When evaluating the exterior of a thoroughbred dog, among other things, they pay attention to the peculiarities of its bite. Not only its appearance, but also its health depends on the position in which the upper and lower jaws of the dog are in relation to each other. Serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs and, in some cases, the heart can be the consequences of malocclusion in dogs.
The main types of bite
The jaws of dogs of different breeds in relation to each other can be located unequally. Types of bites in dogs are as follows:
- scissor-shaped (normal);
- tick-shaped (straight);
- lack of focus;
- snack (bulldog-shaped).
The bite of such pets depends primarily on the structure of their jaws. The latter can have different lengths and development.
Sometimes the jaws of the dog may be skewed. Also, the location of the teeth has a great influence on the bite, of course. Sometimes it happens that with the jaws themselves the dog is all right, while the teeth grow incorrectly.
Scissor bite
Representatives of the genus Canidae, as you know, belong to the group of predators. In the wild, such animals prey on other animals in order to feed themselves. Therefore, the structure of the jaws of canines, including dogs, is designed primarily to grab and hold prey. In this regard, the most physiological is precisely the scissor bite.
This jaw structure is considered normal for most dog breeds. In animals with such a bite, they grind much less and their teeth hurt less often. Such a structure is considered the norm, for example, for Caucasian and German shepherds, terriers, pinschers, Dobermans. That is, the correct bite in dogs of most breeds is precisely scissor.
The jaws of the dogs in this case are developed harmoniously. The front surface of the lower incisors while tightly adjacent to the rear surface of the upper. Fangs in dogs with such a bite converge in the "castle". The lower incisors in this case abut against the base of the upper. Photos of the bite in dogs of this species can be seen above.
Tick bite
This position of the jaws is considered unacceptable for most dog breeds. However, at the same time, the tick-shaped bite is still attributed to not too serious defects. In this case, the lower and upper incisors of the dog are located on the same line and abut against each other. Because of this, they grind very quickly. On canines and molars, a direct bite in dogs usually does not have a negative effect.
Tick-borne closure of incisors in dogs is both congenital and acquired. Such a defect can develop, for example, due to too active puppy games in tug of war. Excessive loads of this kind, of course, are unlikely to have a negative effect on the jaw. However, the puppy's lower incisors may begin to move forward when pulled.
Overshot
Such a defect is considered more serious than a tick-shaped bite. A lack of attention causes disqualification at exhibitions of most dog breeds. The lower jaw in animals in this case is underdeveloped. Because of this, the dog has free space between the incisors. The lower fangs in this case loosely adjoin the margins of the upper jaw.
A defect of this type can lead to the development of serious dental diseases in pets. Most of all, with such a bite in dogs, fangs and molars suffer. In this case, they adjoin each other too tightly. Also, dogs with such a problem often develop tartar.
Snack
This problem is most often encountered by dog owners with shortened jaws. For some breeds, a similar bite is considered normal. For example, a snack in bulldogs, bull terriers, and Pekingese are not considered defects.
In this case, the lower incisors in the dog protrude in front of the upper ones. The lower jaw of the animal protrudes forward. Fangs and incisors with such a defect in a dog can even be naked. Especially often such a bite is found in bulldogs. Many dogs have seen dogs of this breed with their jaw protruding far ahead. That is why such a bite is often called the bulldog.
What other defects are found
In addition to those described above, other types of malocclusion can be observed in dogs. For example, a fairly common phenomenon in such pets is a jaw distortion. In this case, a void may form from one edge between the dog's incisors. Such a defect veterinarians call asymmetry. Of course, this arrangement of the jaws can also cause the development of various kinds of diseases in a pet.
Sometimes, as already mentioned, a malocclusion in a dog can be associated with defects in tooth positioning. A fairly common pathology in pedigree dogs is retroposition. In this case, for example, the fangs on the lower jaw of the dog can be shifted to the center. Such a defect is quite common in Yorkshire terriers.
Causes of malocclusion
In simple domestic dogs, jaw defects are relatively rare. The wrong bite in most cases is a genetic disease. And therefore, and most often with such a problem owners of purebred dogs face. It was noted that in most cases a similar defect occurs in small dogs.
Breeders, of course, always make sure that their wards give birth to puppies exclusively meeting the standards of the breed. And therefore, when choosing manufacturers, the applicants always inspect including teeth. Bite in dogs selected for crows should be fully consistent with breed standards. Animals with the wrong jaw position are never allowed for breeding.
In addition to genetic failures, the reasons for the development of such a defect can be:
- lack of minerals in the diet of a pregnant bitch and puppies;
- jaw injuries at a young age;
- too active games with a heavy load on the jaw.
Sometimes a malocclusion in dogs is also the result of a problematic change in milk teeth (too tight or too large).
How to prevent the development of defects: feeding
In order not to encounter the problem of malocclusion in the future, the puppy owners need to choose the most suitable and balanced diet for him immediately after acquiring him. Ready-made pet foods should be purchased at the highest quality. At the same time, it is also necessary to monitor so that the composition of the “pillows” corresponds to the age of the pet. Dogs kept on natural feeds should definitely include special vitamin-mineral supplements in their diet. In this case, choose a specific type of such premix in accordance with the recommendations of the veterinarian.
Periodic Inspections
In order to prevent the development of a malocclusion in a pet, owners should also periodically check its oral cavity. In particular, often such a procedure must be performed during a shift in a puppy of primary teeth. If the owner finds that they interfere with the growth of permanent, the pet should be immediately referred to the veterinarian. The specialist will remove the milk tooth to the puppy, and the permanent one, accordingly, will grow in the correct position.
For grown puppies, the oral cavity is examined to identify abnormally growing teeth. Correcting the bite in young dogs is much easier than in adults. In order to achieve the correct position of the teeth, puppies usually just put on a special rubber ring.
Fixes
Unfortunately, in most cases it is quite rare to achieve a normal bite in a dog with the wrong position of the jaw or teeth. But nevertheless, the owners, of course, can try to help such a pet.
There are only two ways to correct a bite in dogs:
The first technique is used by veterinarians to correct the position of the jaws of animals. The second technology is used for dog teeth.
Using braces
Such orthodontic appliances are used to correct occlusion in dogs quite often. The principle of operation of structures of this type is extremely simple. Braces put pressure on the dog’s teeth in the correct position. The animal usually does not feel any particular discomfort. Under the pressure of the braces, the dog’s teeth gradually begin to shift. In this case, the free space formed in the former place is filled with bone tissue.
In some cases, wearing braces for dogs can, of course, be contraindicated. Do not correct the bite of animals in this way, for example, if they have problems such as:
- allergy;
- ulcerative stomatitis;
- gingivitis;
- education in the oral cavity.
Dogs wearing braces, among other things, must brush their teeth. Therefore, pet owners who decide to correct their bite through a similar design should start accustoming them to such a procedure in advance.
Dog Dentures
A pathological bite in a dog, as already mentioned, easily leads to various kinds of dental problems in a pet. Correcting this defect is often impossible. In this case, the teeth in dogs grind very quickly. And so that the animal does not have problems with the digestive tract, in this case, he can order prostheses.
The technology for performing the dental procedure is similar to the technique for installing crowns in humans. Such a procedure is, of course, expensive. But it helps to maintain the pet’s health very effectively. Unlike humans, dogs are more likely to have metal teeth inserted. After all, such crowns are cheaper than ceramic.
At the moment, not all veterinarians provide the service of setting teeth for dogs. But finding a specialist who knows how to install crowns for animals in our time will not be difficult, including in Russia.