Dental problems in dogs are sometimes viewed as being a minor inconvenience, but problems together with your Dachshund’s teeth could possibly be way more serious than you realize.
In this text, I’m going to share the 6 most typical Dachshund teeth problems and why you need to concentrate to the signs of trouble.
I’m also going to share ways you’ll be able to keep your Dachshund’s teeth clean, including what I do with Summit and Gretel.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/ivonnewierink
Are Dachshunds Vulnerable to Bad Teeth?
Every breed of dog has associated health issues, and the Dachshund isn’t any exception.
For the Dachshund, this includes dental problems and gum disease (that is true for each miniature and standards).
The first reason they’re liable to dental issues is because they’ve such long, narrow snouts – squeezing the regular variety of dog teeth right into a smaller mouth.
Not only does the form of a Dachshund’s mouth put them at the next risk of dental issues, but it will possibly also make cleansing their teeth tougher.
When plaque is allowed to accumulate on a dog’s teeth, it will possibly result in things like tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease.
Poor dental health can result in other health complications too, including a weakened immune system, heart disease (like congestive heart failure), and kidney problems.
That is why it’s so necessary to acknowledge in case your Dachshund is experiencing any dental problems and address them together with your veterinarian.
What are the Signs of Dental Problems in Dachshunds?
Some Dachshund teeth problems, like a broken canine tooth, could also be easy to identify.
But this isn’t all the time the case.
Of their early stages, dental problems resulting from plaque and gingivitis are sometimes harder to acknowledge.
Essentially the most common signs of Dachshund dental problems include:
- Eating on one side of their mouth
- Chewing food more slowly than usual
- Dropping food when eating
- Not eating harder-to-chew food or treats
- Disinterest of their favorite chew toys
- Swelling within the face, muzzle, or gums
- Presence of blood on or across the gums
- Pawing at or itching their face
- Rubbing their face against the bottom or items like furniture
- Not wanting to let anyone touch their face
Should you notice any of those warning signs in your Dachshund, call your veterinarian.
They’ll find a way to allow you to discover the precise problem and judge on the very best method to treat it to avoid further problems.
6 Common Dachshund Teeth Problems
There are 6 dental issues which can be seen repeatedly in Dachshunds.
Dachshund Double Canine Teeth in Puppies
Puppies are born with 28 teeth.
Like humans, they lose these baby teeth, and their adult teeth will grow in.
Sometimes, these baby teeth fail to fall out.
It is a condition generally known as persistent deciduous teeth and probably the most common tooth retained is the canine tooth.
In case your Dachshund’s baby teeth remain, it will possibly cause overcrowding or force your Dachshund’s adult teeth to grow in incorrectly.
Should you notice that your Dachshund has a persistent deciduous tooth, you need to contact your veterinarian.
These teeth may cause long-term problems and sometimes have to be removed (the procedure is mostly performed during spay or neuter surgery).
My Doxie puppy, Summit had this issue and must have her canine teeth removed by a veterinarian.
Overcrowding Attributable to Smaller Jaws
Smaller dog breeds just like the Dachshund have been bred over generations to achieve their petite lap-sized appearance.
Some genetic traits are more immune to evolution and breeding selection, changing at a slower pace. This includes tooth size.
The Dachshund, as we all know the breed today, has a smaller head than its ancestors but its tooth size hasn’t modified at the identical rate.
This causes overcrowding which may cause dental problems, like teeth growing in rotated or misaligned, and makes it difficult to scrub your Dachshund’s teeth.
Periodontal Disease and Dachshund Teeth Rotting
Infection and swelling of the gums and tissue around your Dachshund’s teeth is known as Periodontal Disease.
That is probably the most common dental problem in dogs of all breeds and is experienced by greater than 2/3 of dogs aged 3 and older.
When plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate in your Dachshund’s teeth, it will possibly result in uncomfortable conditions like gingivitis, cavities, exposed nerves, or rotten teeth.
The pain brought on by periodontal disease may stop your dog from having the ability to eat, and may result in other health issues, so it’s necessary to deal with the issue as soon as you notice any sign that something could also be improper.
Dachshund Teeth Falling Out
In the course of the teething phase, you dealt together with your Dachshund’s puppy teeth falling out making way for his or her adult teeth to are available.
But what do you do in case your adult Dachshund is now losing teeth?
There are two the reason why chances are you’ll discover your Dachshund teeth falling out later in life.
The primary is the results of dental problems which can be left unaddressed.
Teeth which have been rotting may break free and fall out because the roots grow to be loose or detached.
In case your Dachshund has recently experienced trauma in or around their face, chances are you’ll also see teeth falling out immediately after consequently.
Broken Teeth in a Dachshund
You might notice that your Dachshund’s teeth are chipped, cracked, or broken.
This may be very uncomfortable and painful to your Dachshund because it could expose the sensitive pulp of the teeth.
Teeth normally break due to some form of trauma or impact.
In case your Dachshund was recently involved in an accident that caused damage to their face and muzzle, their teeth can have been broken.
If the break was small, they could not show any signs that something is improper at first.
But many cracks and breaks will worsen over time in the event that they aren’t taken care of.
One other common reason behind broken teeth in a Dachshund is from chewing on something that is simply too hard.
When selecting treats, toys, and chews to your Dachshund, be certain that it isn’t rock solid.
You may test this by pressing your thumbnail into the chew.
If the chew or toy doesn’t have somewhat “give”, or your thumbnail doesn’t make a small indent, then it is simply too hard and will break their teeth.
Note: these harder chews can still be given but the chance have to be recognized. Closely supervise your dog and take the chew away in case you are nervous or see any issues.
Some items which can be more more likely to cause this problem are antlers and bigger cooked bones.
Teeth Chattering or Grinding
A Dachshund that’s chattering their teeth is commonly related to pain.
It is a true concern, and you need to check for signs of dental problems in case you notice any chattering.
But that’s not the one explanation for this behavior.
Your Dachshund may start chattering their teeth for a wide selection of reasons starting from fear to over-excitement.
Does your Dachshund get overly enthusiastic about things like their favorite toy or the sound of you filling their food dish?
If that’s the case, chances are you’ll see that excitement expressed through body shakes and chattering or grinding teeth.
My Dachshund Gretel chatters her teeth when she is anticipating dinner.
How You Can Help Prevent Dental Problems in Your Dachshund
A very powerful thing that you could do to stop Dachshund dental problems is to scrub their teeth repeatedly.
You’ll have heard the suggestion to brush your Dachshund’s teeth a few times each week, and yes, that’s the best approach.
But that’s not the one option.
I attempted brushing my dogs’ teeth but quickly realized that it wasn’t the proper option for us.
There are a lot of great products available, depending on what your Dachshund will let you utilize and the way they fit into your lifestyle.
This includes dental gels, sprays, water additives, dental treats, chews, and toys designed to scrape the plaque and tartar off.
One necessary step that you could take to stop Dachshund teeth problems is to make an appointment together with your veterinarian for an expert cleansing.
This is out there each as a cleansing under anesthesia and a non-anesthesia cleansing (in some areas).
When deciding on which cleansing option is good to your Dachshund, there are a number of aspects to contemplate:
- Any history of complications with anesthesia
- Whether any Dachshund teeth problems have to be addressed that will require anesthesia like a tooth extraction
- Your Dachshund’s comfort level with having their teeth cleaned
- In case your Dachshund needs x-rays (this will only be done under sedation)
There are plenty of negative opinions about anesthesia-free teeth cleansing, but I disagree.
I’m not a veterinarian, and that is my personal opinion, but I even have done plenty of research and made what I imagine is the very best selection for my family.
Anesthesia-free cleanings have worked well to soundly help keep my Dachshund’s teeth freed from plaque.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds, and small dogs on the whole, are liable to dental problems and gum disease.
When a dog’s mouth is smaller, teeth can generally tend to get over-crowded.
This could directly cause issues like loose teeth, missing teeth, oronasal fistulas, and more.
Poor dental health can result in other health complications too, including a weakened immune system, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Making a home routine for helping to maintain your dog’s teeth freed from plaque might help prevent related diseases and help protect their overall health.
You may do that by brushing their teeth or repeatedly, giving them a plaque softener and chews to scrape the plaque off themselves, or using one other dog dental cleansing product.
Along with plaque and gum disease, Dachshund teeth problems will also be brought on by their aggressive chewing style.
If given a chew that is simply too hard, they’re liable to cracking and breaking teeth.
Subsequently they needs to be monitored while chewing and the toughest of chews are best avoided.
