Caring for an injured dog with a broken jaw can be a difficult and challenging task. It is important to provide the dog with the appropriate care to ensure the best possible recovery. This article will discuss the various ways in which to feed a dog with a broken jaw and provide some tips on how to make the process easier.
What is a Broken Jaw?
A broken jaw, also known as mandibular fracture, is an injury that occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) is fractured or broken. This type of injury is often caused by a traumatic event such as being hit by a car or falling from a great height. In some cases, the injury is caused by a bite from another animal.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Jaw
The most common sign of a broken jaw is pain in the face, jaw, or neck. The injured dog may also be reluctant to open their mouth, may have difficulty eating or drinking, and may have a visible deformity in the jaw area. Other signs of a broken jaw may include swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty breathing, and difficulty speaking.
Diagnosis of a Broken Jaw
In order to diagnose a broken jaw, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take X-rays of the injured area. In some cases, the X-rays may reveal a fracture in the jawbone. If the jawbone is fractured, the veterinarian will likely recommend surgery to repair the injury.
Treatment of a Broken Jaw
The treatment of a broken jaw depends on the severity of the injury. In most cases, surgery is recommended in order to repair the injury. This surgery may involve placing pins and wires in the jawbone to hold it in place while it heals. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend a soft diet in order to reduce the amount of stress on the jaw while it is healing.
How to Feed a Dog With a Broken Jaw
Feeding a dog with a broken jaw is often a challenging task. It is important to feed the dog soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. This will help to reduce the amount of stress on the jaw while it is healing.
Soft Diets
Soft diets are the best option for dogs with broken jaws. These diets are easy to chew and swallow, and can provide the dog with the nutrition they need to heal. Soft diets may include canned food, boiled chicken, cooked eggs, mashed potatoes, cooked rice, and cooked vegetables. It is important to avoid feeding the dog hard foods such as bones, rawhide, and treats as these can cause further injury to the jaw.
Hand-Feeding
Another option for feeding a dog with a broken jaw is to hand-feed the dog. This involves feeding the dog small amounts of food at a time using your hands. It is important to ensure that all the food is thoroughly chewed before it is swallowed in order to prevent choking.
Feeding Tube
In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend using a feeding tube. This is a small tube that is inserted into the dog’s throat and is used to deliver food directly to the stomach. This can be a useful option for dogs that are unable to eat on their own due to the extent of their injury.
Tips for Feeding a Dog With a Broken Jaw
Choose Soft Foods
When selecting foods for a dog with a broken jaw it is important to choose soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Avoid hard foods such as bones and rawhide as these can cause further injury to the jaw.
Keep Foods Small
It is important to keep the portions of food small when feeding a dog with a broken jaw. This will make it easier for the dog to chew and swallow the food. It is also important to feed the dog several smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal.
Monitor Eating Habits
It is also important to monitor the dog’s eating habits and make sure they are eating enough. If the dog is not eating enough, it is important to contact the veterinarian for further advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a broken jaw to heal?
The healing time for a broken jaw can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, the healing process can take several weeks to several months.
Can a dog with a broken jaw eat dry food?
It is not recommended to feed a dog with a broken jaw dry food as this can be difficult for the dog to chew and swallow. It is best to feed the dog soft foods such as canned food, cooked meats, and cooked vegetables.
Can a dog with a broken jaw drink water?
Yes, it is safe for a dog with a broken jaw to drink water. However, it is important to ensure that the water is not too cold as this can cause discomfort to the jaw.
What is the best way to feed a dog with a broken jaw?
The best way to feed a dog with a broken jaw is to provide them with soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. It is also important to keep the portions of food small and to feed the dog several smaller meals throughout the day.
Is it safe to give a dog with a broken jaw treats?
It is not recommended to give a dog with a broken jaw treats as these can be difficult to chew and swallow. It is best to give the dog soft foods such as canned food, cooked meats, and cooked vegetables.
Can a dog with a broken jaw play?
It is not recommended for a dog with a broken jaw to play or engage in any type of strenuous activity. It is best to keep the dog calm and restrict their activity until the jaw has healed.
Conclusion
Feeding a dog with a broken jaw can be a challenging task. It is important to provide the dog with soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. It is also important to monitor the dog’s eating habits and make sure they are eating enough. If the dog is not eating enough, it is important to contact the veterinarian for further advice. By following these tips, it is possible to ensure that the dog is receiving the nutrition they need to heal from their injury.