RACHEL’S TIPS FOR A DOG MOUTH EMERGENCY

What to do if a dog licks something sharp:

First, always keep ice cubes in the freezer, so if this happens, simply grab an ice cube, put it in the dog’s mouth. Put a towel over the dog’s head to help them relax and get them to a vet quickly.

Putting ice on the cut straight away helps to stem the bleeding, which gives you time to seek professional assistance from the vet.

What to do if a dog breaks a tooth:

A broken tooth is not a life-threatening emergency, but it’s important that you know what to do if you spot a dog that has a freshly chipped gnasher.

A broken tooth could cause sores in the dog’s mouth, or an exposed nerve could cause pain or discomfort, so it is important to get a broken tooth checked out as soon as possible.

To help a dog you think is experiencing tooth pain, there are a range of numbing sprays and mouthwashes that help in the short term. But the only real solution is to address the underlying cause of the dental problem.

What to do if a dog’s tooth falls out:

If a dog has an accident and knocks out a tooth, try and find the lost tooth. To care for a distressed dog, place a towel over their head, and keep calm. Then take the dog to the vet. If you have been able to retain the tooth, is it possible that it will be able to be put back in place.

What to do if your dog has swollen gums:

If you notice when you brush your dog’s teeth that there is blood on the brush, it could be a sign that your pet has gingivitis or stomatitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth, and stomatitis is its more painful cousin, which could lead to your dog not wanting to eat their food, due to discomfort.

If you suspect that your dog has any of these conditions, or notice any behavioural changes contact your vet as a full dental assessment will be required, to prevent these conditions occurring. A good at home dental practice, supplements such as Collar-Gen and feeding natural foods help.

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