Do Shih Tzus Have Underbites and How to Care for Them

Shih Tzus can indeed have underbites, a common dental issue in the breed. This is often due to their brachycephalic skull structure.

Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems, including underbites, which can lead to difficulties eating and chewing.

A brachycephalic skull means that the Shih Tzu's face is relatively short and flat, which can cause the lower jaw to be too small for the upper jaw. This can lead to an underbite.

Proper dental care is essential for Shih Tzus with underbites.

Small breed dogs are more prone to dental issues due to their genetic facial and skull structures, which create tendencies toward dental abnormalities. These abnormalities increase the risk of periodontal disease.

Small breed dogs are less likely to engage in oral dental abrasion activities, such as chewing on hard objects, which helps clean their teeth. This lack of activity contributes to the development of periodontal disease.

Explore further: Shih Tzu Breeding

Research shows that small breed dogs are three times more likely to develop periodontal disease than larger breed dogs. This is a significant concern, as periodontal disease can lead to tooth decay and other serious health issues.

Some common dental abnormalities in small breed dogs include:

• Retained baby teeth

• Overcrowding of teeth

• Extra teeth

• Underbites

Underbites are a common issue in small breed dogs, particularly in breeds such as Shih Tzus. These breeds are more susceptible to underbites due to their genetic makeup, which includes a shortened skull and nose.

Regular dental care is essential for small breed dogs to prevent dental issues. This includes brushing their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews and toys, and scheduling regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian.

If you suspect your small breed dog has an underbite, look out for symptoms such as protrusion of lower teeth beyond upper teeth, difficulty biting or chewing food, excessive drooling, pain or discomfort in or around the mouth, and recurring dental issues. Consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Broaden your view: Shih Tzu Cushing's Disease

Malocclusions are a common issue in dogs, including Shih Tzus. A malocclusion means that the teeth don't align properly when the mouth is closed.

This misalignment can happen in different ways, including underbites or overbites. Underbites are more common in breeds with pronounced muzzles, and small dogs are more likely to have them.

Some small breed dogs may self-correct as they develop, but others will likely have an underbite forever. Puppies that retain their baby teeth for too long or develop extra teeth may experience overcrowding, leading to an underbite as their adult teeth emerge.

If your Shih Tzu has a malocclusion, it can cause teeth to bump up against each other or soft tissue in the mouth, leading to injury or pain. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent or address these issues.

Here are some common dental abnormalities in small breed dogs:

These issues can increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is 3 times more likely to develop in dogs who weigh less than 22 pounds (10kg). Regular dental care, including brushing and providing dental chews, can help prevent these issues.

Genetic facial and skull structures can contribute to dental abnormalities in small breed dogs, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. This is particularly relevant for Shih Tzus, who are prone to dental issues due to their genetic makeup.

Studies show that periodontal disease is 3 times more likely to develop in dogs who weigh less than 22 pounds (10kg), which includes most Shih Tzus. This is a significant concern, as periodontal disease can lead to tooth decay and other serious health problems.

To prevent dental issues in Shih Tzus, it's essential to brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste. This simple habit can go a long way in maintaining their oral health.

Offering plenty of chew toys is also crucial, as long as they're flexible enough to dent with your fingernail. This will help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Regular vet check-ups and professional dental cleanings are also vital for maintaining your Shih Tzu's dental health. By staying on top of their dental care, you can help prevent underbites and other dental issues from developing.

Here's a summary of the key factors to consider:

If you suspect your Shih Tzu may have an underbite, it's essential to closely examine their mouth for signs of malocclusion.

Some symptoms to watch out for include protrusion of lower teeth beyond upper teeth, visible even when the dog's mouth is closed, difficulty biting or chewing food, excessive drooling, pain or discomfort in or around the mouth, and recurring dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your vet might recommend one of the following treatment options if the underbite is severe and affecting your dog's quality of life:

However, if your Shih Tzu is in pain, you may notice they become uncomfortable and result in other health issues, such as bad breath, persistent drooling, or excessive slobbering when eating, difficulty accepting large treats or chewing larger toys, and unable to eat hard food like kibble.

Underbites can be a challenging issue for dog owners, especially when it comes to breeds with more pronounced muzzles.

Underbites are typically observed in breeds with more pronounced muzzles.

In some cases, underbites may occasionally self-correct as the dog develops.

The majority of little dogs who display symptoms as puppies are likely to have an underbite forever.

Consider reading: Raza De Perros Shih Tzu

If you suspect your dog may have an underbite, it's essential to closely examine their mouth for signs of malocclusion. Some symptoms to watch out for include:

Dogs with underbites may exhibit unusual behavior, such as being in pain and not responding well to contact, or rubbing their head against walls or with their paws.

You should observe your dog's behavior and biting tendencies, and let your veterinarian know if anything seems off.

A different take: Shih Tzu Behavior

Dogs with underbites may have abnormally bad breath, persistent drooling (which can occasionally contain blood), or excessive slobbering when eating.

Some dogs with underbites may have difficulty in accepting large treats or chewing larger toys.

Dogs with severe underbites may be unable to eat hard food (like kibble) as they cannot access their molars.

For more insights, see: Shih Tzus Jealous Dogs

Shih Tzus with underbites require extra care to prevent dental issues. Regular brushing of their teeth is essential, and it's best to use veterinary toothpaste to avoid any harm.

Some common symptoms of an underbite in Shih Tzus include protrusion of lower teeth beyond upper teeth, difficulty biting or chewing food, excessive drooling, and pain or discomfort in or around the mouth.

To promote a healthy mouth, you can offer dental chews and toys designed to clean teeth and gums, and pay attention to changes in your dog's eating habits or signs of discomfort while chewing. Regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian are also crucial.

Here are some additional tips for caring for a Shih Tzu with an underbite:

As a small breed dog, Shih Tzus are more prone to dental issues due to their genetic facial and skull structures, which can increase the risk of periodontal disease.

A poor diet during a dog's formative years can impact proper jaw development and bone growth, resulting in an underbite.

Feeding your dog a balanced diet is crucial to ensure they grow into a healthy adult.

Dogs need a nutrient-rich diet to support their rapid growth and development, especially during the first year of life.

You might like: Shih Tzu Favorite Food

Shih Tzus with an underbite may require additional at-home preventive dental care, which is crucial for their overall health.

Regularly brushing your dog's teeth is the best choice for preventing dental disease, and it's essential to use veterinary toothpaste instead of human toothpaste, as it contains fluoride that's hazardous to dogs.

Training your dog to accept daily dental cleanings is a great idea, especially if they have an underbite.

To keep your Shih Tzu's teeth healthy, brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste.

A daily dental chew and toothpaste combo can also be a great option for preventing dental disease.

Offering plenty of chew toys is essential, but make sure they're flexible enough to dent with your fingernail.

Here's a quick rundown of how to help prevent dental disease in small dogs:

By following these simple tips, you can help your Shih Tzu stay healthy and happy.

Most of the time, an underbite in a Shih Tzu does not get worse over time.

Dogs with an underbite are often able to live a full life without any difficulties, aside from maybe having a few awkward photo shoots.

However, it's essential to keep an eye out for symptoms of an underbite, which can indicate a decline in your Tzu's health over time.

For your interest: English Bulldog Underbite

Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Taking care of your furry friend's dental health is crucial for their overall well-being. Regular brushing of your dog's teeth with a pet-friendly toothpaste is a great way to promote a healthy mouth.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily can be a challenge, but it's essential for preventing dental issues. Some dog breeds, such as Shih Tzus, are more prone to dental abnormalities, including underbites.

Underbites can lead to difficulties biting or chewing food, excessive drooling, and recurring dental issues. If you suspect your dog may have an underbite, look out for these symptoms.

Here are some common dental issues in small breed dogs:

Preventing dental disease in small dogs requires a multi-faceted approach. Brushing their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste is a great start. You can also consider a daily dental chew and toothpaste combo.

Some breeds, like Pomeranians, are prone to retained puppy teeth and tooth overcrowding, which can lead to periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian can help prevent these issues.

If your dog does develop dental problems, don't worry – many can be treated with professional assistance from your veterinarian. In some cases, corrective surgery may be necessary to correct the underbite.