Tooth Abscess In dogs – The Happy Puppers

Last Updated: June 24, 2025

Quick Answer Box

• Yes/No: Yes, tooth abscesses in dogs are treatable with prompt care.
• Symptoms: Swelling, bad breath, reluctance to chew.
• Action: Consult a vet immediately for severe signs.

Hey there, dog lovers! If you’ve noticed your pup showing signs of discomfort around the mouth, you might be dealing with a tooth abscess in dogs—a painful condition that needs attention. As a dog blogger with years of hands-on experience, I’ve seen how these issues can escalate if ignored. This guide dives into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for tooth abscess in dogs, offering practical advice, charts, and a downloadable care checklist.

Did you know that by the time dogs are three years old, over 80% of them have teeth problems? Dog dental health is important for their general health and happiness. However, it is often forgotten. Just like with people, not taking care of your dog’s teeth can cause major health problems. One of them is painful tooth abscess in dogs.

Taking care of your dog’s teeth and breath is more than just keeping their air fresh. It’s about making sure they’re healthy all around. Tooth abscesses, for example, aren’t just a dental problem. They can be very painful, and make it hard for your dog to eat. They can even cause systemic diseases that spread to other parts of the body and affect the whole animal. To avoid major health issues, it is important to take care of your dog’s teeth and know about problems like tooth abscesses in dogs.

You’ll learn a lot about dog tooth abscesses in this blog post. You will find out how to recognize the signs of a tooth abscess, the different reasons why they happen, and the various ways to treat them. I’ll also give you important tips on how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and avoid tooth sores. Whether you have had dogs before or if this is your first time, this guide will teach you how to keep your furry friend’s mouth healthy and pain-free.

Tooth abscess in dogs

When germs infect a tooth, they cause a pocket of pus to form in or around the tooth. This leads to tooth abscess in dogs. This is a painful condition. This infection occurs because of a cavity, injury, or serious untreated gum disease. As the body tries to fight off the illness, pus builds up. This pus is full of bacteria, white blood cells, and dead tissue. It causes swelling and severe pain.

A tooth abscess in dogs is a painful infection at the tooth root, often from a broken tooth or gum disease. It can lead to swelling and discomfort, requiring timely intervention. Recognizing the signs early, as noted by veterinary experts, is crucial to prevent complications (VCA Hospitals).

Chart of Dental Diet Options

Understanding the right diet is a key step in preventing and managing tooth abscess in dogs, and choosing the best options can make all the difference. As someone with years of hands-on experience in dog care, I’ve seen how proper nutrition supports dental health and reduces abscess risks. This chart of dental diet options, breaks down the best food choices to promote strong teeth and gums, helping you keep your pup’s smile healthy and abscess-free. Let’s explore the details!

Diet Option	Description	Benefits
Dental-Specific Kibble	Formulated to reduce plaque via texture	Supports mechanical cleaning
Wet Food with Additives	Soft diet with enzymes to break down plaque	Easier for post-treatment recovery
Raw Diet (Vet-Approved)	Natural bones and meat (supervised)	Promotes natural chewing

Quick Symptom Checklist Box

• Bad Breath: Persistent foul odor.
• Swelling: Around the face or under the eye.
• Reluctance to Chew: Avoiding food or toys.
• Pawing at Mouth: Sign of discomfort.
• Fever: Indicating infection spread. (Animal Dental Specialists)

Pin this article for later:

Visual Quick Checklist/Table (Symptoms + Urgency)

Recognizing the signs of tooth abscess in dogs early can save your pup from discomfort and costly treatments, and knowing what to do next is just as important. With experience guiding dog owners through these challenges, I’ve put together this visual quick checklist/table to help you spot symptoms and determine urgency at a glance. This is your go-to tool for deciding when to act—whether it’s a routine check or an emergency vet visit. Dive in to stay prepared! (Vetster)

Symptom	Urgency	Action
Mild Bad Breath	Routine	Schedule vet check
Facial Swelling	Emergency	Seek vet immediately
Refusal to Eat	Emergency	Urgent vet visit
Pawing at Mouth	Routine	Monitor, then consult vet
Fever	Emergency	Immediate vet attention

Dental Diet & Chew Comparison Chart/Table

Choosing the right dental diet and chews is a game-changer in preventing tooth abscess in dogs, and knowing which options work best can save your pup from pain. Drawing from years of hands-on experience helping dogs stay healthy, I’ve created this dental diet & chew comparison chart/table to break down the pros, cons, and best uses of each option. This is your guide to selecting the perfect tools to maintain strong teeth and gums, keeping tooth abscesses in dogs at bay. Let’s take a look! (Pawlicy)

Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
Dental Chews	Reduces plaque, easy to use	May cause choking if unsupervised	Active dogs
Rawhide Chews	Long-lasting, natural	Risk of digestion issues	Supervised use
Dental Sticks	Enzyme-based cleaning	Less durable	Small or sensitive dogs
Soft Dental Treats	Gentle on teeth, tasty	Limited plaque reduction	Post-surgery recovery

Different kinds of abscesses:

An abscess around a tooth:

This type of abscess is often linked to serious gum disease. It happens when germs get into the space between the tooth and the gum and cause an infection. The infection makes pus build up in the periodontal pocket. Gums that are swollen and red, pain when eating, and pus comes out of the gums.

Periapical Abscess:

This pus-filled sac forms at the very end of a tooth’s root. Most of the time, this occurs because an untreated cavity allows germs to get deep into the tooth, infecting the pulp and root. A bad toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, facial or jaw swelling, and a visible bump near lips or teeth are some common symptoms.

Knowing the difference between these two types of abscesses is important for spotting the signs and getting your dog the right treatment. It is important to know what kind of abscess your dog has because each has its reasons and ways of treating it.

Signs of Tooth Abscess in Dogs

Visible signs

• Most people can tell when their dogs have a tooth abscess because of swelling in the face or mouth.
• Dogs often have red, swollen gums around the hurt teeth. This is a sign of infection and soreness.
• Sometimes, pus may come from the gum line near the hurt tooth. This is a clear sign of an abscess.

Changes in Behavior

• Because it hurts, dogs with tooth abscesses often don’t want to eat, especially things that are hard or crunchy. 
• To feel better, a dog might paw at their mouth or rub their face on the ground.
  The dog may drool too much as they try to deal with the pain and soreness in their mouth.
• Dogs with dental infections, like abscesses, often have a strong, bad smell coming from their mouth.

Indicators of Pain

• When the area around the abscess is touched or because of pain, the dog may whine or whimper.
• They might act upset or mean if you touch the swollen region.
• If a dog is in pain and discomfort all the time, it may lose its energy, become irritable, or hide from people.

  If you notice these signs, you should take your dog to the vet right away. This will stop the infection from growing and leading to more serious health problems.

What Causes Tooth Abscess in Dogs?

Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth:

Most often plaque or tartar buildup around the teeth causes tooth abscess in dogs. Plaque is a film of bacteria that sticks to teeth. It can harden into tartar if not cleared by brushing and regular cleaning. There are pockets around the teeth where germs can grow. This buildup can also cause gum disease. This is why it is referred to as periodontal disease. If these germs get to the bottom of the tooth, they can cause an infection that can turn into an abscess.

Broken or chipped tooth

Dental damage occurs when a dog chews on hard things like bones or gets hurt accidentally. This can cause the teeth to break or chip. When teeth break, they expose the inner pulp. The inner pulp is full of nerves and blood vessels that bacteria can infect. Germs that get into the pulp can start an illness that spreads to the tooth’s root and forms an abscess.

Wounded teeth

Sticks, bones, toys, and other things are common things for dogs to chew on. Sharp pieces from these things can poke holes in the gums, which bacteria can use to get in. If these puncture wounds are not treated immediately, germs can enter and lead to abscess formation.

Health problems leading to tooth abscess in dogs:

Diabetes:

Because Diabetes compromises the immune systems, dogs with diabetes are more likely to get illnesses, even dental infections. When blood sugar levels are high, germs can grow faster. This makes it easier for infections to start and spread around.

Immune system issues

Infections are more likely to spread to dogs that have compromised immune systems, like autoimmune diseases or conditions that weaken the immune system. Their bodies aren’t as good at fighting off germs, which can make dental infections, like tooth abscess in dogs, more common and worse.

Knowing these reasons can help dog guardians avoid tooth abscesses by doing things like keeping their dog’s teeth clean, watching how much they chew, and taking care of any underlying health problems properly.

How to Tell If There is a Tooth Abscess in Dogs

Veterinary Check-Up

• During an exam for a possible tooth abscess, the vet will do various tests to prove the diagnosis and figure out the best way to treat the animal.
• The vet checks inside the dog’s mouth to check for swelling, redness, or pus around the tooth or gums that are hurt.
• They will lightly press the dog’s face and jaw to find sore or swollen spots. This helps figure out where the illness is.

Imaging

X-rays

X-rays are crucial for identifying tooth abscess in dogs because they let the vet see what’s occurring below the gum line and check out the tooth roots. An abscess is visible on an x-ray. It shows up as changes in bone mass or bone loss around the hurt toot. This imaging helps figure out how bad the infection is and if it has spread to other areas nearby.

Lab Tests

In some cases, the doctor may suggest blood tests to look for underlying health problems that could lead to dental abscesses. Dogs with diabetes or problems with their immune systems may be more likely to get illnesses because their immune systems aren’t working as well.

The vet can make a correct diagnosis and treatment plan based on these tests, which help them figure out how bad the tooth abscess is and where it is located. It’s important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible to stop the infection from spreading and to help the dog feel better.

Different ways to treat tooth abscesses

Treatment for tooth abscess in dogs includes antibiotics for infection control and either root canal therapy or extraction, depending on severity. Veterinary assessment is key, often requiring X-rays for diagnosis (PetMD).

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are very important for healing tooth abscesses. This is especially crucial when bacteria is the cause. The type of antibiotic will rely on how bad the infection is and the kind of bacteria causing it. Antibiotics like amoxicillin, doxycycline, and metronidazole are common medications. It is crucial to complete the dose that the doctor prescribes to make sure the infection is gone for good.

Dealing with pain:

Dealing with the pain is an important part of healing tooth abscesses in dogs because they can be very painful. To ease the pain and reduce swelling, the doctor may give your dog, painkillers like opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While the infection gets treated, these medicines make the dog feel better.

Clean up and draining

• In cases where the abscess has turned into a clear pus pocket, the vet may need to drain it. A small cut is made in the gum for pus drainage. This relieves pressure and pain.
• After the pus, germs, and other debris are drained. Following this, the abscess cavity is cleaned to remove leftovers. This cleaning stops infections from spreading and speeds up the mending process.

Tooth Extraction for Tooth Abscess in Dogs

Signs and symptoms

When an infection has spread to the tooth root, especially with periapical abscesses, the tooth requires extraction. Mostly, this is done if the tooth is badly broken, can’t be treated with medicines and drainage, or could get infected again. Tooth extraction is the surgery that removes the hurt tooth while the dog is under anesthesia. This stops the infection from spreading and removes the abscess’s cause.

Aftercare

Restrictions on Diet and Activity

The dog might need to eat soft food for a few days to a week after treatment so that it doesn’t hurt the treated region. Stay away from crunchy or hard foods that could hurt the healing tissues. The vet may ask you to limit your dog’s activities. This is to keep the healing mouth away from stress.

• As told by the vet, give any prescribed medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics.
• Take your dog back to the vet for a second opinion and ensure the abscess has closed properly.

How to Prevent Tooth Abscess in dogs?

Check-ups with the dentist regularly

Regular dental check-ups at the vet’s office are important for finding dental problems, like tooth abscesses, early on. Vets can clean your dog’s teeth professionally and look at his or her gums and teeth to find any signs of dental disease before they turn into abscesses. The need of regular vet visit also increases if your dog beyonds to the senior dog category.

Aim for dental exams once a year, or as often as your vet tells you to based on your dog’s dental health needs.

Dental Care at Home

Brushing a dog’s teeth:

• Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made just for dogs your vet tells you to. Regular grooming is critical.
• Brush your dog’s teeth often, preferably every day or a few times a week, to get rid of plaque and stop tartar from building up.
• Introduce brushing slowly and make it a good experience by giving rewards.

Using dental chews and additions to water:

• Dental chews and treats can help keep plaque and tartar from building up on teeth by cleaning them mechanically.
• There are water additives that can help get rid of plaque and bacteria in your dog’s mouth between brushings, which is good for their oral health.

Food and Chews

Diets that are good for your dog’s teeth:

• Make sure your dog eats a healthy, well-balanced diet. Go for diets that improve oral health, like those that get rid of plaque and tartar.
• Don’t give your dog too many soft or sticky treats, as these can make dental problems worse.

Toys to Chew:

• Give your dog chew toys that are safe and will help clean its teeth and gums while also satisfying its natural need to chew.
• Stay away from hard things like bones and rocks that can break teeth and cause abscesses.

Keeping an eye out for early signs

Regular checks

• Check your dog’s mouth often for early signs of dental problems. These can be gums that are red or swollen, bad breath, or discolored teeth.
• If your dog starts pawing at its mouth or refusing to eat, it could be a sign that it is in pain in its teeth.

Quick Veterinary Care

• Make an appointment right away to see your vet if you see any signs of dental problems or think your dog might have a tooth abscess.
• Getting help right away can stop abscesses and other more serious dental problems from getting worse.

By taking these precautions, you can make it much less likely that your dog will get tooth abscesses and improve their overall dental health and well-being. Taking your dog to the vet regularly and taking care of its teeth at home are both important for keeping its smile healthy.

Preventing tooth abscess in dogs involves regular brushing, dental chews, and vet checkups. Early detection through routine exams can stop issues before they worsen (Beach Avenue Animal Hospital).

When to go to the Vet for Tooth Abscess in Dogs

Signs of an Emergency

These serious signs mean your dog needs immediate veterinary care:

• If you see sudden, severe swelling in your dog’s face or jaw, especially if it’s making it hard for them to breathe or swallow, you should take them to the vet right away.
• A fever of more than 103°F (39.4°C) can be a sign of a serious infection, like an abscess in the tooth that has spread.
• If your dog is having trouble breathing, the airways may be infected. It can also be due to a severe abscess.
• Drooling that isn’t normal or that’s too much could be a sign of serious pain or discomfort.

  If your dog shows any of these signs of an emergency, you should call your vet right away or go to an emergency vet clinic.

Concerns that come up often:

Some less urgent but ongoing signs that your dog needs to see a vet are:

• If your dog is avoiding food, especially crunchy or hard foods, it could mean that he or she is in pain in the teeth, which could mean that a tooth abscess is developing.
• Dogs that paw or rub at their mouths or faces a lot may be in pain or discomfort.
• Bad breath that won’t go away can be a sign of dental problems, like an abscess or infection.
• Any big behavior change, like becoming more irritable or tired, could be a sign of a deeper health problem, like a toothache.
• A vet should look at any redness, swelling, or pus that you can see around the gums or teeth.

It is important to make an appointment with your vet if any of these common problems last longer than a few days or get worse over time. If you take care of small dental problems right away, they may not get worse, like tooth abscesses.

Real Life Scenarios

A reader’s dog showed swelling under the eye from an abscess—I sought vet care promptly, and the quick action prevented further pain with a timely extraction, which relieved the pressure and allowed a swift recovery within a few days (Well Pets)

Another reader, Stella’s dog avoided chewing for days, leading to a diagnosis of a tooth abscess in dogs after a week of monitoring, revealing an underlying cracked tooth that needed treatment—a root canal was performed to save it, followed by a special soft diet to aid healing. These experiences highlight the need for vigilance with tooth abscess in dogs, reminding me to regularly check for subtle signs like slight swelling, changes in eating habits, or unusual pawing at the mouth, and act decisively to keep a pup’s health on track. Over time, I’ve learned to schedule monthly oral exams and keep chew toys handy to catch issues early, a routine that has proven invaluable in preventing such painful conditions from escalating.

Conclusion

We’ve talked about everything you need to know about dog tooth abscesses in this guide. The health of your dog’s teeth is very important to their overall health. If you think your dog might have a tooth abscess or any other dental problem, you should see your vet right away. You can avoid pain, discomfort, and more serious health problems by finding and treating problems early on.

Remember that a dog with a healthy mouth is happy and healthy. Today, put your dog’s dental health first!

If you have any queries regarding this blog post or any other on The Happy Puppers, feel free to mention them in the comment section. I will try to resolve them as soon as possible. If you like watching videos, subscribe to my YouTube channel, Shruti and Delta. Remember to ring the notification bell and set it to ALL so that YouTube does not miss out on notifying you about new video releases.

See you in my next blog post

Dr. Shruti

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author

Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya is the founder and guiding force behind The Happy Puppers, combining a Ph.D. in Immunology with decades of direct canine care experience. Her passion for the well-being of dogs has taken many forms:

• Academic & Scientific Rigor – Dr. Shruti applies a science-based approach to pet care, enriched by her training in immunology.
• Hands-On Street Work – Over the past 10+ years, she has personally cared for 30+ street dogs, tending to their health, training, and rehabilitation, even as she relocated and continued caregiving with 15 dogs, and currently supports 5 local neighborhood dogs outside her apartment.
• Instinctual Bond with Dogs – From stray pups to fostered companions, even strangers recognize her as a safe and trusted friend to dogs—drawn to her calm presence and empathy.
• Personal Pack – She’s the proud canine mom of Delta, a German Shepherd–Pitbull mix; Zeus, an energetic Labrador mix; and Alpha, a curious Indian pariah pup—each inspiring her mission through their daily lives.

Through The Happy Puppers, Dr. Shruti shares science-backed advice, empathetic insight, and evidence-based tips designed to empower dog guardians worldwide. Her goal: to blend real-world experience with academic expertise, helping every dog feel safe, loved, and thriving.

Follow me on:

🏆 The Happy Puppers was names one of FeedSpot’s Top 100 Dog Blogs worldwide for expert content and pet care insights.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary or grooming advice. Consult a veterinarian for specific dietary concerns.

References

• VCA Hospitals, 2025. Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs.
• PetMD, 2025. Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs.
• Beach Avenue Animal Hospital, 2025. Tooth Abscess in Dog.
• WellPets, 2025. Dog Tooth Abscess.
• Animal Dental Specialists, 2025. Understanding and Treating a Dog Tooth Abscess.
• Vetster, 2025. Dental Abscesses in Dogs.
• Pawlicy, 2025. Tooth Abscess in Dogs.
• Vetic, 2025. What Is Abscess in Dogs: Treatment, Management and Prevention of External Abscess in Dogs.
• Luv n Care, 2025. Signs of Doggy Dental Issues.