When Your Dog Loses Teeth – What’s Normal & What’s Not

First off, adult canines have 42 permanent teeth while adult humans have only 32. Their most important teeth are those used for chewing. These are called the carnassial teeth, large teeth found at the upper and lower parts at the back of their mouth.

So, when your dog loses some teeth, you’re assured that he/she will have lots of remaining teeth to make up for the missing ones. Losing teeth is also quite common in dogs, especially small breeds such as the Havanese, and this is caused by several factors. In young dogs, especially those less than a year old, losing teeth is normal and is necessary for the replacement of their 28 baby teeth with permanent ones.

In adult canines, however, losing teeth is commonly caused by dental problems such as tartar build-up, tooth abscess, or tooth trauma. When your mature dog misses its essential carnassial teeth as well as its other premolars and molars, you may need to feed him/her canned food or wet dog food. To prevent premature losing of teeth, take your dog to the vet for regular dental cleanings.

Make sure to brush their teeth every day, using a soft toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Avoid giving them hard treats such as bones, ice, and Nylabones, which can damage or crack their teeth. Consider giving them dental treats daily. If he/she still has all teeth intact, a diet of dry kibble or dog food is fine.