Dental Care

Proper dental care is an essential part of keeping miniature donkeys healthy and comfortable throughout their lives. Unlike people, a donkey’s teeth grow continuously, making routine dental examinations important to prevent sharp points, uneven wear, hooks, and other abnormalities that can interfere with eating.

Young donkeys should have their mouths evaluated to ensure their baby teeth are shedding normally, and their permanent teeth are erupting correctly. Adult donkeys benefit from a dental examination every 12–24 months, while senior donkeys often require more frequent evaluations as age-related dental problems become more common.

Signs that a donkey may need a dental exam include:

• Dropping feed while eating

• Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition

• Bad breath

• Excessive salivation

• Slow or reluctant eating

• Swelling of the jaw or face

• Nasal discharge

• Undigested feed in manure

Routine dental floating performed by a veterinarian or qualified equine dental professional helps remove sharp enamel points, correct uneven wear, and improve chewing efficiency. Good dental health allows donkeys to properly digest forage, maintain a healthy weight, and enjoy a better quality of life.

For miniature donkeys, regular dental care, combined with proper nutrition and routine veterinary care, is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term health and well-being.

We use Miller Equine Dentistry and cannot recommend Ashley Miller more!