Puppy Grows Two Rows of Teeth: What's Happening?
The Formation of Double Row Teeth in Dogs
Typically, by the time dogs are 8 to 9 months old, their teething process is nearly complete. The tiny deciduous teeth fall out, making way for their pristine, white permanent teeth.
However, some dogs may encounter unexpected issues during their teething phase. In some cases, the permanent teeth start to grow, but the deciduous teeth do not fall out naturally. This leads to both the deciduous and permanent teeth crowding into the small mouth space, making it difficult for the deciduous teeth to fall out. In such situations, dogs may develop double row teeth or misaligned teeth.
Another factor is genetics. If one of the parents of a puppy has double row teeth, the likelihood of the puppy inheriting this dental abnormality is quite high. (Therefore, it's essential to learn about the puppy's parents before purchasing or adopting them.)
The Dangers of Double Row Teeth
Double row teeth not only affect a dog's appearance but also pose significant health risks!
Malformed Permanent Teeth
If deciduous teeth do not fall out properly, it can interfere with the normal growth and development of the permanent teeth. Malformed permanent teeth can affect a dog's bite, leading to malocclusion and, in severe cases, making it difficult for the dog to eat normally.
Oral Health Issues
Once double row teeth are present, the dog's mouth becomes a breeding ground for food particles and bacteria, which are hard to clean. Over time, this can lead to bad breath, tartar, and other oral health problems, which can severely impact the dog's overall health.
PS: Small breeds like Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Siba Inus are more prone to developing double row teeth during their puppyhood.
Solutions for Double Row Teeth
No.1 Switch to Hard Kibble
During the puppy's teething period (around two months old), owners can gradually switch from soft to hard kibble to increase the dog's opportunity for gnawing and chewing, which can help the deciduous teeth fall out naturally.
No.2 Supplement with Calcium
Doggy growth can be stunted by a lack of calcium, which can lead to double row teeth. Providing calcium supplements can aid in the shedding of deciduous teeth and the growth of permanent teeth. (If the puppy food you're feeding already contains a high calcium content, there's no need for additional supplementation. Oversupplementing can lead to premature emergence of permanent teeth!)
No.3 Chewing Toys and Bones
During the teething phase, puppies are particularly fond of gnawing. Offering them appropriate chew toys and bones can not only help the deciduous teeth fall out but also prevent them from chewing on household items.
No.4 Veterinary Dental Extraction
Generally, a puppy's deciduous teeth should fall out by the time they are one year old. Patience is key, and owners should avoid rushing to extract teeth prematurely. If the deciduous teeth have not fallen out by the time the puppy is one and a half years old, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian to have the teeth examined and, if necessary, extracted.
