My Pet World: Pet parents can manage a feisty, feces-eating dog in a few ways

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Jan 25, 2023

Dear Cathy,

I have a rescue dog that I got in October of 2013. I recently discovered that his gums cover most of his back and side teeth. I have tried many times to open his mouth with no luck. Before I take him to the vet, I have to give him two kinds of medications to calm him down so that the vet can examine him. What do I do? Would it be very expensive to have the skin removed from his teeth?

— Yvonne, Hartford, Connecticut

Dear Yvonne,

I am not a vet, but it sounds like your dog may have gingival hyperplasia, which is gum inflammation and enlargement. In severe cases, the gums can extend over his teeth as you describe. The condition can be throughout the mouth or localized in one area, almost looking like a tumor, so a trip to the vet is necessary to rule out oral cancer.

Gingival hyperplasia is thought to be a genetic disorder more common in boxers, bulldogs, and cocker spaniels, but it can occur in any breed of dog. Take your dog to a vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Your vet may recommend surgery to restore the gumlines, clean out and reduce deep pockets where bacteria can get trapped, and clean the plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.

I can’t tell you the cost, but I don’t imagine the surgery is cheap. But this oral condition can’t feel very good for your dog, and it can lead to increased tooth decay on down the road. Whether your dog has surgery or not, a vet needs to guide you on your dog’s unique dental care needs.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)