8 Dog Breeds Prone To Dental Health Issues

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Dental diseases are no walk in the park. They can be a very serious ordeal that doesn’t just affect your dog’s teeth and gums, but also his internal organs when left untreated. Knowing the specifics about which canine dental diseases are the most likely to affect your dog can help you in providing him with the best care possibleSome dogs are more at risk of developing dental problems than others – smaller breeds especially. Here are 8 dog breeds that you should pay more attention to when it comes to periodontal diseases.

1. ColliesCollies are especially impacted by overbite. Overbite is a rare dental occurrence where there is an unusual relationship between the dental arches where the lower jaw is abnormally short in comparison to the upper jaw. Overbite is often seen in younger puppies and shorter dogs like collies and dachshunds. The treatments usually vary from breed to breed.
2. PugsPugs are adorable with their little pushed in faces. But that also means that they need extra dental care. Because of their smaller face, their teeth often don’t line up in the right way, causing pain and irritation. The condition is known as malocclusion. Another problem to look out for is crowded teeth. Crowded teeth can cause an excessive buildup of plaque due to the close range in which the canine’s teeth are arranged.
3. YorkiesSmaller breeds like Yorkies tend to have deciduous teeth. Their baby teeth are fixed in position above their adult teeth. It causes for two teeth to be occupied in the same spot simultaneously. It’s more difficult to clean food build up and this can lead to many dental diseases.
4. ChihuahuasTheir small size is what makes them so adorable. Yet they still have to have all 42 teeth crammed into that tiny mouth. There is seldom enough room for all that teeth in even the largest of Chihuahuas. Crowded teeth are more prone to dental problems because of excessive food buildup.
5. DachshundsThese dogs have narrow muzzles and this makes them more at risk for getting periodontal pockets. They are the spaces that are created by bone and tooth loss. It is also a prime spot for bacteria to thrive. Another breed that’s more at risk for acquiring periodontal pockets is Collies.
6. BoxersBoxers are most at risk of developing gingival hyperplasia, which is a thickening, or an overgrowth of the gums. It’s usually caused by plaque buildup.
7. Shih TzusThese adorable little dogs are more at risk for delayed tooth eruption – which is when a dog’s teeth come out a bit later than what’s considered to be the norm, causing problems such as the formation of cysts and tooth impaction.
8. LabradorsYes, even larger dogs can develop dental problems. Larger dogs like Labs tend to be more mischievous and this leads to worn or fractured teeth. To prevent this from happening, avoid tennis balls and chew toys that are too hard.

Some more information on the dog breeds that are prone to dental problems.

 The Dog Breeds That Are More Prone to Dental Diseases

No matter the breed, we all love our dogs. But some dogs are more prone to dental diseases than others. It’s important to make sure that you’re able to provide the proper care that these dogs need before you go ahead and adopt one. If you already have one of these dogs, then knowing about this can help prepare you. It could even help minimize the damage or prevent it altogether.

1. PugPugs are adorable little creatures known for their squished in faces. However adorable they are, the same trait that we love so much also puts them at a higher risk of dental diseases. They have really small jaws. These jaws still have to accommodate all their teeth but that’s a struggle. So instead, they experience crowding. Other breeds who have this same problem are Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, Brussels Griffons, and Shih Tzus. Crowding can cause gingivitis, plaque build-up, tooth loss, and periodontal disease.
2. Yorkshire TerrierYorkies can suffer from numerous conditions affecting the teeth. They tend to retain their baby teeth, they have genetic predispositions to dental issues, and they have a lot of fur which can easily get caught in their mouths. A combination of all these conditions can eventually lead to plaque buildup, foul breath, and tooth decay. Make sure you look after your Yorkie’s teeth.
3. SheltiesShelties have a long and slender muzzle. This can lead to a lot of dental issues. They often suffer from overbites or underbites, they could develop outward pointing incisors, which can then cause gum pain, they could have teeth that grow sideways also known as Lance canines, and some of their teeth may never even develop or sometimes fall out early.
4. ChihuahuasChihuahuas have small muzzles and tiny teeth which causes them to have dental issues. Yet another toy breed that faces dental issues because of their retained baby teeth and dental crowding.
5. Cavalier King Charles SpanielsThese dogs face pretty much the same issues as Yorkies, another toy breed. They could also suffer from tartar buildup, early tooth decay, gingivitis, and tooth loss.
6. GreyhoundsGreyhounds and their cousins the Italian greyhounds and the Whippets are at risk of developing early-onset periodontal disease. They are also at risk of several conditions affecting the tooth enamel. This often leads to painful infections, tooth loss, and root exposure.
7. DachshundsThese dogs have muzzles similar to that of shelties. They also have tiny jaws and teeth similar to Chihuahuas. The result of this dangerous combination is a higher risk for periodontal disease, halitosis, and gingivitis.
8. MalteseThese adorable toy breeds are major late bloomers. Their baby teeth take much longer to come out and even longer to fall out. They tend to suffer from tartar and plaque buildup, as well as crowding.