Know What To Watch For: Signs That Your Dog Has A Dental Emergency
If you have a dog, you know how hard it can be to tell when they're sick. However, it's often harder to tell when they're dealing with a dental issue. Unfortunately, untreated dental problems can quickly turn into dental emergencies. Luckily, if you watch closely, there are some ways to identify canine dental problems. If you haven't been providing routine dental care for your dog, they could be suffering from hidden dental issues. If your dog is exhibiting any of the warning signs provided here, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your Dog has Discolored Teeth
If your dog has developed discoloration on its teeth, bring out the toothbrush. If the discoloration comes off with the toothbrush, your dog needs a thorough dental cleaning. However, if the discoloration doesn't come off, or the discoloration affects the entire tooth, you need to visit a veterinarian right away. The discoloration is a sign that there's something going on inside the tooth that needs to be taken care of immediately.
Your Dog has Started Gagging
If your dog gags from time to time, there probably isn't too much to worry about. In most cases, gagging is a sign that your dog has something in their throat that they're trying to dislodge, or that they've eaten something that didn't agree with them. However, if your dog has started gagging on a regular basis, and the gagging becomes more intense during mealtime, there may be a dental issue that needs to be resolved.
Your Dog has Dental Pain
If your dog has become resistant to face rubs, they could be experiencing dental pain. Dogs can't use words when they're in pain, which means they need to use body language. One body language technique is to wince or grimace when a painful area is touched. If your dog is experiencing dental pain, they could have cavities that need to be addressed. The best thing to do is to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your Dog has an Abscess
If your dog has suddenly developed a serious case of bad breath, the first thing you need to do is look inside their mouth. There are a couple of dental problems that can cause bad breath including canine gum disease. Gum disease can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. The next cause is a dental abscess. Abscesses fill with pus and if they become too big, they can break, which fills the mouth with pus. This can lead to a foul odor. If your dog shows signs of an abscess, or of gum disease, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian right away.