Dental problems are among the most common and welfare-significant health issues in donkeys. Understanding donkey-specific dental needs is essential for owners and carers.
Dental disease in donkeys causes chronic pain that is easily missed because of the species' stoic nature. A donkey may continue to eat and appear outwardly normal while suffering significant discomfort from sharp dental points, hooks, or infected teeth. Regular preventive dental care - annual examination and treatment - is the cornerstone of donkey dental welfare. Owners must actively monitor for subtle signs including slow eating, food dropping, facial swelling, and reduced appetite rather than waiting for obvious signs of distress. The Donkey Sanctuary offers excellent resources for donkey carers.