Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their long bodies and short legs. An interesting fact about dachshunds is that they have a unique number of teeth compared to other dogs. So how many teeth do dachshunds have? The answer may surprise you.
Most adult dachshunds have 42 teeth, which is more than many other breeds. They have 20 teeth on the top jaw and 22 on the bottom. Like all dogs, dachshunds have incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
However, dachshunds differ in that they usually have one less premolar on each side of the upper jaw than other breeds. This distinct tooth pattern is thought to allow more room for their very long tongues within their compact jaws.
Knowing how many teeth dachshunds have can help owners better care for their dental health through brushing and professional cleanings. Proper dental care is essential to prevent periodontal disease in the breed. So if you have a “wiener” dog in your life, be sure to count their teeth – chances are they’ll have 42!
Identifying Dachshunds
Dachshunds have a very distinct look that makes them easy to identify. Here are some of the key ways to recognize a dachshund:
Body Shape
Dachshunds have an elongated body and short, stubby legs. Their long, low-to-the-ground profile gives them an unmistakable silhouette.
Size
Dachshunds come in three size varieties – standard, miniature, and rabbit. Standards weigh 16-32 lbs, miniatures 11 lbs or less, and rabbits 8 lbs or less. Learn when they stop growing here.
Coat and Coloring
Dachshund coats can be smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired. Their most common coat colors are black, tan, chocolate, cream, red, silver, and piebald. Some dachshunds may even have unusual color patterns like brindle or dapple.
Head Shape
Dachshunds have narrow, long snouts and a prominent forehead. Their ears are long and droopy.
So if you see a short-legged, hot dog shaped dog with a long snout and droopy ears, it’s most likely a dachshund! Their unique physique makes them easy to pick out.
Dachshund Teeth Development
There are a few stages of development when it comes to a Dachshund’s teeth:
Dachshund Milk Teeth
Like all puppies, dachshunds develop baby teeth called milk teeth or deciduous teeth. They get their first milk teeth around 3-4 weeks of age. By 6-8 weeks old, they will have all 28 of their milk teeth.
These consist of incisors, canines and premolars. Milk teeth are important for puppies to learn biting skills and aid in weaning. Proper care like brushing is advised.
Dachshund Adult Teeth
Around 12-16 weeks of age, dachshund puppies start to lose their milk teeth as the permanent adult teeth grow in. This process is complete by about 6 months old. Adult dachshunds have 42 permanent teeth.
They have 10 incisors, 2 canines, 8 premolars and 4 molars on top and 10 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars and 4 molars on the bottom. Their adult teeth help them grasp and tear food. Owners should continue regular brushing and dental care as adult teeth are more prone to tartar buildup and periodontal disease.
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Dental Problems in Dachshunds
Unfortunately, dental issues are very common in dachshunds. Their compact skull shape often leads to overcrowding and misalignment of teeth, increasing risk for disease. Dental health is tied to overall wellness, so it’s important to watch for any signs of problems.
Do Dachshunds Have Dental Problems?
Due to their unique head and jaw anatomy, dachshunds are predisposed to dental disease like periodontal disease and tooth loss. Their crowded, misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean and more likely to trap bacteria and tartar.
Tooth loss, gum recession, abscesses and jaw bone infection are common in the breed if dental care is inadequate.
Signs of Dental Issues
There are several signs that may indicate a dachshund is experiencing dental problems:
- Pain or sensitivity around their mouth, causing reluctance to chew or have their mouth touched
- Difficulty eating hard food or chewing toys
- Increased drooling or foul breath
- Bleeding, inflamed, or receding gums
- Loss of appetite or dropping food
- Facial swelling or discharge from the nose or mouth
Any of these symptoms warrant an oral exam by your veterinarian to assess your dachshund’s dental health. Early intervention is key to prevent worsening infection and tooth loss. Be vigilant about your Doxie’s dental care!
Puppy Teething
Puppy teething is an important developmental phase for dachshunds. As puppies, their teeth go through major changes.
How Many Teeth Do Puppy Dachshunds Have?
Dachshund puppies develop a total of 28 deciduous (baby) teeth. They get these between 3-8 weeks of age. The teeth consist of 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars.
Sometimes not all of the baby teeth properly fall out as the permanent adult teeth come in. If any baby teeth remain, this can cause problems with bite alignment and lead to decay. It’s critical to monitor your puppy’s teeth regularly and take them for professional veterinary dental cleanings.
When Do Dachshund Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Dachshund puppies start shedding their baby teeth around 12-16 weeks of age. The baby teeth are gradually replaced by the 42 permanent adult teeth over the next several months. The full adult set is usually in by 4-6 months old. Providing chew toys can help facilitate teething and removal of baby teeth.
Adult Dental Care
As dachshunds mature, their dental needs change. Caring for their adult teeth properly is key to lifelong health.
How Many Teeth Do Adult Dachshunds Have?
The full adult dentition of a dachshund consists of 42 teeth – 20 on top and 22 on the bottom. The teeth include 10 incisors, 2 canines, 8 premolars, and 4 molars on the upper jaw. The lower jaw has 10 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars and 4 molars.
Unfortunately, yes – dachshunds can start losing their permanent adult teeth prematurely due to dental disease. Periodontal disease is very common in the breed. Daily brushing, dental chews, annual cleanings, and monitoring for problems are essential.
Why Do Dachshunds Have Bad Teeth?
Dachshunds are prone to dental issues for a few reasons. Their elongated jaw shape causes crowding and misalignment of teeth, making plaque and tartar buildup more likely. Their teeth are also small in proportion to their jaws.
Overcrowding leads to gum recession and tooth decay. Dedicated home care and professional cleaning is needed to prevent rapid dental disease.
Dental Care Practices
Caring for your dachshund’s teeth is crucial to their health and happiness. Here are some tips for maintaining good dental hygiene:
Proper Dog Dental Care
To keep your dachshund’s teeth in optimal shape, daily brushing is essential. Use a soft dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Brush all surfaces of the teeth. Annual professional cleanings and oral exams remove built-up tartar and assess for any problems.
How To Keep Your Dachshund’s Teeth Healthy
Beyond brushing, provide safe chew toys to help scrape plaque and tartar. Hard rubber, nylon, and dental treats are good options. Feed kibble rather than soft food to avoid buildup. Schedule annual dental cleanings. Monitor for any signs of dental disease and address issues right away.
Best Way To Clean Dachshund Teeth
While brushing is ideal, wipe their teeth with a soft cloth if they dislike brushing. Use oral rinses or dental gels with toothbrush-like applicators for hard to reach spots. Include oral health supplements or dental treats too. Work slowly up to brushing – reward cooperation and make it a positive experience.
How Do You Stop A Dachshund From Biting?
Use positive reinforcement training to teach your dachshund to tolerate and accept handling and brushing around their mouth. Never scold or punish biting behavior – remain calm and gently restrain if needed. Seek professional training help for serious biting issues. Patience and care is key!
Conclusion
Proper dental care is absolutely vital for dachshunds due to their high risk of periodontal disease. By understanding how many teeth dachshunds have, you can better monitor their oral health.
Watch for signs of dental problems and be diligent with daily brushing, chews, and professional cleanings. Addressing dental care early on and maintaining good habits throughout your dachshund’s life will help prevent painful dental issues and keep your pup happily chewing for years to come.
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