When it comes to dental care for dogs, Dachshund teeth require special attention due to their unique breed aspects. Their long snouts and compact mouths make Dachshunds more susceptible to dental issues like overcrowding, tartar buildup, and gum problems.
The American Kennel Club’s most recent annual Most Registered Dog Breeds report places the Dachshund in the sixth spot. It’s no surprise that millions of people share their hearts and homes with this spunky, friendly breed.
Growing up with a Dachshund, we never considered caring for her teeth. We thought that whatever dental health needs she had were addressed by her veterinarian. As Maya Angelou wrote, “When you know better, you do better.”
How Many Teeth Does a Dachshund Have? Doxie Dental Anatomy
Like all puppies, Dachshunds are born toothless. At around three to four weeks, their baby teeth start coming in, called milk or deciduous teeth. Anyone who has ever felt Dachshund puppy teeth knows how sharp they feel on the skin.
When a Doxie turns eight weeks, they will have 28 baby teeth in their tiny mouths. Teething is an important time in a puppy’s life. During this period, your Dachshund pup will have a burning desire to chew to alleviate discomfort on the gums.
Dachshund puppies lose their baby teeth between 12 and 16 weeks. By the time your Doxie is six to eight months old, they will have 42 adult teeth. Caring for their incisors, canines, premolars, and molars is important to set up a lifetime of good oral care.
“Both miniature Dachshunds and standard Dachshunds are susceptible to dental problems due to their narrower muzzles and smaller mouths,” according to Jessica Williams, Dachshund educator, behavior coach, and author of the blog You Did What With Your Wiener? “The smaller the Dachshund is, the higher the risk for dental disease.”
Williams says that because of their physical features, Dachshunds are susceptible to overbites and misalignment of teeth. This causes different wear patterns and teeth cracking because they don’t line up properly.
Dachshund Teeth Problems: Five Common Issues
Understanding the common dental issues in Dachshunds will help pet parents take proactive steps to ensure healthy teeth, gums, and mouths. Here are five of the most common issues with Dachshund teeth.
Tartar and Plaque Buildup
Just like people, Dachshunds can have plaque buildup on their teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar gives bacteria a place to grow, which can turn into gingivitis. Left untreated, periodontal disease can occur and turn into bleeding, painful teeth and gums. Due to their smaller mouths, narrow snouts, and tightly packed teeth, food particles may be tougher to remove.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease may rear its ugly head if something isn’t done to clean your Dachshund’s teeth. Williams says there’s a risk if you give a Doxie a hard chew to help scrape plaque off the teeth. Specifically, your dog may have a fractured tooth or a complete molar or canine break.
“My Dachshund, Gretel, had the tip of one of her canine break off, and she had a slab fracture,” Williams shares. “This usually happens from chewing on something.”
Tooth Crowding
The elongated snout and smaller, narrower mouths of Dachshunds make them prone to tooth crowding. Crowded teeth make it difficult to remove plaque and food materials from teeth. Left unchecked, this can lead to plaque and tartar accumulation and periodontal or gum disease.
Tooth Loss
As a Dachshund ages, tooth decay from plaque buildup may occur. Gingivitis, a precursor to periodontal disease, may have started years earlier. Older Dachshunds may be vulnerable to tooth loss. Overcrowding + small mouths, + periodontal disease can cause gum inflammation, damage the supporting tooth structures, and, eventually, teeth fall out. If your dog’s teeth start falling out, visit the veterinarian immediately.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
“A lot of pet parents complain about their Dachshund having bad breath, which is linked to dental health to a certain degree,” Williams notes. “I’m not a veterinarian, but my observation is that in most cases, bad breath is coming from the gut.”
She says Dachshunds are notorious for bad breath. And, unfortunately, bad breath can signify dental issues such as broken teeth or periodontal disease. Regular dental care is essential for your Dachshund’s mouth, gums, and teeth.
Signs of Dental Problems in Dachshunds
The best way to stay ahead of your Dachshund’s dental health is to be proactive, create a home dental routine, checkups at the veterinarian, and watch for signs of problems. These signs include, but are not limited to:
- Red or swollen gums
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Refusal to drink or eat
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Withdrawn or depressed
- Irritable and not wanting to be touched
- Tooth discoloration or broken teeth
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Teeth falling out
Take prompt action if your Dachshund’s teeth show any signs of decay or pain. Follow your veterinarian’s advice and monitor your dog’s condition. If symptoms continue or return, never hesitate to make a follow-up appointment. Dogs are masters of disguise when it comes to showing pain.
Breed-Specific Care Tips for Dachshund Teeth
Daily Brushing
Brushing your Dachshund’s teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste and an appropriately sized pet toothbrush is important. However, Williams says brushing alone won’t soften and remove plaque from a Dachshund’s teeth. She admits you’ll need to cover every part of your dog’s tooth with the toothbrush, which can be tricky.
Step by step, here’s how to brush your Dachshund’s teeth:
- Make the experience fun and rewarding, and start with a piece of gauze. Touch your dog’s mouth and gums with warm gauze and reward them for being such good Dachshunds. Treats or verbal praise are musts, and never scold your dog for not enjoying the experience. This may take a few weeks of regular care and praise.
- Get your Dachshund used to the pet toothpaste and toothbrush. Place a bit of toothpaste on your finger and allow them to lick. Praise.
- Gently lift your Dachshund’s lips to see their teeth. I’ve done this to my dog after a long play session to tire him out.
- Brush teeth back and forth with about a 45-degree angle toward the gums.
- Use light pressure and praise, and allow your dog a break.
- Work in sections and go slowly. You may need to do one section and then try the second section a few days later. Your dog needs to get used to the process.
- Focus on the upper teeth first, and don’t forget the inside of the teeth as best as you can.
- Praise and praise some more. If your dog views teeth care as a fun activity with praise, they will be more inclined to go with the flow.
Dental Toys
Consider dental toys for Dachshunds who chew through edible treats fast. They are also less likely to break their teeth on a dental toy than on a harder chew.
Offer dental toys to your Dachshund that are appropriately sized and not likely to tear or break off into pieces. If you can put an indentation in the dental toy with your fingernail, this will help prevent teeth from breaking.
Routine Professional Cleanings
Professional cleanings are necessary, no matter how much at-home care you provide for your Dachshund’s teeth.
“Whether you brush or just use chews, your Dachshund needs regular veterinary examinations to check their teeth with regular cleanings,” Williams advises. “The only way to find out what’s going on under the gums is with x-rays and sedation.”
As a routine part of in-office care, your dog will undergo a dental examination, teeth cleaning, polishing, and x-rays. Continuing this process and home care of teeth will help keep your Dachshund’s teeth in tip-top shape.
Diet and Dental Health
Although diet is a bit of a controversial topic, it directly connects to a Dachshund’s dental health. Williams says diet has a lot to do with dental health, but not in the way some may believe.
“If your dog chews the food, kibble may help [with plaque], but raw food also gives the dog chewing action, and the meat has enzymes that can help clean their teeth,” she says.”Also, kibble doesn’t stick to teeth like canned food might, which is a consideration.”
Once bacteria develops in your Dachshund’s mouth, it can be transferred to its gut. Now, the dog’s body is fighting an imbalance.
Suggested dental health diets for Dachshund’s teeth include:
- Raw diets
- Air-dried food
- Kibble for dental health
- Breed-specific food
Preventative Care: Setting a Routine for Dachshund Dental Health
“The longer your Dachshund lives, the more vulnerable they are to tooth loss and decay,” Williams reports. “Anything pet parents can do to reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque on teeth is good.”
Starting a dental care routine early is the best way to set the tone for a life of proper oral care. If you adopt an adult Dachshund, establish a routine slowly, using the abovementioned routine.
A positive experience is of utmost importance. Dogs who tend to balk at the sight of a toothbrush or run away when they see the toothpaste may have had a negative experience.
Caring for your Dachshund’s teeth provides a wide range of long-term benefits, including:
- Reduction of tooth loss
- Avoiding costly veterinary bills
- Better breath
- Prevention of systemic health problems (i.e., heart, lung, or liver issues from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream)
- Pain prevention
- Improved lifespan
Final Thoughts on How to Maintain Healthy Dachshund Teeth
Using the tips in our article and prioritizing dental care, your Dachshund may be able to avoid major dental problems. Addressing dental issues early and establishing a teeth cleaning routine is easier and more cost-effective than dealing with oral conditions later in life.
Stay vigilant for early signs of dental discomfort and schedule regular veterinarian checkups to address concerns or arrange professional cleanings. Your Dachshund relies on you to maintain their dental health and keep their smile bright. Here’s to keeping your hound happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.
