Milk teeth in small breed puppies. Why does a dog lose teeth, what teeth can fall out and at what age. Normal or scissor

Such a toothy one!

If you don't know how and when dogs change teeth, be sure to read this article, which contains all the basic information regarding this topic.

So, first of all, we note that the change of milk teeth in dogs, regardless of breed, takes place in almost the same mode (only with minor differences in terms). There's only one general feature: large breeds go through this stage somewhat faster than representatives miniature breeds(read how this happens in Yorkies).

All puppies do not have a single tooth at birth. Like newborn children, they only consume liquid food- mother's milk.

When 20 to 25 days have passed since birth, the dog becomes the proud owner of its first milk canines.
After about another 10 days, that is, on the 30th – 35th day, the incisors erupt.
The last baby teeth appear between the 30th and 60th days of a puppy's life.

Some time after all the temporary teeth have taken their rightful places, the new process. So we come to the answer to the question: in how many months or when do milk teeth change in dogs? The change is carried out gradually, not in a month or two, but throughout the entire first year of life:

The first primary incisors, the hooks, fall out quite early, even before the age of four months.
By the end of the fifth month, the replacement of the middle incisors and edges begins.
By six months the fangs change.
The most persistent false-rooted teeth do not give up their position until their owner is ten months old. Nevertheless, slowly, one after another, they fall out.

Thus, if your dog is completely healthy and develops in accordance with all norms, by the end of the tenth month of life he should not have a single baby tooth left. When he turns one year old, his " Hollywood smile“should demonstrate snow-white, strong and sharp teeth.

Another article on this topic you can find .

Further, with age, the crowns begin to wear down a little. Sometimes they are erased almost to the ground. Most often this happens to old dogs who, in their youth, liked to chew something very hard, say, metal mesh when kept in enclosure conditions, or something similar.

By the way, the degree of wear on the crowns is easily determined.

How to help your pet?

How does a dog feel when its teeth change? In most cases, the loss of old teeth and the eruption of new teeth is almost painless. The only discomfort can come from an itchy feeling in the gums. At the same time, the puppy strives to scratch them in the only ways available to her:

chew wooden furniture,
chew the owner's shoes,
tinker with the binding of the book...

If you value your belongings and furnishings, make sure in advance that your puppy has several devices designed specifically for chewing. It can be:

rubber bones,
teething toys,
delicacies in the form of pig ears, cartilage and the like.

Now available in pet stores a wide range of all sorts of inexpensive things designed to protect your things from damage.

Also, sometimes the dog’s temperature rises, but not much, by 0.1-0.3 degrees. Such an increase in temperature should not cause panic, since such a reaction of the body to the changes occurring to it is within normal limits. You should be wary only if the dog has become lethargic, inactive, and has lost its appetite.

If your pet has any of the above symptoms, it would be a good idea to contact veterinary doctor. In addition, a visit to the clinic is necessary if a molar begins to grow next to a baby tooth that did not fall out in the prescribed time frame, resulting in the formation of a second row of teeth on the same jaw. All this is fraught with the formation malocclusion, so it’s better to remove extra teeth immediately.

By the way, when choosing a puppy, be sure to pay attention to the condition of its parents’ teeth. This important rule It is better not to ignore it, since all dental problems of a dog are inherited by its offspring. Thus, you can find out in advance how much trouble this or that puppy will cause you in the future.

Beautiful and healthy teeth dogs are not only a gift from nature, but also the result proper care. Many owners know that they need to care for their dog’s mouth regularly and thoroughly. At the same time, it is very important to know when and how teeth change in dogs, whether it is necessary to removal of baby teeth in dogs, what problems you might encounter and what to do. With some of the most important nuances We'll look into canine dentistry in this article.

Baby teeth

Perhaps, today almost every person, even those far from dog breeding, knows. Let us recall that an adult animal (of any breed) normally has 42 of them: 20 on the top and 2 more on the bottom (22). By type they are divided into incisors, canines, molars or molars, as well as false roots or premolars. By the way, for some breeds, for example, for the Mexican hairless, the absence of more than 2 teeth is allowed. However, let's start learning about canine dentistry from baby teeth.

Many dog owners do not pay attention to the condition of their puppies' mouths, thinking that it is not necessary. But it's not right. The puppy's milk teeth must be healthy and that's it. IN otherwise this may indicate some problems with the skeletal system. Many people know how many teeth a dog has, but only a few know how many teeth a puppy should have.

So, the first to cut in puppies are the baby canines, then the incisors and then the premolars (less often vice versa). There should be 2 canines on each jaw, 6 incisors, and 6 primary premolars. In many breeds, the standard allows for the absence of the first premolar. In total, puppies should have 14 baby teeth on each jaw - 28 in total.

The normal bite for most breeds is a scissor bite - the jaws should not touch, but a gap of no more than 1-3 mm is acceptable.

Diagram of the structure of dog jaws

Changing teeth from A to Z

Normally, the change of teeth in dogs begins at the age of 3-4 months (in small and dwarf breeds to 6) and ends at 6 months (by 9, respectively). The incisors are the first to change and at this time the rudiments permanent teeth begin to grow under the roots of milkweeds. Wherein milk root gradually dissolves and the tooth itself falls out. In place of the vacated channel, a permanent one grows, occupying the same position. Therefore, it is very important that dogs’ milk teeth initially grow correctly and evenly.

It is important to carefully monitor the progress of this process. It happens that the milk root does not dissolve and the permanent tooth does not have the opportunity to grow normally and correctly. In this case, you need the help of a specialist who removes milk roots. In some cases, to quickly change, on the recommendation of a veterinarian, milk crowns can be rocked with your finger, helping them fall out.

When baby teeth change, molars or molars also appear. They usually grow quickly and without any problems. As for the last premolars on lower jaw(M3), then they can be compared with wisdom teeth in humans. Normally they should be present, but in some breeds their absence is allowed.

When changing teeth, in order for the correct bite to form, the puppy should not be allowed to pull toys or rags!

It is important to note that in dogs large breeds teeth change faster than average teeth small breeds. However, this process can be slowed down by ear cropping, illness, and growth retardation.

When should baby teeth be removed?

Today, dog owners very often face the problem of disruption of the replacement of baby teeth. The reasons for this may be genetic predispositions or features of care and maintenance. The dominant reasons are a reduction in eating time, as well as a decrease in the load on the masticatory muscles. At the same time, as practice and reviews from veterinarians show, dwarf and small breeds are most predisposed to this phenomenon.

Violation of the shift leads not only to improper growth of permanent teeth and malocclusion, but also to all sorts of diseases: the formation of plaque, stone, caries, retention, etc.

If polydentia occurs, when baby teeth do not fall out, they need to be removed. Their removal should be done when the crown of a permanent tooth is already being cut nearby. After removing the milk, it falls into its right place. However, if there is no crown yet, then it is undesirable to do this, since the growth process can be disrupted. It is important to remember that all baby teeth must be removed before the puppy is 9 months old, otherwise the bite may not be restored later.

Removal of baby teeth in dogs must be performed by a veterinarian. Splitting or breaking of the crown is unacceptable. The root must be completely removed. If stone or plaque is present, the jaws will require further treatment.

Permanent teeth

So, permanent teeth The dog has grown and the breeder has calmed down - everything is in place, beautiful and even, the bite is correct. By 6-7 months the puppy should have all of them. But don’t forget that a dog’s oral cavity requires care. It is very important to inspect the mouth in a timely manner, necessary treatment, do not allow chewing on too hard objects.

To prevent stones and strengthen the enamel, you need to regularly chew on special mineral bones and crackers. If you have any problems or suspect pain, it is important to contact your veterinarian. As for mechanical cleaning, opinions differ here. Most veterinarians recommend using a special paste and brush once a week. For more information about this, watch the video from the Institute of Veterinary Biology channel.

Dental problems

Just like humans, dogs (puppy) can have dental problems. We’ll find out what to do if teeth hurt, fall out, turn yellow, and what treatment is needed.

Pain

If a dog refuses food, tries to reach its mouth with its paw, or shows discomfort when chewing, most likely its teeth hurt. However, the causes of pain can be different. Most often they hurt due to gum inflammation, caries, nerve exposure, or fracture. In this case, you must contact your veterinarian and full inspection graze and prescribe treatment.

Raid

The raid is perhaps the most common problem in dogs of all ages. Today this is due to dietary habits. Most often, molars and fangs turn yellow (plaque). It is very important to remove plaque in a timely manner, as it leads to the formation of tartar and then leads to stomatitis. To remove plaque, you can contact a veterinarian or carry out the procedure yourself using special means.

Puppies are born with bare gums, adult dog There are already 42 teeth. Usually, owners of four-legged friends do not have to interfere with the processes of growth and change them to permanent ones. It is not necessary to deeply delve into all the intricacies of “dental” mechanisms; it is enough to master general information so that, in the event of non-standard situation, be able to help your pet.

Correct bite from birth

The adult dentition of a dog consists of 42 teeth. The first “needled” teeth begin to appear at the age of 3-4 weeks, and all of them appear by the end of the 6-8th week. This is a milk set consisting of 28 (14 on each jaw) or 32 (16) pieces, depending on the breed. In the first bite, puppies lack molars. Normal fluctuations in the time of tooth growth are considered to be 1-2 weeks, and not only among representatives of the same breed, but also among puppies of the same litter.

Puppies cut their teeth in the following order:

on days 20-25, baby fangs appear;
after 10-15 days the incisors begin to appear;
Premolars are the last to grow, between 35 and 60 days of birth.

In decorative puppies and small breed dogs, the first teeth usually appear by 40-45 days from birth, i.e. formation of everything dairy range they are delayed.

Replacing baby teeth with permanent teeth

The change of teeth in a dog starts as soon as the first milk teeth firmly take their places, i.e. approximately from the end of 3 months. It is impossible to say exactly how many months the change takes place - usually we're talking about about the full first year of life. Those. Baby teeth completely change to permanent ones by the end of the first year of life or up to 9 months in adult dogs and 10-11 months in small ones. IN one year old A dog of any breed should already have permanent, strong, white and sharp teeth.

Formula for permanent (molar) bite in dogs

IN milk bite there are no molars and extreme premolars. The difference between a baby set of teeth and a permanent set is 10 or 14, depending on the breed.

Scheme of replacement of primary teeth with permanent teeth

The change does not occur in the order in which the dairy plants began their growth:

first the incisor hooks fall out, then the middle ones and the edges (from the 4th to the end of the 5th month);
the first molars grow immediately behind the premolars, which did not have a “milk” base - they do not allow the dentition to shift at the time of replacement of false molars;
are replaced by permanent premolars (6-8 months);
the change of fangs ends at 6-7 months - simultaneously or after the premolars;
All other (new) molars grow in (7-9 months).

Bottom line: when (at what age) do dogs change their teeth? During between 3-4 and 10 months.

In large breeds and simply big dogs the change occurs somewhat faster than in small, decorative dogs (but up to 1 year). This is explained by the fact that in small breeds the teeth often do not have time to fall out before the molars begin to grow underneath them. That is why small dogs need to have their mouths regularly examined to prevent deviations in the change of teeth during the first year of life.

Why do you need to know how many months a dog’s teeth change? This process significantly affects the state immune system animal. During this period, no vaccinations are carried out, and veterinarians strictly announce the time for repeated vaccinations - after changing teeth!

General characteristics of a healthy grin

By the end of the first year of life, the dog has formed a healthy, strong, permanent grin of 42 teeth. Any deviation in quantity, both up and down, indicates violations intrauterine development puppies or mutations at the genetic level. After changing during life, the color changes from white to slightly yellowish (baby teeth in dogs have a pearly white tint).

The angle of growth of the teeth and the contact of the upper and lower jaws (bite) varies slightly among different breeds dogs. Deviation from the normal location has its own name.

With age, older dogs experience wear of dental crowns and grinding of fangs. At correct bite abrasion occurs evenly and does not affect the quality of life of even elderly dogs.

Different types of bites in dogs

How often does a dog's teeth change throughout its life?

A dog's teeth must be replaced once during his entire life and only in the milk series. Indigenous ones grow once and cannot be replaced. Any loss of a permanent tooth in a dog over 1 year of age clearly indicates some kind of health problem.

How does the change or eruption of teeth manifest?

Teething in puppies is not painful. The main discomfort is itching in the gums. It is he who becomes the explanation for the fact that puppies chew everything around. To alleviate the condition, it is recommended to prepare in advance special toys for gnawing, special tendon bones or treats in the form of various cartilages. In pet stores or veterinary pharmacies exists a large assortment various items for scratching gums.

In puppies, the period of the appearance of the first teeth is also usually accompanied by a slight increase in body temperature (up to 0.5 degrees), some lethargy, and sometimes a decrease in appetite. Diarrhea is possible. In any case, you need to contact a veterinarian to assess the general condition of the dog.

How can the process of changing teeth be complicated?

Malocclusion

Incorrect replacement of teeth or unreasonable human interference in the process can cause an incorrectly developing bite in dogs. Also, dogs with elongated muzzles, when teeth of a standard size are placed on narrow gums (Doberman Pinschers, Poodles, Rottweilers, Labradors, Scotch Terriers, etc.), are prone to this problem. To avoid malocclusion, dogs are not fed soft food, do not pull toys out of the mouth during play during the period of changing teeth and monitor “stuck” units.

Symptoms Incorrect closure of the jaw is detected.
Help. If the bite is broken, then for purebred dogs– this is a significant drawback when participating in exhibitions. You can try to install special braces to correct it, which are installed by specialists under anesthesia. Ordinary domestic dogs are usually not subjected to this procedure and the bite remains as it is.

Gum inflammation

Often minor inflammatory process accompanies the entire period of tooth change. Usually everything goes away on its own. If there is a complication, you need to go to the clinic.

Symptoms The gums are intensely red and swollen, saliva flows heavily, and there is a high probability of decreased appetite due to sore gums.
Help. Avoid rough food so as not to cause additional trauma and pain in the mouth.

When prolonging inflammation for sanitation oral cavity in dogs, as prescribed by a veterinarian, you can use the drug “Stomadex” C300 in courses of 10 days (cost: 400-450 rubles/pack with 10 tablets). The tablet from the package is pressed with your finger onto the dry surface of the cheek at the level of the 2nd premolar. Dry the cheek with a clean, dry paper towel. After attaching the tablet, the animal should not be given food or drink for 20-25 minutes. It is better to do the procedure before bed, half an hour after the last feeding (the period when the amount of saliva produced decreases).

Delayed change of teeth (persistent or “stuck” milk teeth)

Sometimes baby teeth don’t have time to fall out before permanent ones “make their way” into their place. In addition to malocclusion, persistent teeth threaten additional injuries to the cheeks and inflammation of the gums.

Symptoms Milk teeth are discovered at an age when they should no longer exist, as well as two processes from approximately one tooth socket (one of them is milk teeth).
Help. If, with a loose baby tooth, the owner cannot easily help it fall out, this is a reason to contact a veterinarian - it will be removed using anesthesia.

Dog dental care

By the age of two, plaque and tartar have already begun to form on the dog’s teeth. A change in the color of teeth does not always indicate any violations, but tartar is always bad. You need to know and be able to properly care for your mouth four-legged friend to avoid dental health problems.

Dental care for puppies

Caring for your dog's teeth during shifts

monitor your bite so that new teeth do not begin to grow before the baby teeth fall out;
A visit to the veterinarian is required if any abnormalities are detected in the mouth when changing teeth;
do not play tug-of-war with young dogs that are in a state of renewal of chewing elements and do not force toys out of their mouths - there is a high risk of loosening baby teeth and malocclusion;
daily inspection of the mouth is encouraged;
You can gently loosen baby teeth with your finger in dwarf dog breeds, because... It is in these breeds that they are most often found to be “stuck”;
if baby teeth do not fall out at the time when they are actively changing, it is important to discuss the issue of their removal with a veterinarian;
Do not let your dog chew on anything too hard so that the baby teeth fall out without causing injury to the gums.

Caring for adult dog's permanent teeth

In dogs, disruption of the process of changing teeth can lead to unpleasant consequences, so it’s better to prevent everything than to then subject your pet to numerous unpleasant medical dental procedures.

Dogs, like many other animals, grow two types of teeth over the course of their lives – baby teeth and molars (permanent). Both of them can fall out. The difference is that it fell baby tooth in a dog - this is normal, a molar has fallen out - this is already a reason to take your pet to the veterinarian, because... This cannot happen without a reason. Why does a dog's teeth fall out and what should the owner do?

In what cases do dogs develop gaps in their bite?

There are many reasons for tooth loss in pet dogs. They can be caused by physiology, or they can be pathological, i.e. due to internal diseases.

Tooth loss in dogs under 1 year of age

At what months is the loss of chewing units not critical? If their loss is detected between the 3rd and 9th (10th) months from birth, then this is most likely a physiological change from milk elements to permanent ones. This happens in the following order: front teeth-incisors (hooks, then middle teeth and edges) – premolars – canines. It is better to consult a veterinarian about any violation of the shift order.

If a dog’s baby teeth do not fall out on time, they will most likely be removed artificially by a veterinarian, because... a delay in changing them can lead to malocclusion.

At what age do teeth fall out and is this considered abnormal?

After the change, any loss of fundamental elements is no longer the norm. By the age of one year, the teeth are usually all permanent; from this period onwards, this problem should be addressed to a veterinarian. In dogs, if there is an incorrect selection of food and lack of proper oral care, the formation of soft coating, which also quickly turns to stone. Tartar is the most common cause of tooth loss, starting from the moment the chewing row becomes permanent.

What teeth fall out most often in dogs?

Depending on the location of the inflammatory process, absolutely any teeth involved in it can fall out. The most commonly affected teeth in dogs are the canines, incisors and premolars. Molars fall out extremely rarely and either there was an injury or the pet’s health needs increased attention. In falls or blows, for example, canines and the first premolars behind them are most often lost.

Do older dogs lose teeth?

U healthy dogs, like cats, there is no such thing as losing them due to old age. A feature of the dog’s body is numerous pathologies that arise in old age due to lack of proper care, including diseases of the oral cavity and gums. Those. aging dogs lose teeth more often than young dogs, but also internal diseases And various violations in organism.

Do all dogs lose their teeth the same way?

It is believed that small breed individuals have some predisposition to tooth loss, because... with thin and small jaws, the proportional sizes of the teeth remain approximately the same as in adults. These include:

Pekingese dogs,
Yorkshires,
Japanese chins,
toy terriers,
Chihuahua, etc.

Possible reasons for the appearance of gaps in the chewing rows

Diseases in which there is a high risk of tooth loss

Such diseases include directly pathologies of the oral cavity, when chewing components are involved in inflammatory processes. A dog's teeth fall out when:

stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa with the formation of ulcers, and if prolonged, involvement of the gum mucosa);
gingivitis (inflammation of the gums);
soft plaque and, subsequently, stone;
periodontitis and periodontal disease (processes that affect almost the entire dental structure and which long time may not be symptomatic).

Internal diseases that can lead to tooth loss

It happens that the condition of the oral cavity upon examination is characterized as satisfactory, but teeth still fall out. The reasons are:

vitamin deficiencies (most often vitamin D3, which is involved in the absorption of calcium);
metabolic and mineral absorption disorders (lack of fluorine, phosphorus and calcium);
liver pathologies;
helminthic infestations;
diseases gastrointestinal tract, accompanied increased acidity and belching.

Causes not related to disease

There are a number of reasons why tooth loss may occur that are not classified as diseases. This:

malnutrition with frequent feeding of food with a soft (pate) consistency, as a result of which plaque and then tartar are intensively formed;
lack of proper load on the dog's jaws. Dogs need to chew on something regularly. In apartment conditions, animals are limited in this need. The lack of natural load on the jaws leads to their improper development and disturbances in the formation of the dentition;
mechanical injuries due to blows to the head and jaw area or a fall.

Symptoms that precede tooth loss in dogs

Tooth loss is not common in healthy animals. Typically this process follows some characteristic symptoms:

unusual or harsh bad smell from the mouth;
tartar or dense plaque;
inflammation of the gums, manifested by swelling and bleeding;
presence of loose permanent teeth;
caries or inflammation of internal tissues;
increased production of saliva;
chronic stomatitis, which already affects the condition of the gums;
loss of appetite or complete failure from eating due to sore gums and loose teeth.

If any of the symptoms are detected, you need to take the animal to a veterinarian or veterinary dentist. With timely relief of unfavorable inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, there is a high probability of maintaining the integrity of the entire dentition.

Diagnosis and correction of the situation

If a dog loses a tooth, “what should I do?” - this is a completely logical question from the owner. You should definitely seek advice from a veterinary dentist. It is not difficult for a specialist to determine the reason why a dog’s teeth began to thin out. To make a diagnosis it is necessary:

tell in detail the circumstances under which the lost tooth(s) were discovered, about the daily lifestyle, as well as the general condition of the pet at the time of contacting the clinic;
Allow the dog to be examined by a veterinarian, assisting with additional restraint if necessary;
pass all the necessary tests prescribed by the veterinarian.

Therapy will be prescribed strictly after the underlying cause is determined. The only thing that cannot be changed is that the lost teeth cannot be returned, so empty holes in the gums will remain in the mouth.

Main points of treatment

changing the feeding diet not only at the time of getting rid of the disease, but also every day;
getting rid of the underlying disease;
getting rid of tartar and plaque, if this is the cause;
increasing the overall resistance of the body, taking vitamins, eliminating inflammation and bleeding gums, additional strengthening of teeth;
splinting of loose teeth (connecting several teeth in a row with a special dental wire or fiberglass (“splint”) in order to fix loose teeth for the duration of the entire course of treatment).

Consequences of tooth loss

The loss of one or two chewing elements in an adult dog is fraught with serious consequences for life and its general condition. Incomplete dentition causes:

disruption of the gastrointestinal tract due to insufficiently chewed food, which is why it begins to be poorly absorbed;
pain when chewing and increased bleeding of the gums;
increased abrasion of the remaining teeth due to increased chewing load on the remaining dentition;
uneven load on the jaws, which leads to displacement of the remaining teeth and malocclusion;
deterioration of the dog’s general condition;
culling of individuals at exhibitions, because healthy and “full-toothed” jaws are required condition to participate in them.

Preventive actions

Prevention of tooth loss is extremely simple:

It is necessary to regularly inspect the dog's mouth, especially if a foreign, unpleasant odor begins to appear.
If you suspect the development of inflammation, immediately contact a veterinarian.
Regularly clean teeth from plaque using special brushes and pastes, as well as using special gelatinous or sinewy bones or special food. Store-bought cleaning products can be replaced with natural beef or veal knuckles.
Have the accumulated tartar cleaned regularly by specialists.
Do not feed dogs only soft food (especially pates).
Monitor the process of changing teeth in small dogs for which it is difficult due to anatomical features jaw structure.
Provide a dog that lives permanently in an apartment with special toys or devices that it can simply chew on, thereby training its jaws.

By getting a dog, a person takes on great responsibility. Unfortunately, pets sometimes get sick, so the owner needs to have basic knowledge in order to contact a veterinarian in time.

Often inexperienced dog breeders ask questions: why do dogs lose teeth? When is this considered normal? It is important to know that they change only once in a lifetime. This happens in puppies when their molars erupt. Naturally, this process is accompanied by loss of milk.

But do dogs over one year old lose teeth? This also happens, but it indicates deviations in health. This will be discussed in detail in the article.

Formation of the dentition

Before we understand the causes of tooth loss in adult dogs, let's familiarize ourselves with the anatomy. Puppies, like small children, are born with empty gums. Their first teeth appear at 1 month of life. They are called “needles”. After two to four weeks, the rest will emerge. Puppies do not have molars in their first bite. A complete row of primary teeth consists of 32/28 pieces. Their number may vary depending on the breed of dog. In the first case, there will be 16 teeth on each jaw, in the second - 14. It is worth noting that they can appear in different time puppies not only have the same breed, but even the same litter. The norm is a difference of 7-14 days.

Let's look at the order in which teeth erupt:

milk fangs - on the 20-25th day;
incisors - on the 30-40th day;
premolars appear from the 35th day of life to the 60th.

U ornamental breeds Dogs' first teeth erupt only on the 40th day of birth. Moreover, this delay applies to the entire dairy range.

When are baby teeth replaced with permanent ones?

What teeth do dogs lose? If the animal is healthy, then only dairy products should be changed. This happens around 3 months of age. It is impossible to determine the exact timing, since everything will depend on the breed of the dog. The main thing is to know that the dentition completely changes in the first year of life. Time frames vary by several months. For example, in large breeds, molars appear by 36 weeks. But for small ones - only by the 11th month.

If the animal develops correctly, then by the age of one year all its permanent teeth have erupted. They must be sharp, strong, and also have White color, without yellowness.

Causes of loss of molars

Has your dog lost a tooth? Why is this happening? What reasons can lead to such consequences? Let's look at the main ones (of course, we are not talking about the process of changing baby teeth):

The gums are inflamed. This problem occurs due to improper oral hygiene. Also, the inflammatory process occurs after injury to the mucosa. Each owner can independently examine the oral cavity. If there is inflammation, the gums will be swollen and very red.
The surface of the teeth is covered with a soft plaque. It has either a green or brown tint. Appears in animals that do not have special hard toys and solid food. Its formation is also provoked by a lack of calcium, protein and fluoride. Plaque can also appear in dogs whose bodies contain excess carbohydrates. The consequences are loosening of teeth and inflammation of the gums.
Tartar. This plaque is considered the most common reason why dogs lose teeth. Stones form over a long period of time. As a rule, they appear due to the fact that the soft plaque was not removed in time. Consist of food debris, bacteria that destroy tooth enamel, dead cells. Tartar can cause inflammation on the gums.
Periodontitis. This disease is very difficult to diagnose. On early stages Only an experienced veterinarian can do this. The pathology causes tooth loss and bleeding from the gums. Lesions of pus may also form.
Gingivitis. This disease causes inflammation skeletal system. It also applies to soft fabrics. Tooth loss and gum atrophy during this pathology indicate an advanced stage.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, if an adult dog’s tooth falls out, this indicates some kind of disorder. The fact is that this problem does not manifest itself in healthy individuals. Dog owners are advised to pay attention to certain symptoms, which are harbingers of tooth loss. Here are the main ones:

There is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth.
A dense plaque or even stone has formed on the teeth.
In some areas of the gums, the inflammatory process is clearly visible.
The teeth began to loosen.
Caries.
The gums are bleeding.
Formed a large number of saliva.
Stomatitis.
Refusal to eat or decreased appetite, for example, the pet does not eat solid food.

Even one of these symptoms should alert the dog owner. It is best to contact your veterinarian immediately. It is important to remember that when timely diagnosis there are problems Great chance save all the animal's molars.

Diagnostics

Why do dogs lose teeth? All have been described in detail above possible reasons of this pathology. Based on this information, every owner, at the slightest suspicion, should immediately seek qualified help. At a consultation with a specialist without special labor determine the cause of tooth loss. However, to make a diagnosis, he needs to know the pet’s lifestyle, its diet, general state and, of course, the circumstances that made the owner worry. Remember, the animal will not be able to talk about itself, so the dog owner must do this.

After the conversation, the veterinarian must conduct an external examination of the pet. To prevent the dog from accidentally biting the doctor, an additional restraint method is used. After the examination, a decision is made to undergo testing. Only on their basis is a diagnosis made and treatment prescribed.

Treatment

What to do if your dog's teeth are falling out? Do not delay treatment under any circumstances! Owners should know that it will not be possible to return teeth that have already fallen out, but it is quite possible to stop this process. What will the therapy consist of? The following needs to be done:

Changing your diet. You will need to adhere to the developed diet constantly, and not just during treatment.
Pass the course medicines to get rid of the underlying disease, which caused tooth loss.
Boost your immunity by taking vitamins.
Clear plaque.
Eliminate inflammation and bleeding.
Strengthen loose teeth using fiberglass or dental wire.

Consequences

Having figured out why dogs lose teeth, it’s worth talking about the consequences. Note that they are quite serious. If an adult animal loses at least two chewing teeth, this will lead to a worsening of his condition. What pathologies can develop if a dog has incomplete dentition? The main ones are listed below:

Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Severe painful spasms, due to which the pet will refuse food. And the shortage nutrients will lead to deterioration of health.
Rapid wear of other teeth.
Bite displacement.

Prevention

Every dog owner should know how to prevent adult molars from falling out. Let's look at preventive measures:

Regular examination of the dog's oral cavity.
Proper hygiene graze with pastes and brushes.
Make sure your pet always has stringy toys. For large breeds, beef joints are suitable.
Remove dental plaque in a timely manner.
A dog's diet should not consist only of soft food.

And finally: if the owner notices changes in the animal’s behavior, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian. In the early stages, it is much easier to cope with the disease than to deal with complications later.