Dental care is essential for donkeys, just as it is for horses, but it often receives less attention. Recently, we had our donkeys’ teeth checked by our equine dentist, Stuart, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to share why regular dental care is so important for these wonderful animals.

Why Donkey Dental Care Matters

Donkeys have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Their diet of fibrous, coarse forage naturally helps wear them down, but problems like uneven wear, sharp points, and malocclusion (misaligned teeth) can occur. Without proper care, these issues can lead to discomfort, nutritional challenges, and even behavioral changes.

Here at Rosehaven Farms, dental check-ups are an important part of our animal care routine. Stuart, our trusted equine dentist, recently visited to ensure our donkeys are comfortable and healthy.

What Happens During a Dental Check-Up?

During Stuart’s visit, each donkey had a thorough dental exam. He checked for sharp edges, overgrown teeth, or signs of gum disease and took care of any issues with expert precision. Here are a few key things he looked for:

• Sharp Points: These can cause mouth sores and make chewing painful.

• Overgrown Teeth: Uneven wear can result in hooks or waves, which interfere with proper chewing.

• Gum Health: Stuart also examined the gums for signs of inflammation or periodontal disease.

Signs Your Donkey Might Need Dental Care

We’ve learned over the years that donkeys don’t always show obvious signs of dental discomfort. Some subtle signs include:

• Dropping food while eating.

• Losing weight despite having plenty to eat.

• Reluctance to eat or chew hay properly.

• Changes in behavior, like irritability or seeming withdrawn.

Caring for Older Donkeys

Our older donkeys require extra attention, as dental problems become more common with age. During Stuart’s visit, he worked on some of our senior donkeys, ensuring any overgrown or uneven teeth were addressed. Tooth loss is also more common as donkeys age, so routine care becomes even more critical to their wellbeing.

A Happy Herd with Healthy Smiles

Regular dental care doesn’t just prevent pain; it helps our donkeys enjoy their food, stay healthy, and live happier lives. Watching them munch on their hay with ease after their dental work is always a rewarding sight.

If you’ve been wondering whether your donkeys might need a dental check-up, we can’t recommend it enough. Stuart’s annual visit reminded us just how important this care is—not just for their teeth, but for their overall health and happiness.