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My dog's tooth broke playing tug. Is it an emergency or can it wait?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Female | spayed | 13 years and 2 months old | 65 lbs

I was playing tug with my dog and her tooth broke off! I’m heartbroken! Should I take her to the emergency vet tonight or call her regular vet tomorrow for a dental appointment? She is old and has had teeth removed before, but those were planned extractions. Does she hurt? What can I do for her?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2019

Hello, sorry to hear about Bella. It looks like the crown of her canine tooth broke off. Although she may have experienced some discomfort, it is also likely that Bella had underlying dental disease which caused her tooth to become weakened and thus break while playing. Therefore, its unlikely she is experiencing any additional discomfort now. If you see she does not want to eat, or has excessive salivation, or is pawing at her face, then you should could have more concerning discomfort. Bella should be evaluated, but it is something that can wait so that she may see her primary care veterinarian tomorrow for a dental appointment. You may feed her soft food until she is seen by her veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 31st, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While this warrants a visit to your veterinarian, it is not an emergency. Most dogs tolerate this amount of pain ok and it is probably not very painful. It is recommended to have Willie evaluated by a veterinarian. This is important to check how viable the tooth is and if it needs extraction. Good luck and have a good night!

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