It’s well-known that young puppies naturally lose baby teeth. However, when it comes to our senior dogs, the loss of teeth can be a sign of greater trouble.
Often, when senior dogs lose teeth, this results from dental disease or other serious health issues.
In this blog post, we will look at the common reasons for old dogs losing teeth, including what to do if your dog is losing teeth and how to prevent problems from occurring.
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2023
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At What Age Do Older Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
The age at which dogs lose their teeth varies based on many factors, including age, dental care, potential injuries, and more.
Puppies lose their baby teeth as a natural part of their growth and development, starting as young as eight weeks of age.
While puppies lose baby teeth to make way for their adult teeth, senior dogs lose teeth due to poor oral hygiene and dental disease.
This isn’t tied to a specific age. Instead, you will notice your old dog’s teeth falling out when the situation gets bad enough, warranting an immediate call to the veterinarian.
What to Do if Your Senior Dog’s Tooth Falls Out
As we already mentioned, when senior dogs lose teeth, you should make an appointment to see your vet sooner rather than later.
They will check your dog’s mouth to assess the reason and how bad things are.
From there, you will be given a recommended treatment plan which may include home dental care, a professional dental cleaning, or the removal of a tooth (or teeth).
Can Dogs Die from Bad Teeth?
Yes, the health problems that result from severe dental disease can be fatal.
There is a connection between dental disease and heart disease because they are often seen together. Poor oral health can cause heart inflammation.
Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the liver and kidneys.
Another health complication that can be brought on or worsened by dental disease is canine diabetes.
According to Dr. Kris Bannon, a board-certified veterinary dentist at Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of New Mexico, “Diabetic dogs tend to have higher levels of periodontal disease.
In fact, the two conditions feed on each other in a vicious cycle.
The more severe the periodontal disease, the more serious the diabetes gets, which, in turn, worsens the periodontal disease.”
While pain won’t cause death, it is unfair to allow our dogs to live in that state.
Do you remember the last time you had a toothache? You were able to take an Aspirin and see your dentist to have it taken care of.
How long has your dog lived in that constant state of discomfort?
Left unaddressed, dental disease can also lead to organ damage or failure.
Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth When They Get Old?
As a dog parent, you may wonder how common dental disease is in dogs – especially in senior dogs.
According to the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, periodontal disease affects over 87% of dogs over 3 years old.
Since dental care is often overlooked, when a dog reaches their “golden years,” their teeth and gums can be in a terrible state.
This can cause some of the serious health issues mentioned above.
It doesn’t mean it’s normal and “okay” if you notice a senior dog’s teeth falling out. But it does help your vet identify the problem.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “By the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken.”
Learning to identify dental problems in your senior dog and address them effectively will ensure they don’t experience any unnecessary pain and discomfort.
What Are the Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs?
Dental disease isn’t always marked by an older dog losing teeth. Knowing the signs of dental problems will increase the likelihood of you catching a problem sooner rather than later.
That will, at the very least, prevent your dog from suffering unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Here are a few key warning signs of dental disease to look for (in addition to an old dog’s teeth falling out), include the following:
- Bad Breath (Contrary to popular belief, “doggie breath” is not a given)
- Pawing at their mouth
- Doesn’t let you near their mouth
- Blood on a chew toy
- Lethargic (Can be caused by bacteria in the body)
- Lost interest in eating
- Appears to swallow without chewing
- Favors one side when eating
- Loss of interest in favorite activities like playing or their favorite toys
- Drooling or bloody saliva
- Gums that are swollen or bleeding
- Taking food in their mouth, then spitting it out
What to do if Your Dog Shows Signs of Dental Disease
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact your veterinarian. They will schedule a visit to determine the current state of your dog’s dental and oral health.
Since they are obviously experiencing some level of discomfort, if not outright pain, the sooner you have a diagnosis, the quicker your dog will feel better.
Request the earliest appointment your vet has available.
Should your vet advise that it will be a week or two (or more) before an appointment can be scheduled, explain what you’ve noticed including any physical symptoms or changes in behavior, and see if they can squeeze you in.
If not, ask if they can put you on a waiting list if there is a cancellation.
Even if you’re on the list, I would still recommend letting them know you will call every morning to check if there’s anything available.
What to Expect at Your Dog’s Dental Appointment
Whether you’re there because your dog lost a tooth or they are experiencing some of the signs of dental disease mentioned above, our vet will start by asking questions.
Information they may want to know includes:
- What you’ve been noticing that has you concerned
- When did it start
- Any changes in behavior
- Is your dog eating
- Have you seen any teeth fall out
Afterward, your vet will look in your dog’s mouth to better assess the situation.
Some dogs are agreeable, while others are difficult. This could limit your vet’s ability to see more than a quick glimpse.
If your dog is more comfortable with your handling their snout, ask your vet if you can lift their lips to show their teeth. This works better for one of our dogs.
Depending on the state of their teeth, a quick glimpse may be sufficient to start establishing a treatment plan.
It could be that your dog is suffering a mild infection, and antibiotics are all that’s required. On the other hand, it may be evident that more intervention in the form of surgery is needed.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure you fully understand the situation and the best course of action for your best friend.
Is Dental Surgery Dangerous for Senior Dogs?
Now that we have established that any time senior dogs lose teeth, it could be a sign of a more serious health complication, and you have brought this concern to your veterinarian, you may be concerned about the idea of surgery.
Is surgery safe for your dog? In many cases, a better question would be: “Is it dangerous to not go ahead with dental surgery?”
There is a widespread belief that anesthesia and senior dogs are a deadly combination and, therefore, not worth the risk.
It is an issue I have been confronted with on a few occasions, so I understand the concern.
While it’s true anesthesia in an older dog is riskier than in a younger one, a blanket statement of “it’s too risky” doesn’t seem to be in your dog’s best interest.
A better approach would be to have a conversation with your trusted veterinarian.
Express your concerns and ask them to explain the procedure. They will help you weigh the pros and cons as they apply to your dog’s unique situation.
If you don’t trust your vet to help you make this decision, or if you question their abilities, please find someone you trust.
Your relationship with your dog’s veterinarian is even more critical as they enter their senior years!
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Dog’s Teeth Cleaned at the Vet?
Before the day of surgery, and certainly before you sign the consent forms, ask your vet for a rough estimate price quote.
Pricing is based on many factors, including:
- Your location (city, neighborhood)
- Your dog’s specific condition (a simple cleaning vs significant decay)
- Your dog’s age
- What tools/procedures are necessary (bloodwork, x-rays, anesthesia, IV, etc.)
- Post-surgery medications and care
It doesn’t matter what you paid in the last city you lived in or what your friend back home told you her dog’s surgery cost. You need a quote from the veterinarian performing the dental cleaning for your senior dog.
Your vet won’t be able to give you a concrete, final quote because they won’t know fully what needs to be done until they have had a chance to properly examine your dog’s mouth when sedated.
However, it can help prepare for the cost and minimize any shocking bills.
What they can do is give you a quote for the minimum expected cost – meaning whatever is “standard” practice for dental surgery.
If your dog needs teeth pulled, it will cost extra. If the vet finds something else that requires investigation or treatment, that too will be an additional charge.
The cost of dog dental work in the United States varies considerably. I’ve seen prices range from $150 to $3,000.
Important note: I understand budget is an issue, it is for most of us, but leaving your dog in the hands of a vet you don’t know simply because his prices were lower can be deadly.
If you like and trust your vet, perhaps he’ll be willing to help by spreading out payments or skipping pre-op blood tests if they’ve been done recently.
Don’t risk your dog’s life to save a few dollars because what you can lose will be worse.
How Do I Care for My Senior Dog After Dental Surgery?
When you pick your dog up, your vet will talk with you about how your dog handled the surgery, what they found, and if any teeth were pulled.
They will also give you post-surgery notes and advice on how to care for your dog in the coming hours and days.
If, for some reason, the vet doesn’t meet with you or doesn’t have much to say, here are a few questions you will want to have answered:
- Will your dog need pain medication at home?
- Do they need antibiotics?
- Can they drink? Eat?
- How will your dog act that first night?
- What signs of trouble should you be looking out for?
- Will your dog potentially cry or be confused?
- Do you need another appointment to check progress?
- Is there anything else you should know?
The first night at home with our senior girl following her last dental procedure was tough. She was very confused coming out of anesthesia, causing her stress and anxiety.
Wrapping her in a blanket and holding her close so she knew I was there helped to soothe her.
Is Periodontal Disease Reversible in Dogs?
The short answer is “Maybe?”
Whether periodontal disease is reversible will depend on how advanced the disease is.
You won’t know until a vet has checked your dog. Sometimes, you won’t know until they are under anesthetic and x-rays have been taken.
How to Prevent Dental Disease in Dogs
The good news is that there are many things we can do to prevent dental disease in dogs from occurring (or reoccurring if this is following treatment).
Will this guarantee your dog will never require veterinary intervention again? No, but it will reduce the chances.
The following recommendations are preventative and will not fix the problem if your dog has dental disease. As your vet how quickly after surgery you can get started.
It would be helpful to do everything listed, but if your dog is not cooperating, do as many as possible. Something is better than nothing.
Here are 6 ways you can prevent dental disease in dogs:
Regular Brushing
Brush your dog’s teeth daily with a toothbrush and doggie toothpaste.
Brushes come in many styles, including long-handled ones that help you reach the back of your dog’s mouth and rubber ones that fit over your finger.
Or, if they are really difficult, you can wrap a piece of gauze or a cotton pad around your finger.
Dental sprays and powders are also an option if brushing is impossible.
Dog Dental Chews and Treats
Dental chews can help remove plaque by scraping against the teeth during chewing. They also stimulate the gums for better oral health.
Dental treats often contain ingredients that act like toothpaste when your dog is chewing on them, helping to break down plaque buildup.
Choose good quality, limited ingredient chews and treats so they aren’t basically doggie junk food. If your dog has dietary restrictions, check the ingredient list or contact your veterinarian.
Never leave them unattended. Small pieces are a choking hazard.
Chew Toys
Dental chew toys, textured chew bones, rubber bones, and rope toys are all excellent toys to help prioritize your dog’s oral hygiene.
As your dog chews, these teeth scrape away plaque or, in the case of rope toys, act like a floss reaching between your dog’s teeth to remove any food particles.
Like with dental chews, your dog should be supervised when chewing on these toys.
Dental Water Additive
A dental water additive is simple to use. Just pour the recommended amount into your dog’s water dish.
There is a slight chance the additive will alter the taste of the drinking water ever so slightly. For some dogs, this may turn their noses up.
If you notice that your dog drinks less water once you start using the additive, your dog may not like the taste.
In this case, consider trying another flavor or brand.
Remember, ensuring your dog drinks water is more important than using this product, so discontinue if you can’t find one your dog likes.
Make a Change to Your Dog’s Diet
There are dietary changes that may help improve your dog’s dental and oral health.
A lot is written about the benefits of a raw food diet in general, but also as it relates to oral health. Gnawing on raw meat acts as a natural toothbrush and can help remove tartar.
If you prefer feeding a kibble diet, there are dental-specific formulas that you may want to consider.
Note: I recommend speaking with your vet before making significant dietary changes to determine if the new diet is right for your dog.
Regular Dental Checks
Senior health checks should be carried out twice a year.
Speak with your veterinarian to ensure that a dental check is included as part of these checkups, allowing them to identify any problems and address them earlier.
Final thoughts – Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth When They Get Old?
While aging doesn’t automatically mean that your senior dogs lose teeth, the rate of dental problems is higher among elderly dogs.
This is primarily because dental problems develop and progress over time.
Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth or using dental products to prioritize oral health will help prevent periodontal disease, reducing the risk of tooth loss.
If you do notice any signs of dental problems, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dental issues can be painful and uncomfortable. If left unaddressed, they can lead to severe health complications.
The earlier these problems are addressed, the better the outcome.
I hope this article helps address your concerns about your senior dog’s teeth and dental health. I invite you to share any tips for managing your dog’s teeth in the comments to help other dog parents!
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