Vet says dogs hide painful problem that ‘needs immediate attention’

Dog owners have been warned their pet needs to see a vet urgently if they spot something wrong in their pet’s mouth. Dr James Greenwood is a well-known TV vet and author, recognised for his appearances on BBC’s Morning Live. He also shares videos on his popular Instagram account as @Drjgreenwood, where has has gained over 50k followers.

In a recent video with Petplan, the expert detailed why it’s important for owners to get their dog’s teeth checked regularly and highlighted some symtoms that owners should be aware of.

For instance, the vet explained that dogs require immediate medical condition if owners spot a wobbly or broken tooth in their pet’s mouth, warning that dogs continue to eat despite the pain.

Explaining what vets look for during a check, Dr Greenwood said: “Have you ever wondered what a trip to the doggy dentist looks like? Well, I’m going to show you what I look for when I’m checking a dog’s teeth.”

He continued: “So first of all, I’m looking at their gums. I’m looking for any redness, any signs of swollen gums, which could indicate that there’s some gum disease. Secondly, it’s the tartar, that yellow staining. That’s not just staining.

“That can indicate that we’ve got a mix of bacteria and protein building on the tooth surface, which needs to be scaled away because that can eventually damage the tooth structure itself. Thirdly, it’s broken or wobbly teeth, which need immediate veterinary attention because that’s an incredibly painful condition for dogs and they will still eat despite that level of pain. So definitely get that checked out.”

The vet concluded: “And lastly, it’s that doggy bad breath. It is a real thing. And unfortunately, that normally means that there is an infection looming somewhere. So with a quick trip to the doggy dentist, you can keep your canine’s canines in tip top condition. And that is definitely something to smile about.”

According to PDSA, wobbly teeth can be caused by injuries, tumours, or tooth and hum disease. The experts reiterated the importance of a vet visit for any dogs with loose teeth.

On its website, the animal charity explained: “Adult dogs shouldn’t have wobbly teeth, if you notice any, it’s a sign something is wrong. Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around four months old when they are replaced by adult teeth.

“Wobbly teeth can be very painful, especially when eating. Wobbly teeth usually need removing by a vet under anaesthetic. Book your dog in for a check-up if you notice they have loose or wobbly teeth.”