Teeth and Salivary Glands: Functions for Dogs & Cats

Teeth and salivary glands: what are their functions ?

3 March 2023

Teeth: different shapes… for different purposes

Dogs and cats are carnivores, and you can tell by their teeth. Indeed, carnivores have teeth that allow them to shred and crush food. They also move up and down with their jaws. Herbivores, on the other hand, chew and use lateral movements to do so. Their teeth are quite different from those of dogs and cats.

The dentition of our domestic carnivores therefore includes :

incisors – with a fleur-de-lis appearance – for cutting, shearing and trimming ;
canines or fangs – large and tapered – for catching and holding prey;
premolars – for tearing meat;
molars – with 1 to 3 roots – for grinding food.

What is the role of saliva ?

Saliva is formed by :

the mixture of secretions from the various salivary glands present in the oral cavity of dogs and cats,
the cells of the oral mucosa that have desquamated – that have died,
microorganisms present and their products,
food debris.

This fluid therefore contains water and minerals, mucins, immune cells and various enzymes. It acts as a lubricant, protector and antibacterial agent, despite the considerable amount of bacteria present. For example, the mouths of our canines contain over 300 species of bacteria. Unlike our saliva, dog and cat saliva does not serve as the first step in digestion.

Certain enzymes present in saliva, such as peroxidases, interfere with glucose metabolism and limit bacterial growth. They are now found in some oral gels.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.