Note: We may earn a commission from helpful, relevant links in our content. No cost to you. See our privacy policy.
More than 85% of dogs have some form of dental disease. Rotten teeth are one of them. But what do you do when this happens? Should you pull your dog’s tooth at home?
The Short Answer
Under no circumstances should you try to pull a dog’s rotten tooth at home. The danger of infection spreading to the bloodstream is far too great. You could injure the dog and many ways and cause it great pain and suffering.
A veterinarian should extract the tooth using anesthetics, analgetics, and expertise.
If you notice your dog frequently pawing at its mouth or exhibiting signs of discomfort like drooling or refusal to eat, it’s a clear signal that immediate attention is required, and an at-home extraction is not the solution.
You can’t do it safely unless you’re a veterinarian with the necessary equipment. A high risk of infection spreading to the blood puts your pet at risk.A qualified veterinarian should perform dental work.
Your dog may require antibiotics and anesthetics and may be sedated for this procedure, which must be performed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Many teeth have roots that extend into the dog’s narrow lower jaw. Furthermore, there could be an abscess or another infection that you could aggravate by doing it yourself at home. Dental bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause bacterial endocarditis.
While it’s tempting to intervene when seeing our pets in discomfort, hastily pulling a tooth without proper tools or technique can lead to fractured roots, leaving the dog even more vulnerable to infections.
It’s more complex than it sounds regarding humans and loose teeth. Some teeth are rooted far into the nasal cavity, are incredibly long, and require expert extraction. If you don’t have the expertise to do this, you might endanger the dog’s life by causing breathing problems.
However, the only way to determine the dog’s complete, accurate condition and what to do about its dental health is to take it to the vet as soon as possible.
As a pet owner, you must provide proper veterinary care. If you are unwilling or unable to do so, you should give up your poor dog to a rescue organization.
Your pet will feel much better after the extractions and will likely begin playing and chewing on things soon after. Dental disease is painful and, if left untreated, can lead to other organ problems due to bacteria entering the bloodstream.
I’ve talked to several dog owners who have had their dog’s teeth extracted, and almost all of them say their dog is back to normal. It significantly improves the quality of life, but you should never do it at home.
What to Do if Your Dog Has a Rotten Tooth?
The best thing to do is take your dog to the vet for a thorough teeth cleaning and advice on what to do next. Try not to put it off or postpone because the longer you wait, the more problems will arise.
Occasionally, one or more teeth must be extracted.
Brushing is effective at removing plaque, but once tartar has formed, no amount of brushing will remove it. Brushing will only make things worse if their teeth are rotting.
It is not uncommon for a small breed to require extractions by the age of 3-4 years and tartar buildup and dental disease are unique to each dog. Some pets require dental cleanings every six months, while others require them every other year.
While many pet owners might be tempted to wait, hoping the issue resolves on its own, it’s critical to recognize that timely veterinary intervention can prevent complications and extended pain for your pet.
If your dog has rotten teeth and dark gums, he may have abscesses, and some of his teeth may need to be extracted. The dental infection could kill him and cause other illnesses and complications, causing him additional pain and discomfort. In this case, no amount of brushing will cure him.
Do you know of any veterinary dentists who specialize in animal teeth? If you believe the teeth are in poor condition, you can contact your local veterinary dentist to inquire about a consultation, procedures, and costs.
Rotten teeth with dark gums are a painful and potentially fatal condition in dogs. Take your pet to the veterinarian and ask what they think should be done.
Dogs may have several rotten teeth, which may necessitate surgery. Your veterinarian may request bloodwork as soon as possible so that you can begin antibiotics and prepare for surgery. The best thing to do is to consult with your veterinarian about what to do.
In the meantime, I’d look into water additives, dental chews, or dry dog food that is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, such as
Whatever the case, try not to be concerned. You’d be surprised how many dogs require extractions. Once they are pain-free, their behavior is incredible to witness. More cheerful and eager to play and eat. But remember that you cannot do it alone.
What to Do if Your Puppy Has a Loose Tooth?
Puppies go through a teething phase, much like human babies.
While most loose teeth in puppies are a natural part of their growth, it’s vital to differentiate between a naturally shedding puppy tooth and a potentially infected or injured one. This is not a judgment call to make at home.
If your puppy has a loose tooth, take them to the vet for an examination and, if necessary, extraction. Never try to pull out your puppy’s loose tooth at home because the root or socket could be rotten or infected, causing severe health problems.
The tooth or root could be broken, leaving fragments in the jaw. Furthermore, bone issues may require evaluation, which only a veterinarian can provide. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian any questions you may have.
The vet may sometimes advise you to leave the tooth alone because it may fall out on its own. Baby teeth are hollow and must fall out for an adult tooth to emerge correctly. But expecting it to go smoothly without vet checks is dangerous.
If there is discoloration in his gums, I recommend taking him to the vet to ensure it isn’t infected.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Your Dog’s Tooth?
The cost of a dog tooth extraction varies depending on your location, the work’s complexity, and the veterinarian’s pricing. The base cost for anesthesia, cleaning, and so on is $250-$500. From my years of experience, each tooth extraction costs between $100 and $200 but will vary depending on location.
Getting pet insurance could be a wise decision. It’s a wacky system, but you’ll get some of it back.
Many dogs, mainly small breeds, require tooth extraction at some point, so don’t feel bad about it. If you get another dog, try to get it into the habit of brushing its teeth as soon as possible.
One of my dogs had dental issues his entire life. He had several teeth cleanings and had many teeth pulled throughout her life. He always returned home happier than before. They suffer from bad teeth but are better off and happier without them.
Despite regular dental care, some breeds are known to have dental issues and lose many teeth. Try not to feel bad if your dog needs a few teeth extracted. They don’t mind and will feel better once the teeth are extracted.
Engaging your dog in proper dental hygiene practices from a young age, such as using dental wipes or introducing them to dental toys, can play a vital role in preventing severe dental problems later in.
FAQs
How to keep your dog’s teeth healthy?
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to keep them healthy, and it should be done daily and from puppyhood. Giving them raw meat is one of the better ways to prevent dog tooth decay, but not all dogs can eat raw meat. Aside from that, they should have their teeth cleaned at the vet once a year.
Is there a home remedy for dog tooth decay?
Raw meat and frozen turkey necks are great for your dog’s teeth. Ensure that your dog gets hard food and treats because chewing on hard things helps break down plaque buildup on their teeth. Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week. Aloe vera gel and hydrogen peroxide are also good options as effective antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients.
Is periodontal disease reversible in dogs?
Stage 1 Gingivitis is the only reversible stage of periodontal disease. This is because gingivitis is only inflammation, and no destruction of the tooth’s supporting structures has occurred at this stage. Take your dog to the vet for a dental exam to ensure you act on time.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
