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My dog has red gums, painful teeth, and won't eat. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 12 years and 3 months old | 44 lbs

Will my dog's teeh fall out or is it less serius, her gums are also all red, she did't want me to look at her teeth propobly because they hurt, she also doesn't wat to eat anything thats hard.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 12th, 2018

Dogs need regular dental care just like humans, and yes if her teeth are badly infected, they could fall out. In addition, severe dental disease can and does lead to infection spreading elsewhere in the body via the blood system and cause things such as liver abscesses and endocarditis (a heart infection). It's very clear that her teeth are hurting if she won't eat anything hard and doesn't want you to look at her mouth. She absolutely needs to see a vet for this problem, and I would call your vet today to make an appointment for her. Best of luck.

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