When Rita arrived at our house in October, 2014, one of the first things I noticed was that she had horribly crooked front teeth. Then we took her to the vet for the first time and he laughed and said “She is a veterinary orthodontist’s dream!” Except for one thing . . her new parents are NOT spending money for dog braces, though at this point, I’m thinking . . why not . . she’s cost an arm and a leg already!
Rita’s Crooked Teeth
About a month ago, I noticed a tooth had fallen out. To me, it looked like her baby teeth were under those pointy corner teeth and causing them to stick out. So, I thought . . if the teeth crowding her pointed teeth fall out, that’s a good thing.
The other night I noticed her acting like something was in her mouth. I looked and all her bottom teeth between the corner pointed teeth are gone. Her teeth have fallen out! She has very few teeth. Even most of her back teeth are missing. I know I shouldn’t say it but . . what else can go wrong with this dog?
Vince and I had this conversation.
Me: It’s a good thing we didn’t go ahead and spend the money on braces since all her teeth are falling out.
Vince: Do they really put braces on a dog’s teeth.
Me: I guess some people do. There are veterinary orthodontists . . just not in our town.
Vince: I never knew they did that.
Me: Did you know, before Rita, that they would remove a dog’s eyes?
Vince: No . . we’ve learned a lot since getting Rita. Never pick up a stray dog . . or a stray woman!
What did he just say? Speaking of losing teeth . . that’s probably a very good way for a husband to lose a few! 🙂
Seriously . . when I take Rita to the vet for her next eye check, I’ll have her look at her teeth and see what she has to say about that. Doggie implant? Soft, canned dog food sounds like a much better idea. Mostly I want to know if there’s a reason her teeth are falling out. She isn’t taking any meds other than eye drops. Maybe it’s just something genetic. Who knows.
Karen Sutton says
Judy, Livie, our little rescue, has two teeth – the vet told us that these small dogs have thin jaw bones and if they don’t get their teeth taken care of on a regular basis they fall out. We had Jill’s teeth cleaned every year but it’s too late for Livie. She does just fine – we don’t give her canned food – we get her food at a place called Treats Unleashed. I have to pick some up today or tomorrow – I’ll email you the info. She also loves to chew on Earth Animal No Hide Chicken Stix. Our vet said she’ll do just fine with no teeth.
Cilla Tyler says
Chi’s are notorious for bad teeth and gums. My Papillion had 2 teeth left at age 14. I’ve had Dachshunds live to be 14 and never need a dental. Then there were those that needed one every year even tho I brush their teeth. By the way, that photo of Rita is just way too adorable. It needs a caption. Precious.
Dorothy Schreyer says
Rita says just love me the way I am…
Nelle Coursey says
We had a pom (stray) once that had to have all her teeth pulled because they were all abscessed and she was in a lot of pain. They kept the two canines on either side because they said it helps keep her tongue in place. She was so much better when they got all those teeth out! Talk about an expensive stray! That one cost us plenty!
Pat says
Rita is a cutie teeth or no teeth. Worth ever penny.
dezertsuz says
That dog is amazing, in more ways than one. I’ll be interested to hear what the vet says now! I wouldn’t have done the braces, either.