Seeing your dog lose a tooth can be a worrying experience. Whether you own a playful puppy exploring the world with their mouth or a beloved senior dog facing the cruel challenges of aging, the reaction to a lost tooth is still the same.
Understanding the reasons behind tooth loss and knowing how to respond is important when it comes to your dog’s comfort, health, and long-term well-being. Here’s what to know.
Puppies Losing Teeth is a Non-Emergency
Usually, if your puppy loses a tooth, you shouldn’t be too concerned. In fact, most puppies begin teething at around two to four months of age, so it isn’t super unusual. During this stage, their baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, will start to fall out to make way for their permanent adult teeth.
This process will continue until they are around six to seven months old. However, this number can vary from pup to pup. During teething, you may notice your puppy chewing more, drooling excessively, or even showing some bleeding from their gums.
Basically, if your pup is otherwise healthy and eating well, losing baby teeth is no cause for concern. However, if you do notice any troubling symptoms, it may be a good idea to talk to your vet. Here, you can ask questions and rest assured that nothing is endangering your dog’s health.
Call Your Vet After Adult Tooth Loss
For older dogs, losing a tooth can signify an underlying problem, such as periodontal disease, trauma, oral tumors, or malnutrition. Dental disease in particular is super common and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
If your senior dog loses a tooth, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. Your vet will perform a thorough exam to figure out why your dog is losing teeth and assess their overall dental health. Your next steps depend on the severity of your dog’s condition, whether they’ve lost other teeth, and whether the loss will affect eating.
Common interventions include dental cleaning under anesthesia, extractions of severely affected teeth, and addressing any underlying infections or diseases. In some cases, dental x-rays may be needed to evaluate the extent of disease or trauma. Exercise caution if your older dog loses a tooth without any obvious cause, bleeds, or stops eating.
The Importance of Doggy Dental Care
Regardless of your dog’s age, keeping up with dental care is critical. This involves:
- Brushing regularly: Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is one of the best ways to prevent dental disease. You should start brushing your puppy’s teeth early to get them used to the process. For older dogs, try to introduce it over time, and use positive reinforcement to make it a good experience.
- Offering dental chews and toys: Providing dental chews and toys designed to help with dental health can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Look for products that are approved by veterinary dental associations––and avoid rawhide.
- Scheduling regular vet visits: Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet to promote your dog’s oral health. They can help assess your dog’s dental health, perform professional cleanings as needed, and detect any dental issues as early as possible.
- Offering adequate nutrition: Your dog needs a complete and balanced diet that offers the vitamins needed for good oral health.
Tips for Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth can sound simple, but introducing this is not always the easiest thing. Here are some tips for introducing a dental routine to your canine:
1.Gather your supplies. Grab your toothbrush, toothpaste, and any treats for your dog to reward them when they’re good. Make sure you use a soft-bristled brush, canine toothpaste, and treats they really love to get the best results.
2. Before brushing, let your dog taste a small amount of toothpaste. Simply pop a small amount on your finger and let them lick it.
3. Now, allow your dog to get comfortable. Take them to a place they really like where they are calm and relaxed. This could be your room, their dog bed, or the kitchen for all we know!
4. Once your dog is comfy, you can get to brushing! Lift your dog’s lip to expose their gum and teeth. With the toothpaste on the brush, begin brushing using small, circular movements.
Now all you need to do is reward and reinforce!
Don’t Panic if Your Dog Loses a Tooth
There you have it! So, while puppies losing baby teeth is part of growing up, exercise caution if your older dog loses a tooth. This can signify underlying dental issues that need immediate medical attention.
As the saying goes, it is much better to be safe than sorry. So, as with anything regarding your dog’s health, be sure to consult their vet. Following tooth loss, they can identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment, whether you have a young pup or a more senior canine.
Regular dental care, including brushing your dog’s teeth, providing dental chews, and offering adequate nutrition, is key to preventing dental disease and ensuring your dog’s health.
