Breathing problems, getting hit by a car, vomiting, diarrhea, and heatstroke are among the most common reasons fur parents take their pets to the vet urgently. However, dental issues are a leading cause of emergency vet visits for cats and dogs, yet they are rarely discussed. Teeth can shatter, gums can get infected, and jaws can crack just like they can in people, causing pain, discomfort, and the inability to eat and drink normally.
Prevalent Dental Emergencies in Pets
Do you suspect that your pet may be having a dental emergency? When does your pet’s dental health become critical? In such a predicament, how would you proceed? You, the pet owner, understand the value of good dental hygiene. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the warning indications of a dental problem in your pet.
These are some of the pets’ most frequent dental emergencies, so you’ll know when to take yours to the vet.
Bleeding Gums
If your pet is bleeding from the mouth, you must act immediately. You could look in your pet’s mouth and decide that a bit of blood on the gums isn’t a huge concern. However, if you notice any discoloration or blood in your pet’s mouth, you should get it checked out by a vet immediately.
They may be experiencing the early stages of tooth decay or gum disease, both of which should be treated before progressing to more severe conditions. If your pet has dental injuries or is bleeding from the mouth, you should immediately get them to an emergency vet clinic in Santa Barbara. Emergency veterinarians will administer the crucial necessary care to halt the bleeding.
Periodontal Disease
Pets with lengthy cases of untreated gingivitis develop periodontal disease, characterized by an infection of the supporting tissues of the tooth socket. Periodontal disease cannot typically be remedied by just having one’s teeth cleaned. This is because the infection is much more deeply embedded than in gingivitis. In extreme cases, dental surgery is the only option for addressing such a dental emergency.
One approach to protect your pet from getting this condition is to clean their mouth and take them to the vet dentist regularly. Additionally, it is best to take your pet to a vet clinic that offers pet diagnosis and internal medicine services if you suspect that they have a periodontal disease so that the proper treatment may be given. If you are in need of a vet that provides such services, visit this page.
Refusal or Difficulty in Eating
Pets’ refusal to eat could mean they’re experiencing health issues. But when your pet has trouble chewing or swallowing, it’s probably because of dental issues. Immediate veterinary attention is needed to determine the source of these symptoms. Your veterinarian may offer tooth extraction or other surgical treatment if your pet has difficulty eating due to dental problems.
However, dental surgery may not be a viable option for your pet. In this case, consult your veterinarian about switching to wet food for your pet. Moreover, your pet’s skin is just as crucial as its teeth, so keep that in mind while caring for their teeth. Take your pet to the vet dermatologist if it develops skin problems.
The Takeaway
Remember that your pet can’t communicate how it feels when its teeth hurt. As painful as it may be, dental diseases are a reality of life for pets. Having a good dental health practice at home is the first step in reducing these problems for your pet. Having professional veterinary dental cleanings done regularly is also recommended.
