When you got your dog, did you ever believe that you would be discussing your dog’s teeth? Well, some dogs have a misalignment or commonly know as malocclusion, meaning that the bite does not fit right. This condition usually get is worse as the dog gets older.

Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth the time they reach 6 months old. Once they reach adulthood, they should have 42 teeth. As we all know, those puppy teeth can be very sharp and are potentially harmful so make sure you play with caution.

One of the side effects of this problem is that the dog might have problems picking up or chewing food. Best to have your vet check it out to assure you that your puppy does not run the risk of a fracture or wear on the teeth. Many times this condition has minimal effect with the dog eating.

The most common malocclusions are overbite or underbite. This occurs when the mouth is closed and the teeth do not meet creating a gap. Many breeds have this problem naturally and do not have any issues; however, the flat face family of dogs will not have the scissor bite.

When you are looking for a pure breed dog there are certain characteristics that are common to their breed. The scissor bite is one of those malocclusions that is not common in the flat nosed dogs like Boxers, Shih Tsuz and Lhasa Apsos’. If the dog has a scissor bite, then you might not be getting a purebred.

Smaller gaps in puppies can usually correct themselves. If a dog is older than 10 months, then the gap is already set and you will need to seek the help of your vet to correct it. If it were not affecting the dogs eating or picking up, then I would not worry.

Your dog’s overbite may worsen as the permanent teeth come in because they are larger and can damage the soft parts of the mouth. Teeth extractions are sometimes necessary. Just check with your vet if you are concerned or notice that the dog is not eating.

Depending on the severity, you might just want to consult your vet for their opinion. I have heard of situation where puppies have been fitted with braces, but I do not think I am ready for that. What will they think of next; contact lenses?

I do certainly feel that we are responsible for making our pet’s life a good one. Be diligent in the care of your dog. Regular checkups and vaccinations can increase the life of your dog and keep them healthy and happy.

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Related posts:

  1. Don’t Neglect your Dog’s Teeth
  2. Dog Teeth Cleaning – What You Need to Know
  3. Canine Teeth Cleaning
  4. Does My Dog Have An Allergy To Fleas
  5. Is Peeing a Sign of Submissive or Excited Behavior

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Filed under: Dog Health

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