I don’t know what’s going on, and I’m really worried. My mom’s dog, Buster, has these awful rotten teeth, and I can just tell they’re bothering him so much. He’s been really lethargic lately and not eating his kibble like he used to, which freaks me out. I took him to the vet two days ago, hoping they’d do something about it, but the vet said they won’t remove them right now. I don’t understand! We tried some pain relief treats, but Buster seems so miserable, especially in the evenings, and it breaks my heart to see him like this. Has anyone else dealt with something similar or have advice on what I should do next? I'm desperate for him to be comfortable again.
Appreciate the question—let's unpack this. Having a dog with rotten teeth is definitely a concern, as dental health can impact their overall well-being. There could be a few reasons why your vet chose not to remove the teeth just yet. Sometimes, vets may delay extractions if they believe your dog isn't stable enough for anesthesia due to age or underlying health conditions. Alternatively, your vet may be considering other treatment options, like antibiotics or addressing other health issues first.
At home, you can help manage your mom's dog's discomfort by offering soft food instead of hard kibble, which can be painful to chew. Keeping their mouth clean with gentle brushing or dental wipes is helpful if they'll tolerate it. Watch for signs like excessive drooling, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, or bad breath, as these can indicate ongoing dental problems and potential infections.
It’s important to address severe dental issues as they can lead to further complications like infections spreading to other parts of the body. I suggest setting up a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. They can provide more tailored advice and help you decide on the next best steps for your dog's dental health.
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