vet care for a variety of animals

Dachshund owners are keenly aware that extra attention should be given to their long backs, but that is not the only health problem owners should be aware of. A dachshund's bark may be louder than it's bite, but the proper dental care of a dachshund is crucial for it's health. By scheduling a professional pet teeth cleaning, you can uncover five hidden dachshund problems that are not seen on the surface level. Having a veterinarian examine these problems is the best way to keep your dog's mouth clean and healthy.

Baby Teeth Problems

If you got your dachshund as a puppy, then you likely noticed two small baby teeth on the sides of it's jaw. These sharp teeth are known as "milk teeth" and are only supposed to be temporary until the adult teeth fully grow in. If the teeth do not fall out in time, then it can cause jaw problems for the dachshund.

During a teeth cleaning, vets can examine the baby teeth and pull them out as needed. By pulling them out, the dachshund's jaw can fully form and heal without any problems.

Bottom Jaws

Dachshunds are known for having fragile jaws due to their small size. The bottom jaw is even more fragile than the top one. Chewing hard objects like raw hide and pig ears could cause possible jaw damage, along with rough physical play. If you notice that your dog is chewing strangely or changing eating habits, then a jaw examination should be completed by vets.

During a routine cleaning, your vet will likely perform x-rays on the dachshund. During an x-ray, a vet will look at the jawline for any cracks or fractures. If any are found, further steps will be taken to heal the jaw and return your dog to its natural state.

Below the Gum Line

When tarter builds up on the mouth of a dachshund, it can cause additional problems like gum disease and bone loss. During a cleaning, a vet can examine one of the more hidden areas of a dog's mouth. By accessing an area below the gum line, vets can properly clean out tarter and plaque. This process is known as scaling. Deep root scaling is a cleaning process that clears out all the hidden areas under the gum line. This can help prevent bone loss and tooth loss in your dachshund.

Toy Debris

Dachshunds love to play with all kinds of toys. Within minutes, their jaws can work to chew through ropes, squeaker toys, and stuffed animals. While some of these toys are good for naturally cleaning teeth, there are also problems that can occur when using them.

Small strings, pieces of plastic, and stuffing can get caught in the teeth of dachshunds. During a cleaning, a vet will be able to go deep into the teeth and discover any toy pieces that are found. If they are found, the vet can recommend different types of toys that are safer for your dachshund's teeth.

Exterior Activities

Dachshunds are hound dogs and natural explorers. When left outside, they are known to dig, crawl, and hunt down all types of critters like worms and bugs. While most of the outside play is just for fun, some of it can be harmful to a dachshund's teeth. Chewing on dirt and worms can cause a build-up on your dog's teeth. During a cleaning, a vet will be able to target troubled areas on a dachshund's mouth.

Not only can a vet clean off these areas, but they can give you cleaning tips to use at home. These tips can be used after a dachshund comes in from a day of digging outside.

A dental cleaning for your dachshund should be done at least once a year. When visiting the vet, they may recommend additional visits depending on the health of their mouth. Contact a professional vet facility, like MontClair Veterinary Hospital, to schedule a dental cleaning for your dachshund today.