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My dog's jaw is fractured. Can I help him heal at home affordably?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | 5 years and 7 months old | 22 lbs

my dog got attacked by an American pitbull and his jaw is fractured but it will to much money to repair it. I went to the vets and they said it might be ok but I'm still not sure and worried have you got any advice what I can do at home thank you.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 16th, 2017

Poor Peppie! It depends on where the fracture is, and whether it is displaced. I have had good luck with fractures of the mandibular symphasis (the very front of the bottom jaw) by having the dog wear a loose-fitting soft muzzle for ~6 weeks and feeding exclusively soft food. The muzzle would be loose enough for Peppie to lap water and soft food, but tight enough that he couldn't totally open his jaw and it would help stabilize. He would wear this 24 hours a day, including while eating and sleeping. Your vet will likely be familiar with this so I recommend calling and asking if this might help. It would only be beneficial for specific types of jaw fractures so it's important for your vet to give the go-ahead first, since they know the specifics of Peppie's fracture but I've had good success using this technique. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Depending on where the fracture is, you can talk to your vet about a loose fitting muzzle for support of the jaw to help stabilize it until healing takes place. Other than that all you can do is soft, liquid food so he does not have to chew put any pressure on he jaw.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 16th, 2017
Unfortunately there isn't anything you can do at home for a fractured jaw. Peppie will have to be seen by a vet. Even if to just get appropriate pain medication for him. There are no safe over the counte pain medicaitons for pets due to increased risk of liver and/or kidney damage. Poor guy. The best option for him is going to be surgery and even then it will be a long recovery.
Here are some financial resources that may be able to help afford his veterinary care. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
Carecredit.com
Redrover.org
Until you get him in you will likely have to syringe feed him a gruel of his food and offer him water also by hand via syringe or small turkey aster. I hope he feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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