How many teeth does a chihuahua have?
Given their tiny size, some people are wondering how many teeth does a Chihuahua actually have. When it comes to the number of dog’s teeth, their breed does not matter. Like any other dog, Chihuahua puppies have 28 baby teeth and adults have 42 secondary teeth. These are composed of 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Dogs have 20 teeth on top and 22 on the bottom. Chihuahua puppies have milk teeth which will be replaced by permanent teeth when they are around 8 months old. Since Chihuahuas have small mouths and jaws, it seems that their teeth are fighting for their own space within these little doggos’ gums. Like humans, they can lose their teeth through decay as they get older. Or some lose teeth when they play rough.
Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems. They say that Chihuahuas are more likely to have problems with their teeth than any other dog breed. The problem usually starts to show when they reach 2 years old. This is why it’s very important to take care of their teeth properly especially since dogs can’t regrow their lost teeth. So take care of your Chihuahua’s teeth just like how you take care of your own teeth.
Experts say that it’s not uncommon to see a Chihuahua who has lost all its teeth. In fact, periodontal disease is the number one concern among Chihuahuas. They are prone to plaque build-up which leads to tartar and tooth decay. The reason for this breed having bad teeth is actually related to their small size. They have smaller heads, shorter snouts, and smaller jawbones. There is little space to accommodate all those teeth. This increases the likelihood of plaque and tartar build-up. As their teeth decay over time, it leads to infections of the gum and roots of their teeth until they lose their precious teeth. Be advised that dental disease among dogs could also lead to problems in their kidney, liver or heart so it’s essential to protect their oral health for their overall wellbeing.
But not all hope is lost because there are still some Chihuahuas with a complete set of teeth even when they’re older. The key is in following a rigorous dental hygiene routine for your furbaby. Brush your Chihuahua’s teeth a couple of times each week. Use quality dental products in taking care of their teeth. Always check their teeth and gums to see if there are plaques, decay, or swelling. Regularly have dental and oral examinations done by your vet and schedule them for professional teeth cleaning every year to ensure that their teeth are thoroughly cleaned and free from any tartar build-up.
Responsible pet owners realize the importance of proper dental care so that their furbabies won’t suffer from tooth decay. Always take good care of your furry friend’s set of teeth so that they can continue to flash those famous toothy grins that add to their charm and endear them to many.
