Whether a dog with double rows of teeth needs extractions depends on their age. For puppies, providing them with dog chew toys can often help the baby teeth fall out naturally. However, if an adult dog has double rows of teeth, extractions are usually necessary to prevent future oral health issues. The ideal time for tooth extraction in dogs is generally after they turn one year old.
Does My Dog Need Tooth Extractions for Double Rows?
The approach depends heavily on the dog's age. For puppies around six months old, offering hard chew toys can encourage the natural shedding of their baby teeth. However, for dogs older than one year, it's often necessary to extract the retained deciduous teeth under anesthesia. The overlapping teeth create tight spaces that trap food debris. These areas are extremely difficult to clean with gauze or toothpicks, leading to tartar buildup, bad breath, and bacterial overgrowth that can disrupt the dog's digestion. Left unaddressed, this can result in periodontal disease, which can ultimately make it difficult for a dog to eat. It's generally advised that tooth extractions should be done after a dog turns one year old. Doing so too early could weaken the gum line and potentially damage the emerging adult teeth.
How to Address Common Canine Oral Health Issues?
Severe tartar buildup in dogs often leads to bad breath. If the tartar is not severe, it is recommended to brush your dog's teeth daily and use dog-specific mouthwash to improve their oral hygiene. A diet of food that is neither too hard nor too soft is essential to maintain proper dental health. You should minimize feeding your dog soft foods like canned food, wet food, or meat frequently. However, if a dog’s tartar buildup is severe, a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia at a veterinary clinic is recommended as this can help resolve the issue. In everyday life, avoid feeding your dog human food, especially salty food. Human food can also significantly contribute to severe plaque buildup. A diet based primarily on high quality dog food is the best approach for optimal canine dental health.