Dog with Undershot Jaw: What You Need to Know
If you’re a dog owner, you must be aware of the dog’s undershot jaw condition. This is a condition where the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw and can cause several problems for the dog. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the dog’s underbite but may include surgery or braces. Read on to learn more about dog undershot jaw.
What is an Undershot Jaw in Dogs?
An undershot jaw is a condition where the lower jaw of a dog’s skull is shorter than its upper jaw, resulting in the lower teeth protruding past the upper teeth when the mouth is shut. This can be caused by genetics or environmental factors such as malnutrition or injury. It can also signify other medical conditions, such as cleft palate or respiratory tract issues.
Types of Undershot Jaws
There are two types of undershot jaws: mild and severe. Mild undershot jaws occur when the lower jaw does not quite reach the upper part, while severe undershot jaws occur when there is a large difference between the lower and upper jaws. In both cases, however, the bottom teeth will be visible beyond the top row of teeth when the mouth is closed.
Causes of Undershot Jaws
Undershot Jaws may be hereditary, depending upon the breed. Certain breeds more prone to developing this condition than others include Bulldog, Pug, Boxers and Labrador Retrievers. Health problems such as poor nutrition and trauma may also cause an undershot jaw to develop in dogs that wouldn’t typically develop naturally.
Symptoms of Undershot Jaws
The most obvious symptom of an undershot jaw is a visible overbite, in which you can easily see the bottom teeth protruding beyond the top row of teeth when the mouth is closed. This condition can also lead to other health problems, such as difficulty eating/chewing food properly due to misalignment and breathing difficulties due to narrowed airways caused by malocclusion(misalignment) of teeth and bones within your dog’s skull structures. Additionally, there may be signs associated with underlying causes such as poor nutrition (e.g., weight loss), cleft palate (e.g., nasal discharge) or dental disease (e.g., foul breath).
Treatment for Undershot Jaw
The treatment for an undershot jaw depends on its severity and the underlying cause(s). Mild cases may require no treatment. However, some cases may need surgery to fix or address any other issues. For example, there might be a cleft palate or dental disease. Always provide dental care for your pet dog to keep them healthy during treatment. You might also need to change their diet if poor nutrition was one factor that led to the development of an undershot jaw.
Preventing Undershot Jaws
Although it isn’t always possible to prevent an undershot jaw from occurring if genetics or other medical conditions are the cause, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your pet dog’s likelihood of developing this issue:
- Ensure that your pet dog has access to adequate nutrition through proper diet supplementation from puppyhood onwards throughout their adult life stages
- Visit your veterinarian regularly for check-ups to catch developmental abnormalities.
- Provide appropriate chew toys/dental treats for your pet dog so that their teeth remain healthy
Lifestyle Changes After Treatment for Undershot Jaw
Once you complete the treatment successfully, there are some lifestyle changes you’ll need to keep in mind going forward:
- Continue providing adequate nutrition through regular meals supplemented with vitamins/minerals as needed
- Monitor food intake regularly so that overfeeding doesn’t occur
- Maintain regular veterinary check-ups even to avoid relapse.
- Provide plenty of exercises coupled with mental stimulation through interactive playtime sessions with your pet
- Periodically monitor oral hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly using toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs.
Wrap Up
Dog undershot jaw is a condition in which the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. If an undershot jaw is present, treatment options vary depending on the severity and may include surgery or braces. After successful treatment, lifestyle changes such as proper diet and regular vet check-ups must be maintained. With adequate care, your dog will live a happy, healthy life!
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