If your dog's teeth do not align right, its called malocclusion, which mean the fit of the bite is not right. This condition usually starts as the puppies teeth start coming in. As the dog grows to adulthood, the condition can get better or worsen.
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.
The scissor bite is not something that you will find in all dogs. Boxers, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are some of the most common of the flat nose breed. Something you need to know when you are purchasing a purebred dog from this family.
It is not uncommon for puppies to be born with gaps in their teeth. These gaps will usually correct themselves as the puppy gets older and his adult teeth come in. If the problem does not correct by around the 10-month mark, it likely will not correct itself.
When adult teeth start coming in, this can cause the condition to worsen. Damage to the soft part of the mouth can occur and your vet might need to intervene. All your vet would need to do is extract a tooth or two to correct the problem.
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 feel we owe it to our pets to make their life comfortable. Be consistent with their checkups and vaccinations to extend the life of your dog. After all, they are your family too.
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.
The scissor bite is not something that you will find in all dogs. Boxers, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are some of the most common of the flat nose breed. Something you need to know when you are purchasing a purebred dog from this family.
It is not uncommon for puppies to be born with gaps in their teeth. These gaps will usually correct themselves as the puppy gets older and his adult teeth come in. If the problem does not correct by around the 10-month mark, it likely will not correct itself.
When adult teeth start coming in, this can cause the condition to worsen. Damage to the soft part of the mouth can occur and your vet might need to intervene. All your vet would need to do is extract a tooth or two to correct the problem.
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 feel we owe it to our pets to make their life comfortable. Be consistent with their checkups and vaccinations to extend the life of your dog. After all, they are your family too.
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