Cats

There is a condition prone to puppies called malocclusion, which means that their bit does not fit right. This misalignment of the teeth is common and usually does not affect the dog’s ability to eat. However, as the dog grows older, the condition can get worse or could correct itself.

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.

When the upper jaw is longer than the lower one, it creates an overbite. When the mouth is closed, a gap is formed between the upper and lower incisors. In puppies, if the gap is not to large, it can sometimes fix itself usually by 10-months.

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.

You may want to consult a specialist for those severe cases. I bet you never thought you would hear this; yes in recent years, braces are being made for puppies to help in the realignment of their teeth. What will they think of next, doggy contacts to change their eye color?

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.

Have an Animal that you Love? Visit Catherine’s recommended Pet Supplies for Dogs website that uses nature’s highest quality ingredients. They have the most amazing Natural Organic Dog Shampoos on the market.