Is a Broken Puppy Tooth an Emergency?

Your puppy is chewing on a toy—or maybe something they shouldn’t—and suddenly, you notice blood or a missing tooth. It can be scary, but is a broken puppy tooth really an emergency?

This article covers everything you need to know about broken puppy teeth, including when to call your vet, how to spot serious issues, and how to keep your pup healthy and pain-free. If you’re worried now, contact a 24-hour emergency vet near you for immediate help.

Is a Broken Puppy Tooth an Emergency?

In most cases, a broken puppy tooth is not an emergency—but it should still be evaluated by a vet as soon as possible. If the tooth is bleeding heavily, the root is exposed, or your puppy seems to be in pain, it can lead to infection or long-term dental issues if not treated promptly.

Primary (baby) teeth naturally fall out between 12–16 weeks and are replaced by adult teeth. However, when a baby tooth breaks or an adult tooth fractures early, it may require urgent dental care.

How to Tell If the Tooth Is a Problem

Puppy teeth are tiny, but they can still cause big problems if broken or damaged. Here are signs your pup’s broken tooth may need a vet visit:

• Bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop
• Visible crack or exposed pulp (pink or red inside the tooth)
• Swelling near the mouth or face
• Foul odor or pus from the mouth
• Whining, pawing at the mouth, or not wanting to eat
• Loose or dangling tooth that’s causing pain

If any of these signs are present, it’s best to contact your vet or use a 24-hour vet service to have your puppy seen right away.

Why Puppy Teeth Break

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and it’s not uncommon for them to chew on hard items that can crack or chip teeth. Common causes include:

• Chewing hard toys, bones, or sticks
• Rough play or falling on hard surfaces
• Accidents or trauma to the mouth
• Genetic dental issues or poor enamel development

While baby teeth are temporary, a broken tooth can still be painful or become infected if not addressed.

When to Go to an Emergency Vet

A broken puppy tooth is an emergency if:

• There’s uncontrollable bleeding
• Your puppy refuses to eat or drink
• The tooth root is visible (often red or pink in the center)
• There are signs of swelling, infection, or pus
• Your puppy is showing extreme pain or behavior changes

In these cases, visit a 24-hour emergency animal clinic to prevent infection or complications.

What the Vet Will Do

Your vet will examine the tooth and may perform X-rays to determine how deep the damage goes. Treatment may include:

• Tooth extraction: Especially for broken baby teeth that won’t fall out on their own
• Pain medication: To keep your pup comfortable
• Antibiotics: If there’s risk of infection
• Monitoring: For adult teeth coming in or signs of misalignment

Prompt care ensures your puppy’s permanent teeth come in correctly and without pain.

Can You Do Anything at Home?

While waiting to see your vet, here are a few ways to keep your puppy comfortable:

• Offer soft food to reduce chewing pressure
• Avoid giving hard toys or bones
• Gently wipe away blood with a damp cloth if needed
• Keep your puppy calm and prevent rough play

Never attempt to pull the tooth yourself or give human painkillers—they can be harmful or fatal to dogs.

Preventing Broken Teeth in Puppies

You can’t prevent every accident, but you can lower the risk:

• Use chew toys made specifically for puppies—soft but durable
• Supervise playtime, especially with hard objects
• Avoid giving bones, antlers, or hard nylon chews
• Visit your vet for regular dental checks during teething

Early dental care helps avoid long-term issues and teaches your puppy that vet visits aren’t scary.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore a Broken Puppy Tooth

While a broken puppy tooth isn’t always a critical emergency, it does need prompt care. If there’s bleeding, pain, or visible damage, it’s best to get your pup checked out by a vet. Quick treatment prevents infection, pain, and long-term dental issues.

Use 24 Hour Emergency Vet to find help fast—day or night. Your puppy’s smile and comfort are worth it.

Healthy teeth mean a happy, pain-free start to life—don’t delay care when something’s not right.