Just like humans, dogs can experience dental pain. If you have been wondering whether or not your pet is experiencing dental issues there are some signs that will confirm this. When dogs have a toothache it is very hard to miss, once you know the signs.
If you pay careful attention to how your dog is behaving you can tell whether or not they are in dental pain. Below you will find some of the most common signs that your dog is experiencing a toothache.
Eating Habits Change
One of the clear indicators that your dog may be having a dental problem is when they stop eating. You may notice that if they approach food and try to eat it they may wince in pain.
They may also wince when they try to move their jaw. This type of pain may cause your dog to stop eating altogether. This is not a good sign and you need to take your pet to the vet immediately.
Bad breath
A sign that your dog may be having dental problems is bad breath. Bad breath may mean that your dog has an abscessed tooth. It may also be a sign of gum disease. It is very important that you take your dog to the vet if you suspect that they have an abscessed tooth. This is because the infection could get into their bloodstream and cause them to become very sick.
Swollen Gums
Another clear sign that your dog is having dental problems is when its gums become swollen. Their gums may become red as well. Swollen gums can cause their face to look swollen as well. Take your dog to the vet to get this problem taken care of.
Blood on Toys
If your dog is having a dental problem its gums may start to bleed. Once their gums start to bleed you may notice that blood starts appearing on their chew toys. You may also notice blood on anything they bite when they are eating. This is usually a sign of gingivitis and your dog will need to go to the vet.
The signs that your dog is having dental issues are not that difficult to spot once you know what to look out for. If you suspect that your dog has a dental problem, the best thing to do is to take them to an animal hospital for medical attention as soon as possible.