Can Poor Oral Health Increase Stress in Dogs?

In short, yes.

If the pup seems unusually irritable, anxious, or even withdrawn, don’t think it’s because of separation or loud noises. Sometimes the anxiety dog suffers from is caused by a problem in their mouth. So, before you rush for dog anxiety treatment or try curing dog separation anxiety quickly, check their teeth and gums first. We at HealthyWoof know that poor oral health is one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic stress in woofers. And the connection is stronger than you think.

The Mouth-Mind Links in Pooches

Photo by Michael Oxendine from Unsplash

Unfortunately, our fluffy buddies can’t tell us when something hurts, and the vet is needed. But the truth is that pain has a powerful effect on both behavior and stress hormones. When the woofer suffers from a toothache, inflamed gums, or infection, the fight-or-flight mode is ON. It is not a condition that can be solved with a dog anxiety vest and yummy snacks. Chronic pain makes stress hormone cortisol kick in, which, in turn, leads to:

• Being cranky, snappy, or more aggressive than usual. When pets are in pain, they can get cranky or snap more easily, especially if their hooman tries to touch their face or mouth.

Low energy and behavior that looks a lot like depression. Tail-waggers in pain might zZZ more than usual, looking tired or just not interested in playing or cuddling.

Photo by Rebecca Campbell from Unsplash

• Avoiding favorite toys or nom-noms. If your mutt’s pearl whites hurt, they may stop eating or chewing on toys as much as usual.
• Struggling to handle normal, everyday stress. For an animal in pain, meeting new people, hearing loud noises, or even being left alone turns into a source of anxiety and stress.
• Pawing at the mouth. If their mouth is bothering them, they’ll paw at it or rub it against all possible surfaces to relieve the pain.

See?

Mouth pain isn’t just about the mouth. It can mess with your pet’s whole mood and well-being. So, before you wonder, “What can I give my dog for anxiety?” or “How to help a dog with separation anxiety?” check their teeth.

Top Dental Conditions That Cause Stress

In our catalog, we offer a wide range of products dedicated to keeping your fluffball’s fangs white and shiny. That’s why we truly understand dental diseases and their impact on your furry friend’s overall well-being. Here are the most common oral issues that can silently take stress levels up in dogs:

• #1 periodontal disease. Meet the #1 dental problem in canines. Usually, it stands behind inflamed, painful gums and instability of teeth. If you had a constant toothache, you’d be stressed too, in need of a service dog for anxiety or even something stronger.
• #2 tooth fractures/exposed roots. Cracked or broken teeth expose sensitive nerves. It causes sharp pain.  
  

• #3 oral infections and abscesses. Bacterial infections in the mouth can cause throbbing pain and swelling. If bacteria enter the bloodstream at some point, the inflammation and discomfort get more intense.
  

What Can You Do?

In short, a lot.

While dog separation anxiety training can help if the pup misses the owner, you need a comprehensive approach in the case of dental issues.

• Do regular brushing. Do it daily, using dog-safe toothpaste. Even 3-4 sessions a week help a lot!
• Pick dental-friendly chews and powder. It should be vet-approved products. Stay away from extremely hard items that can crack teeth.
• Have regular vet checks. Annual vet checks are a must. If you’re a parent of a senior, good boy or girl, think of more frequent monitoring.  
• Watch behavior changes. As closely as possible. Do you notice sudden anxiety or aggression? Both should make you instantly think of a health check.

Remember that untreated dental disease only worsens with time. That is why even minor health issues shouldn’t be neglected. For more info, check out our blog to keep your pet’s smile bright.