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Recognizing toothache in dogs 3/4

Zahnschmerzen beim Hund erkennen 3/4

The dental inspection by the dog owner – Part 3/4

In previous blog posts, we have already reported on toothache in dogs and how to recognize toothache in dogs. In today's part of our four-part series, we will report on what can lead to toothache in your dog. There are many causes of toothache in dogs.

Toothache in dogs: The causes

Fractures, such as those caused by broken teeth, are often caused by biting stones. Gnawing or biting into hard objects such as large pieces of wood or marrow bones from beef shanks can also cause small and large tooth fractures. Any tooth injury can result in an abscess in the jaw. Inflammations can also occur as a result of foreign bodies in the mouth and throat area. Splinters of bone or wood as well as awns are among the most common causes of severe inflammation in the mouth and throat area.

In addition to external factors, tartar can also lead to severe inflammation in the entire jaw area. Although tooth decay is rare in dogs, sugar cannot be completely ruled out as a cause of diseases in the periodontal ligament.

The causes of toothache in your puppy are just as varied. Injuries to milk teeth and injuries resulting from pulling and tugging games can also be the cause of dental problems. Dental problems related to teething cannot be ruled out at this age.

Inflamed maxillary sinuses, bone inflammations in the jaw area, abscesses and root inflammations as well as fistulas in the mouth, throat and nose area are always accompanied by severe pain. Malocclusions can often be identified by impaired food intake.

Toothache in dogs: When to see a dentist?

When you need to take your dog to the veterinary dentist depends on the dental problem. If in doubt, it is always advisable to seek medical advice . Even if you suspect that your dog has toothache, you should go to the vet. In particular, if your dog's behavior has suddenly changed or your four-legged friend suddenly appears to be in great distress, you should not hesitate to go to the vet.

Refusal to eat and poor food intake are actually always an indication of dental problems in your dog. It always becomes problematic when your dog's vital signs already indicate a health problem.

You should be on alert if your dog refuses to eat at all. In this case, a critical point has been reached. If this condition persists, your beloved four-legged friend can quickly become weaker. He is not only at risk of dehydration, but also of starvation. Quick action is required here. In such cases, you should not hesitate any longer and consult a vet.

Dental problems in dogs: When should you see a veterinarian?

You should always consult a veterinarian if your dog's dental problem requires special expertise. There are numerous veterinarians who specialize in treating teeth.

Diagnosis by a veterinarian specializing in dog dentistry is much more thorough and specific than by a general veterinarian. Regardless of the specialty, your veterinarian will also take a very close look at your dog's teeth and jaw. If necessary, imaging techniques can also be used for targeted diagnosis.

The medical history also includes your dog's previous medical history and general behavior . Does your dog like to gnaw on wood or does he regularly fetch in meadows and fields? Does your dog like to play with stones or could a awn from the last walk be the culprit? In addition to a visual dental check, X-rays and even a CT scan can provide information about the cause of dental problems.

In the last part of our 4-part series, learn more about toothache in dogs and how you can effectively prevent dental problems through dental care with our emmi®pet ultrasonic toothbrush .

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