Why Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
- Equipo NUPEC®
When it comes to canine dental problems, one of the most common is tooth loss, which worries dog owners and makes them wonder why it happens.
Why do dogs lose their teeth?
Tooth loss can happen for many reasons, and in puppies and senior dogs it is a natural process:
- Puppies shed their baby teeth between 3 and 4 months of age.
- Senior dogs may lose teeth as part of their body's aging process; however, this tooth loss can be prevented, mainly through proper dental hygiene and a complete diet that provides nutrients to care for their teeth and bones.
Remember: good nutrition can prevent many health problems and helps keep your dog's body in optimal condition.
Besides puppies and senior dogs, young and adult dogs can also lose some of their teeth. This happens mainly with the incisors, although they can also lose their fangs, better known as canine teeth, and even premolars and molars. But why does it happen?
Tooth loss in a young or adult dog can have several causes, such as genetics or trauma—that is, the dog hitting something or being hit. But that is not all: it can also happen because the dog bit something very hard, causing the tooth to break or fall out.
Finally, one of the main reasons dogs lose teeth is poor dental hygiene, which can lead to periodontitis or gum disease and loss of dental bone, which can in turn affect their overall health and cause severe infections.
Simply put, a lack of oral cleaning leads to a buildup of bacteria, tartar and plaque that can cause gingivitis and eventually tooth loss.
To prevent tooth loss, endodontic disease or mouth infections, the best approach is to clean your dog's teeth regularly with special dog toothbrushes or, if those are hard to use, with simpler products such as dog dental wipes, available at pet specialty stores. Your dog should also see the veterinarian at least once every six months for a deep dental cleaning, and you can also help by giving it functional dental care treats every day, such as NUPEC Dental Care.
NUPEC® Dental Care is a dog treat made with functional ingredients that help prevent tartar buildup. Its formula contains chlorophyll to fight bad breath and sodium tripolyphosphate to reduce dental tartar formation.
Now you know that, although tooth loss in dogs is normal to a certain extent, with proper care and cleaning, plus a balanced diet that includes calcium, you can keep your dog from losing its teeth. This will help it enjoy a better quality of life—and, of course, keep your dog smiling for a long time.
At NUPEC®, we are committed to enhancing the health, beauty and life of pets through responsible scientific nutrition, bringing fulfillment to their owners.
References:
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dog losing teeth?
In puppies, losing baby teeth is normal; in young or adult dogs it may be due to injuries, biting something very hard or, above all, poor dental hygiene that leads to periodontitis.
At what age do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Between 3 and 4 months of age.
How can I keep my dog from losing teeth?
With proper dental hygiene and a complete diet that supports its teeth and bones.
