Bite in dogs: types and photos

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

When evaluating the exterior of a thoroughbred dog, in addition to everything else, it is mandatory to pay attention to the features of its bite. Not only its appearance, but also its he alth depends on the position in relation to each other of the upper and lower jaws of the dog. The consequences of malocclusion in dogs can be serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs, and in some cases the heart.

Basic types of bite

The jaws of dogs of different breeds may be positioned differently in relation to each other. Types of bites in dogs are as follows:

• scissor (normal);
• pincer-shaped (straight);
• undershot;
• undershot (bulldog).

The bite of such pets depends primarily on the structure of their jaws. The latter may have different lengths and development.

Sometimes a dog's jaw can be crooked. Also, the location of the teeth has a great influence on the bite, of course. Sometimes it also happens that everything is in order with the dog's jaws themselves, while the teeth do not grow correctly.

Scissor bite

Representatives of the canine genus, as you know, belong to the group of predators. In the wild, such animals hunt 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 the scissor bite.

This jaw structure is considered normal for most dog breeds. Animals with such an overbite have much less wear and tear 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 the scissor bite.

The jaws of dogs in this case are developed harmoniously. The anterior surface of the lower incisors is closely adjacent to the posterior surface of the upper incisors. The fangs of dogs with such an overbite converge in a “castle”. The lower incisors in this case rest against the base of the upper ones. A photo of the bite in dogs of this variety can be seen above.

Pincerbite

This position of the jaws for most breeds of dogs is considered unacceptable. However, at the same time, the pincer bite is still referred to as not too serious defects. In this case, the lower and upper incisors of the dog are located on the same line and rest against each other. Because of this, they wear out very quickly. Canines and molars are not usually affected by a direct bite in dogs.

Pincer-like closure of incisors in dogs happensboth congenital and acquired. Such a defect can develop, for example, due to too active puppy games in pulling. Excessive loads of this kind, of course, are unlikely to have a negative impact on the jaw. However, the puppy's lower incisors may begin to move forward when pulled.

Undershot

This defect is considered more serious than a pincer bite. Undershot causes disqualification from most dog breed shows. The lower jaw in animals in this case is underdeveloped. Because of this, the dog has free space between the incisors. The lower fangs at the same time loosely adjoin the edges of the upper jaw.

This type of defect 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 this problem often develop tartar.

Snack

This problem is most often encountered by owners of dogs with short jaws. For some breeds, this bite is considered normal. For example, overbite in bulldogs, bull terriers, Pekingese is not considered a defect.

In this case, the dog's lower incisors protrude in front of the upper ones. The lower jaw of the animal protrudes forward. Canines and incisors with such a defect in a dog may even be exposed. In particular, this bite is often found in bulldogs. Dogs of this breed with far protruding forwardProbably many have seen the lower jaw. That is why such a bite is often also called a 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 occurrence in such pets is the misalignment of the jaws. In this case, a void may form from one edge between the incisors of the dog. Such a defect is called asymmetry by veterinarians. Of course, such an arrangement of the jaws can also cause the development of various kinds of diseases in a pet.

Sometimes, as already mentioned, malocclusion in a dog can be associated with defects in the position of the teeth. A fairly common pathology in thoroughbred dogs is retroposition. In this case, for example, the fangs on the lower jaw of the dog may be displaced to the center. This defect is quite common in Yorkshire Terriers.

Causes of malocclusion

In simple yard dogs, jaw defects are relatively rare. Incorrect bite in most cases is a genetic disease. And consequently, and most often, owners of thoroughbred dogs face such a problem. At the same time, it was noted that in most cases a similar defect occurs in small dogs.

Breeders, of course, always make sure that their wards are born only puppies that meet the breed standards. And therefore, when choosing manufacturers, applicants are always examined, including their teeth. Overbitedogs selected for mating must fully comply with breed standards. Animals with incorrect jaw position are never allowed to be bred.

In addition to genetic failures, the reasons for the development of such a defect can be:

• lack of minerals in the diet of pregnant bitches and puppies;
• Jaw injuries at a young age;
• too active games with a lot of stress on the jaw.

Sometimes malocclusion in dogs is also the result of a problematic change of milk teeth (too tight or too large).

How to prevent defects: feeding

In order not to face the problem of malocclusion in the future, the owners of the puppy, immediately after its purchase, need to choose the most suitable and balanced diet for it. Ready-made pet food should be of the highest quality. At the same time, you also need to make sure that the composition of the “pads” matches the age of the pet. Dogs kept on natural food should definitely introduce special vitamin and mineral supplements into the diet. At the same time, a specific type of such a premix should be chosen in accordance with the recommendations of a veterinarian.

Periodic inspections

To prevent the development of malocclusion in a pet, owners should also check their oral cavity periodically. In particular, often such a procedure must be performed during the change of milk teeth in a puppy. If athe owner finds that they interfere with the growth of permanent ones, the pet should be immediately taken to the veterinarian. The specialist will remove the puppy's milk tooth, and the permanent one, accordingly, will grow in the correct position.

Grown up puppies are examined in the mouth to identify improperly growing teeth. Correcting an overbite in young dogs is much easier than in adults. In order to achieve the correct position of the teeth, puppies usually simply put on a special rubber ring.

Corrections

Unfortunately, in most cases, it is quite rare to achieve a normal bite in a dog with an incorrect position of the jaws or teeth. But still, the owners can, of course, try to help such a pet.

There are only two ways to correct an overbite in dogs:

• surgical;
• orthodontic.

Veterinarians use the first technique to correct the position of the jaws of animals. The second technology is applied to the teeth of dogs.

Using braces

Such orthodontic appliances are used to correct bite 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. In this case, the animal usually does not experience any particular discomfort. Under the pressure of the braces, the dog's teeth gradually begin to move. At the same time, the free space formed in the same place is filled with bone tissue.

In some cases, wearing braces for dogs may, of course, be contraindicated. Notcorrect bite in animals in this way, for example, if they have such problems as:

• allergy;
• ulcerative stomatitis;
• gingivitis;
• formations in the oral cavity.

Dogs wearing braces should also brush their teeth without fail. Therefore, pet owners who decide to correct their bite through a similar design should start accustoming them to such a procedure in advance.

Dentures for dogs

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 dog's teeth wear down very quickly. And so that the animal does not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, in this case, prostheses can be ordered.

The technology of performing a dental procedure is similar to the method of installing crowns in humans. Such a procedure is, of course, expensive. But it also helps to maintain the he alth of the pet very effectively. Unlike humans, dogs are more likely to have metal teeth inserted. After all, such crowns are cheaper than ceramic ones.

Currently, not all veterinary clinics provide the service of installing teeth for dogs. But finding a specialist who has the skills to install crowns for animals in our time will not be difficult, including in Russia.