Common Teeth Problems Of Small Dogs

When it comes to the dental dilemmas that dogs go through, dog size does matter. Small dogs like Pekingese, Tibetian Spaniels, and many more small dog breeds differ with their dental problems to large dog breeds. Small dogs are known to have teeth loss problems compared to large dogs. As much as you want to make sure that your small pooch will keep all their teeth, teeth loss is a dental problem that you both need to face, and in order to understand what to do, you need to learn about teeth loss and it’s causes so you can do what’s right.

TOOTH LOSS

Small dogs are undoubtedly very cute and they always make people smile. But when your pooch is losing its teeth, you start to worry that your dog may not grow them back. The fact is, dogs also have baby teeth just like humans do. Typically, puppies have 28 baby teeth in the first three to six weeks since birth, and before they get their permanent teeth. These baby teeth falls out around the time when small dogs reach their fifth month of existence, and the baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth which reach 42 in numbers. Though losing baby teeth is quite typical, losing permanent teeth is not, and there could be underlying issues that you need to be concerned about. Losing teeth is a common problem for your adult small dog. If you happen to have a Yorkshire Terrier, your precious pet is actually more likely to lose all the teeth as your dog reach 12 years old. However, there must be reasons for the loss of teeth for your small dogs.

Result of Head Injury or Trauma

It is quite possible that your small pooch was involved in an accident that caused head injury or trauma that is why your pet is losing teeth. If you know that this accident happened or suspected that it happened, you need to bring your small dog to the vet in order to have your pooch’s mouth radiographed to ensure that there are no leftover fragments in the gums that can cause further infection.

Metabolic Disorders

Small dogs that have metabolic disorders are more prone to losing their teeth. If you see the signs that your small pooch is suffering from a metabolic disease, consult a vet right away so the problem can be diagnosed and treated. Unlike humans, your pet cannot tell you what is wrong, but you can be wary of the signs and symptoms so you can act accordingly. Some typical signs of a metabolic disorder is weight loss, vomiting, cramps, regurgitation and/or difficulty swallowing, dark urine, and muscle weakness.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another reason why your small dog loses teeth. Small dogs have smaller teeth that are closely spaced together, making it possible for tartar buildup to happen more often, especially when your small pooch is missing brushing time more often. The poor oral hygiene of your small dog can pave the way for the growth of tartar under the gums and on the teeth’s surfaces. The unwanted tartar can cause havoc to the underlying bone or structure of your small dog’s teeth, which will lead to the falling out of teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by not brushing your small dog’s teeth regularly. This condition can get worst since not only will your small pooch lose teeth, but your pet’s gums can also acquire bacteria from not brushing, and this bacteria can spread throughout your small dog’s body, causing more problem that can become fatal to your pet.

SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH LOSS FOR SMALL DOGS

There are a couple of reasons behind the loss of teeth for your small dog, but there are also symptoms that you need to be aware of before your small pooch loses all the teeth. The symptoms of teeth loss for small dogs include bleeding, excessive licking, mouth salivation, bad breath, drooling with blood, pawing at the mouth, less or no appetite, missing or loose teeth, swelling in the face, receding gums, discharge from the nose, trouble chewing which can appear like messy eating, redness of the gums, seizures, and swelling of the gums. When you see one or two or more of these symptoms, do not wait for your small dog to have fallen teeth. Bring your canine friend to the vet immediately in order to receive proper treatment.

COMMON SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL DOG TEETH PROBLEMS

Like every living thing in the world, small dogs have teeth problems that can be remedied when you as a small dog owner can see the signs early on, and act on it.

Daily Brushing

You need to make it a habit to always brush your small dog’s teeth every day, especially every after meal. That may be a tedious task especially when you need to work, but you need to have time to take care of your small pooch’s teeth. If you can’t do it three times a day, then at least brush your small dog’s teeth once a day, and make sure to let your dog eat a dental snack in between meals. Daily brushing will help prevent tartar buildup, and with clean teeth and gums, your small pooch will not have gum disease, so you can rest well knowing that your special small pet will not lose teeth while growing up. All you need to brush your pup’s teeth is a dog toothbrush and special dog toothpaste!

Regular Vet Appointments

No matter how hectic your schedule is, you need to give time for your small dog. Follow a strict vet schedules appointments, and have your small pooch teeth checked frequently. You wouldn’t want to hug and give and receive kisses to your small pooch with bad breath, right? As a small dog owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your small dog, and you need to make sure that even though teeth loss is common for small dogs, you need to do everything you can to prevent this from happening for your beloved small dog.