Vet Emergencies: How Do You Know a Dog Is Having Oral Pain?
A few different things can cause oral pain in dogs, including tooth decay, gingivitis, and mouth injuries. If your dogs are experiencing any of these problems, they will likely need treatment from an expert vet dentist (like LaPineVet.com).
Common Causes of Oral Pains in Dogs
Here are the top most common causes of oral pains in dogs:
1. Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of oral pain in dogs is tooth decay. This can happen when plaque builds up on the teeth and starts to eat away at the enamel. Infections and other serious health problems can occur due to untreated gingivitis.
2. Gingivitis
Another common cause of oral pain in dogs is gingivitis. It is an inflammation of the gums that can be caused by plaque buildup. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease.
3. Mouth Injuries
Mouth injuries are another possible cause of oral pain in dogs. These can include cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries like fractured teeth. If your dog has any type of mouth injury, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.
Signs to Look for in a Dog with Oral Pain
There are a few different signs that you can look for to tell if your dog is in pain. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Reluctance to eat or drink
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding from the mouth
What to Expect at the Vet
If you bring your dog to the vet for oral pain, the first thing they will do is perform a physical examination. This will help figure out other possible causes of the pain. They may also take X-rays or perform additional tests to get a better look at the inside of your dog’s mouth.
If it’s an emergency, the vet will likely start treatment right away. Go to this link to know more about pet emergencies and what to expect.
Treatment for Oral Pain in Dogs
The treatment for oral pain in dogs will vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, if your dog has tooth decay, they may need to have the affected tooth extracted. If they have gingivitis, they’ll likely need a professional teeth cleaning and medication to help reduce inflammation.
Mouth injuries will usually require cleanings and stitching as well as pain medication.
Preventing Oral Pain in Dogs
These are some things you can do to help prevent oral pain in dogs, including:
- Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. The best way to brush your dog’s teeth is with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Giving your dog dental chews and toys. This can help to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth.
- Feeding your dog a healthy diet. A high-fiber diet can help reduce plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth.
- Visiting the vet for regular checkups. This will help recognize any problems early on and get them treated before they become serious.
To End
In dogs, oral pains are most commonly caused by tooth decay, gingivitis, or mouth injuries, all of which require treatment from a reputable vet clinic, such as La Pine Animal Hospital. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of oral pain in your dog, and take them to a reliable vet as soon as possible if you think they may be in pain.
With proper care and prevention, you can help your dog avoid oral pain altogether.
