feel emotionally closer.
• Warmth: While your cat may sleep with you to keep warm, you can do the same. Sleeping with a cat can keep you cozy and warm all night long.
• Stress relief: Petting animals releases a chemical in our brain called oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. It can also lower cortisol levels, which decreases stress.

Cons

• Allergies: If you are allergic to your cat, they probably shouldn’t sleep in bed with you.
• Discomfort: Cats are usually more active at night and may disturb your slumber. Plus, if your cat has a habit of sleeping on top of your chest or head, sleeping can be rather difficult.
• Hygiene: Indoor cats seem to track litter wherever they go, and outdoor cats could carry diseases. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of your bed, don’t let your cat sleep with you.

Does my cat love me if they sleep on my bed?

The fact that your cat likes sleeping on the bed — next to you or when you aren’t there — is a sign they love you. Cats may want to snuggle or be next to something that smells like their favorite human: You. The behavior shouldn’t come as a surprise. As their person, you take care of your cat by feeding them, playing with them, and cleaning up after them. They feel safer and better knowing you’re near. However, cats can get a reputation for being standoffish and aloof. Even if your kitty displays these traits, they still love you and may show their affection by taking a literal cat nap on your bed.

Cats have a lot of good reasons for sleeping in your bed. They may choose to rest with you for warmth, protection, or out of love. But whether you want them to is a different question entirely. There’s generally no harm in letting your cat sleep with you, and it’s the sign of ultimate affection. Sleep tight!

As a pet parent, nothing is better than when your cat decides to curl up for a nap on your lap. Sometimes it can be slightly irritating when you need to get some work done, attempt to move your fur baby, and they look at you like you’ve not only offended them, but also the entire domestic cat species. But it’s impossible to say no to their adorable noses and whiskers, so you let them stay. Have you ever wondered why so many of our feline family members become lap cats? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about why cats love to sit on you.

Reasons your cat loves to sit on you

Wonder why your lap is your cat’s favorite place to sleep? Here are some of the most common reasons.

Cats sit on you because they seek connection and attention

Despite their reputation for being aloof, most cats crave attention, especially from their favorite people. Cats get lonely when you’re not around and will beg for attention when you are. One way they do this is by sitting on your lap; it’s hard to ignore them when they’re right on top of you! They also come to you for connection and love. Usually, a cat on the lap gets affection, so your cat may come to you when they want to be petted and feel loved.

Cats get on your lap because you’re warm

Whether it’s by the radiator or in a sunbeam, kitties love napping in warm spots. One of the coziest places in your home happens to be wherever you are because of the heat your body emits! This could be why your cat likes sitting with you. They may choose to sit on your lap because they want to soak up all your body heat. Luckily, it’s not a one-way street; your cat’s body heat and fur can help keep you warm, too. With your lap cat, you’ll both stay nice and cozy.

Cats sit on you because they trust you

Sitting on top of you is a cat’s ultimate sign of trust. Cats only sit in the laps of people they really feel safe with. This is especially true if they nap on you. Your cat is essentially saying they trust you to protect them from any predators while they’re napping. To build even more trust with your pet, make sure you’re not forcing them to sit on your lap, and you’re giving them the option to walk away when they want. By acknowledging their freedom and leaving your lap open to your kitty, you’re encouraging them to trust you even more.

Cats like the way you smell and sound

Your body is like a white-noise machine for cats. They find the noises human beings naturally make, like breathing and heartbeats, to be very soothing. It helps them relax into an easy slumber. Your cat may also be attracted to your unique scent. Smelling you may make your cat feel safer, making it easier for them to fall asleep. This can also explain why your cat always seems to love sleeping on your clothes, bed, and other possessions.

Your clothes feel nice to a cat

Have you noticed that your cat sleeps on your lap only when you’re wearing certain things? Cats love to nap in warm, comfy spots. They’re also sensitive to certain textures, favoring soft, fuzzy materials over scratchy ones. If you’re wearing a fluffy fleece sweatshirt or a soft bathrobe, your cat may be more likely to cozy up to you. But if you’re wearing a vinyl raincoat, they may not be as interested.

Of course, your cat likes you

In addition to trusting you and wanting your attention, a cat sitting on your lap usually means that they like you! Lots of cats choose a favorite human. Cats have many ways of showing their affection, like purring, nudging you, and sitting in your lap. It’s high praise coming from a cat. They’re more likely to rest next to their favorite person than anyone else in the room.

Your cat is marking their territory

Many cats naturally feel the need to claim their territory, which might include you and your bed. Cats rub their heads and leave behind pheromones on whatever they feel is theirs. Then, when other cats come along, they can smell those pheromones and will recognize that they’re in another cat’s territory.

By walking, lying, and rubbing himself on you and your bed, your cat may be marking his turf just in case another cat comes along to try to claim you.

Where your cat sleeps

Your cat may sleep on different parts of your body for different reasons, too. Some cats delight in sleeping on their human’s head. This might be uncomfortable for you, but your cat might prefer it because your head doesn’t move often as you sleep. Your head also radiates heat, so your cat might curl himself up on your pillow to stay warm during the night.

Some cats prefer to sleep on your chest. As you sleep, your slow and steady breathing could be appealing to your cat. Your chest also creates a broad, relatively flat area where your cat can soak up a lot of your body heat.

Understanding cat body language

Looking at your cat’s body language can give you extra insight into what’s motivating them to join you to sleep. A cat that is relaxed, content, and happy to be snuggling up with you may exhibit various signs. They may stretch out on their back, exposing the belly — a vulnerable part of their body — and truly relaxing. They may sleep with their legs extended out from their body instead of curled up tight. Your kitty may purr and look at you with squinted eyes, blinking slowly. Your cat might even rub their head against you, marking you with their scents and claiming you as their own. In all these movements, they’re demonstrating that their happy and relaxed.

A cat that assumes a different posture might be seeking you out for security or warmth. In these cases, your cat is likely to be curled up tightly, protecting their belly. They may only half-close one or both eyes as they doze, leaving themselves alert enough to easily be fully awake in just seconds. Some cats may assume the “bread loaf” position, where they tuck their front legs under their bodies. In this pose, your cat can lightly doze yet easily jump to their feet if they feel threatened.

Why some cats aren’t lap cats

Sad but true: Not all cats enjoy snuggling with their human family members. Cats are social creatures, but if they aren’t properly socialized as kittens, they may grow up to avoid contact as adults. If you adopted your cat as an adult, it’s possible they came from an abusive household and formed negative associations with human contact. Lastly, because cats are so territorial, your fur baby may shy away from sitting on your lap if you live in a multi-cat household. Because you smell like a rival, your cat might avoid your lap to avoid potential conflicts.

Your cat could be trying to tell you something’s wrong

In most cases, your cat’s choosing to sleep on you is perfectly normal, especially if your cat makes a regular habit of it. A cat that frequently seeks you out for naps may just be highly attached to you or looking to deepen that bond. Every cat is different, so you’ll need to spend some time observing your cat’s preferences to get a sense of whether they like to regularly join you in bed at night.

Your cat’s sleeping habits can also alert you to potential health issues they may have. If your cat rarely sleeps with you yet suddenly starts sleeping on you constantly, it could indicate that he’s not feeling well. If this behavior is paired with your cat being unusually sedate or sleeping more than usual, then it’s important to schedule an appointment with your vet to have your cat checked out.

Your cat’s sleeping habits can vary with the seasons, with household changes like the addition of a new pet, and even with his moods. However, paying attention to your cat’s sleeping habits over time can help you stay aware of how he’s feeling and might warn you when a health issue is starting.

If you regularly ask yourself, “Why is my cat crying?” and “Why do cats meow so much?” you’re in the right place.

Why do cats meow?

To get your cat to quiet down, you need to figure out why they’re meowing in the first place. Crying for attention will require a different response than crying in pain. Here are some of the most common reasons why cats meow continually and solutions that can help you both.

They’re lonely and want to chat with you

The problem: If your cat spends long hours at home alone, she may be lonely. While kitties are not the most social animals, they do enjoy company from time to time. Your cat may greet you when you come home or meow when she walks into the room. Some cats like to mimic humans and join in regular conversations, too.

The solution: Consider leaving out some toys to entertain her while you’re gone. You can get a kitty condo or interactive toys. You can also put a bird feeder outside her favorite window to attract birds and provide hours of entertainment, or play a video created just for cats on YouTube.

They want food

The problem: Is your cat crying nonstop anytime someone enters the kitchen in particular? She’s probably begging for food, even if it’s not her usual mealtime. Some cats become very vocal when they believe it’s time to be fed.

The solution: To train your cat not to do this, don’t feed her when she meows. Instead, wait until she’s quiet to put down her bowl. Over time, she’ll learn that being quiet means being fed. You can also try using an automatic feeder, which releases a portion of food at a set time every day.

They want attention

The problem: Some kitties meow when they want attention. Cats enjoy being around people and may start talking when they want you to play or pet them.

The solution: To prevent her constant meowing, try giving her attention only when she’s quiet. If she begins meowing again, look away or stop what you’re doing, but be careful not to ignore her. Your cat wants to spend time with you! She needs quality time every day for playing, grooming, and chatting. Schedule some pet sessions with your furry friend, whether she’s meowing at you or not.

They have a medical problem, or they’re stressed

The problem: Numerous diseases and ailments can cause your cat to be hungry, thirsty, or in pain, resulting in excessive meowing. Kidney disease and an overactive thyroid are two such medical conditions. Stress can also cause a cat to be more vocal. If you’ve moved recently, added a new family member, or gone through any other significant life changes, your cat may be feeling stressed out, causing her to meow more.

The solution: This can be a serious problem. If you suspect your cat is in physical or emotional pain, schedule an appointment with your vet for a complete checkup. They can give you tips on calming your anxious kitty or create a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your cat’s pain.

They’re getting old

The problem: As cats age, they can begin to experience cognitive dysfunction and mental confusion. Just like older people, they may become easily disoriented. This can cause a cat to cry more frequently, especially at night.

The solution: Sometimes a nightlight can help your cat feel more comfortable if she gets disoriented in the dark. However, this issue is best handled with a vet’s assistance. They can determine if aging is causing your kitty to meow. Additionally, they can prescribe medications to alleviate her symptoms.

They want to breed

The problem: If your cat isn’t spayed or neutered, she will be very vocal when she wants to breed. Female cats are often louder than males. They will yowl when they’re in heat (every two to three weeks throughout breeding season), and males will yowl when they smell a female cat in heat. Both, however, can be very annoying.

The solution: Get your cat spayed or neutered to prevent this sort of meowing. Not only can this procedure help with excessive meowing, but spaying or neutering your cat can also prevent a whole host of other medical problems. 

While cats’ meowing can aggravate, it could be a sign that they are unhappy. Whether they simply need more attention or require medical care, you shouldn’t ignore your cat’s cries. When your cat meows, check on her to figure out the reason for the noise. Once you know why your cat is meowing, you can help solve her problem. You may need to set aside time to play with her or schedule a vet appointment. But with this guide, stopping your cat from meowing excessively will be a little easier.

PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Cat Carrier

This carrier is great for transporting your cat in the car and out of it. It’s made of a durable rubber mesh to prevent tearing. It has four access panels and three privacy settings, giving your cat free rein or full privacy. The zippers lock, too, so smart kitties can’t escape. There is a large pocket for storage, and it comes with seat belt loops for secure car travel. This cat car seat is available in three colors and two sizes, making it great for all cats and owners.

Henkelion Pet Booster Car Seat

This hammock for the car is best suited for curious cats (or small dogs) who enjoy looking around while on the road. The booster seat fits securely in your vehicle using two safety straps. There is also an interior ring to attach to your cat’s harness, so he is not running around your car. The hammock is made of hard-wearing, waterproof material, making it breathable, comfortable, and easy to clean. You can choose from five fun colors, including black, pink, and blue.

Pet Gear Carrier and Car Seat for Cats and Dogs

The Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat offers the best of both worlds: It’s safe to use in the car and for carrying your pet to and from. It easily and safely attaches to your vehicle using only the seat belt. The carrier is padded for comfort and has an interior tether for the harness, which adds more security. It’s made of a sturdy mesh that offers your cat a 360-degree view of his surroundings. The carrier is available in black, blue, and floral.

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat

The K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster Pet Seat keeps your pet elevated while in the car to prevent motion sickness and provides a better view. It attaches safely in the vehicle using the seat belt and can be placed in the front or back seat. The car seat is padded and quite comfortable. Plus, it has a removable and washable cover. The booster seat also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Siivton Airline Approved, Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

This deluxe cat carrier comes with four expandable side attachments, giving your kitty plenty of space to stretch out. The soft-sided carrier offers plenty of ventilation for cats. It’s made of waterproof and strong material, ensuring you’ll be able to use this carrier for a long time. It’s airline-approved and can be buckled into your car for safe travel. This travel carrier comes in a stylish gray for you and has comfy padding for your pet.

Pet Fit For Life Collapsible/Portable Cat Condo

This portable cat condo is perfect for when you’re on the go and for outdoor excursions. You can buckle it into your car for added security or, if using it outdoors, stake it into the ground. The Pet Fit For Life Collapsible/Portable Cat Condo also comes with a feather toy, fleece floor pad, collapsible bowl, and portable litter box. The carrier is blue-and-white gingham and comes in medium or large.

Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat for Dogs or Cats

The Kurgo Car Pet Booster Seat securely attaches to your car seat using two safety straps. You can also link your cat’s harness to the seat for even more security. It is super durable, and the liner is machine-washable. It can comfortably support pets weighing up to 20 pounds. The Kurgo car seat comes in fun, fashionable colors.

Car rides with cats can be challenging for everyone involved. But with these high-quality car seats, you can ensure your ride is as safe and stress-free as possible. Who knows? Your cat may even begin to like the open road!

But finding a healthy liquid cat food that your kitty will enjoy can be a challenge. Cats are finicky, especially about their food, so you may need to try an assortment before you find their fave. Here are some of the best liquid cat food varieties to test out with your cat.

Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque

Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque is a . Each packet is a complete, balanced meal for your cat, offering the nutrients she needs for the day. Solid Gold offers this food in a variety of flavors, including chicken, salmon, tuna, and beef, all of which have a coconut milk base. Coconut milk provides plenty of calcium to support strong bones and makes the bisque especially palatable.

Fancy Feast Gourmet Broths Variety Pack

Fancy Feast is incredibly popular among cat owners and their pets alike. Its are made of high-quality ingredients and don’t contain any by-products or fillers. The variety pack has favorites like salmon, tuna, chicken, and shrimp. Each packet is preportioned to be a complete meal for your cat, making it healthy for your kitty and convenient for you.

Hartz Lickable Wet Cat Treats

are available in various flavors (chicken and seafood), textures, and sizes. You can choose from stews, bisques, chowders, and squeeze tubes, making it simple to find a texture that your senior kitty will enjoy. This high-calorie liquid cat food also contains added vitamins B and E to support older cats’ health needs.

Tiki Cat Savory Broth

Your cat can enjoy this tasty liquid food on its own or as an add-on to dry food. adds flavor, hydration, and nutrients to any cat’s diet. Its 94% moisture content makes it an excellent option for kitties who don’t drink enough water during the day. The food is available in several flavors, like salmon, tuna, beef, chicken, and duck. Additionally, the broths are all grain-free and made of high-quality ingredients.

For senior kitties, liquid foods offer great nutritional value that’s easy to eat and digest. It can help your cat get the vitamins and nutrients she needs and keep her hydrated, too. No matter how old your cat is, liquid food is a tasty and healthy treat.

While liquid foods may not be as common as dry or other wet foods, there are still plenty of excellent brands on the market. Tiki Cat, Fancy Feast, and all the foods listed above provide your cat with balanced nutrition in easy-to-serve containers. Whichever one you try, you’re sure to find a food that your kitty will crave.

Is it normal for older dogs to lose teeth?

Ordinarily, adult dogs should not lose their teeth as they age. If they do, it is typically a sign of some type of shock or disease. Injury or trauma, like if your dog hits their head or mouth, can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Hard treats like antlers and marrow bones can also damage teeth. When dogs chew something too hard, their teeth could crack and fall out. Poor diet and metabolic disorders can also lead to dental damage. If your dog experienced distemper, malnutrition, or some other ordeal when they were a puppy, they could suffer from abnormal development of their teeth and tooth enamel as they age. The result leaves their teeth weakened and more susceptible to plaque growth and tooth decay.

But perhaps the most common cause of adult dog tooth loss is poor dental hygiene. When left untreated, tartar growth can evolve into periodontal disease. This condition can cause tooth infections, abscesses, and bone loss, all of which can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. Thankfully, many of these causes can be prevented with the assistance of your veterinarian. Keep reading to learn what to do to protect your furry friend’s teeth.

Make an appointment with the vet to prevent dog tooth loss

Whether you suspect injury or disease, your first stop should be the veterinarian’s office. If your pup recently had an accident that caused tooth loss, your vet can check their mouth to ensure no underlying issues may have contributed to it. They will also confirm that the entire tooth fell out. If part of it is still in the gums, it can lead to pain and infection down the line.

As for periodontal disease, the condition is unfortunately widespread in adult dogs. It is irreversible, and additional issues will arise the longer you wait to treat it. Schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as you notice any one of these periodontal disease symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Drooling
• Gum inflammation
• Difficulty chewing
• Appetite loss
• Receding gum line
• Loose or missing teeth

If your dog has already been diagnosed with periodontal disease, your veterinarian can perform a professional dental scale and polish every few years. This can help protect the gums and teeth from further damage and prevent tooth loss.

Prioritize your dog’s dental hygiene

It’s never too early to start thinking about your dog’s oral health. With these tips, you can protect your dog’s teeth and prevent periodontal disease. If your dog has already been diagnosed, these measures won’t reverse the disease, but they can help to prevent further degeneration.

Brush their teeth

Brush your pup’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste made for pets. You don’t need to brush twice a day as you do for yourself; two to three times per week should suffice. Brushes are available with long handles (like regular, human toothbrushes) or in the form of rubber tips that fit on your fingers. There are also sprays, gels, and powders that can help remove plaque if your dog will not sit still for brushing.

Give them chew toys or dental chews

Dental treats and chew toys can help stimulate the gums and remove plaque from your dog’s teeth. Look for dental chews with high-quality ingredients, and never leave your dog unattended with a treat, as it could break into small pieces that pose choking hazards. For toys, you can choose from textured toys, rubber bones, rope toys, and more to take care of your pup’s oral health.

Use a water additive

Water additives are essentially like mouthwash for dogs — they help control the spread of tartar and plaque. Simply pour the recommended amount into their water bowl. The additive may change the flavor of the water slightly, so if you notice your dog is drinking less water than before or is avoiding the bowl completely, try a different brand to see if he prefers another flavor. The most important thing is to ensure that your dog is still drinking water and if you can’t find a product they like, stick to dental chews and tooth brushing.

Final thoughts on dog tooth loss

For an old dog, tooth loss is a severe problem. It is usually the result of injury or a medical condition. Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons that adult dogs experience tooth pain and decay. But there is always hope! The first stop for these guys should be the vet’s office. They can determine the cause of your dog’s oral health issues and recommend ways to prevent future tooth loss. To protect your fur baby’s dental health, regularly brush their teeth, give them chew treats and toys, and provide a water additive. By taking these steps, you can stop plaque in its tracks and avoid any oral discomfort for your dog.