How Do Shih Tzus Teethe? Vet-Verified Timelines – Dogster
The Shih Tzu is an previous breed that initially hails from Tibet. Often known as Chrysanthemum Canine or Little Lion Canine, this particular breed goes by way of the identical phases of teething as different canine. Nevertheless, as a result of form of the Shih Tzu’s face, they typically have issues teething that another breeds are much less vulnerable to.
Like different canine, Shih Tzus teethe in a number of phases. From the primary tooth that emerge when the pups are only some weeks previous, they are going to develop in (and subsequently lose) their tooth till the final everlasting molars develop in once they’re round 6 months of age.
Shih Tzu Teething Timeline: From Stage One to Stage 5
Stage One: 2 to 4 Weeks Outdated
When a Shih Tzu pet is simply 2 weeks previous, they’re nonetheless depending on their mom. They’re not but weaned, so they are going to nonetheless drink her milk, and their eyes might be closed. Even at this younger age, the pet’s tooth will erupt from their gums. Between 2 and 4 weeks, a pet’s first tooth (their deciduous tooth) will start to come back by way of, beginning with the incisors at round 3 weeks after which the canines at roughly 3 to 4 weeks.
Stage Two: 5 to six Weeks Outdated
The final tooth to come back by way of are the premolars, which seem when Shih Tzu puppies flip 6 weeks previous. In whole, a pet of this age could have round 28 tooth. These first deciduous tooth are pointed and sharp (why they’re generally known as “needle tooth”), they usually allow the Shih Tzu to start weaning onto gentle pet meals. Puppies get molars as soon as they develop of their grownup set of tooth, at round 12 to 16 weeks previous.
Stage Three: 8 to 12 Weeks Outdated
When a Shih Tzu pet is rehomed to their new homeowners at round 8 weeks previous, they need to have a full complement of pet tooth to discover their new world. Like all different puppies, Shih Tzus like to chew and can spend an inexpensive period of time studying and exploring with their mouths. Then, at round 12 weeks of age, their deciduous tooth will start to fall out and make room for his or her closing grownup set of tooth to emerge.
Stage 4: 12 to 16 Weeks Outdated
Homeowners of Shih Tzu puppies of round this age could begin to discover tiny rice-sized tooth on the bottom or caught in toys. These are the Shih Tzu’s deciduous tooth that fall out to make room for his or her grownup tooth. That is the toughest stage for puppies and homeowners, as the brand new tooth could cause discomfort and ache once they break by way of the gums.
You may see pink-tinged drool or blood in your Shih Tzu’s mouth once they teethe. That is normally regular if it’s minimal, however in case you’re ever involved or there’s greater than a small quantity of blood, contact your vet for recommendation. Shih Tzus may not lose all their deciduous tooth when their grownup tooth are available, an issue referred to as having retained deciduous tooth.
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Stage 5: 6 Months and Older
By 7 months, a Shih Tzu could have all of their grownup tooth. Their molars might be grown in, and any deciduous tooth must be shed. The teething course of is full in Shih Tzus at round this age, however generally the previous few tooth can take a few months to emerge totally. Canine have round 42 tooth altogether, however Shih Tzu homeowners could discover further tooth (or different teething issues) through the course of.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Do Shih Tzus Have Issues Teething?
Shih Tzus are extra vulnerable to issues with teething and their tooth as a result of form of their faces and skulls. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic canine, which means their muzzles are flattened and shorter than these of different breeds. A Shih Tzu’s mouth can also be small, however they’ve simply as many tooth as different breeds. Overcrowding, or extra tooth than can comfortably match within the mouth, can happen, although. It could trigger consuming issues and tooth decay brought on by meals caught between the tooth, which brushing can’t take away.
Shih Tzus can even undergo from retained deciduous tooth. Typically, a child tooth gained’t fall out and can stay within the mouth. The commonest reason behind retained deciduous tooth is overcrowding. The grownup tooth are grown alongside the incorrect path (the place they need to have pushed the child tooth out) and erupt subsequent to the child tooth. Retained deciduous tooth don’t normally trigger ache however may be uncomfortable and entice meals, resulting in tooth decay.
How Can I Inform If My Shih Tzu Is Teething?
You’ll be able to inform your Shih Tzu is teething in the event that they chunk every thing! Teething is uncomfortable, so puppies chunk and chew to alleviate their discomfort. It’s regular pet conduct, and chewing is an integral a part of a pet’s improvement as they discover the world. Your Shih Tzu could paw at their mouth sometimes, they usually could drool. Offering your Shih Tzu with a puppy-friendly chew toy may help them and save your furnishings from whole destruction!
How Do I Maintain My Shih Tzu’s Enamel Wholesome?
Sustaining your Shih Tzu’s dental well being is significant to their total well being. Getting your pet used to having their tooth brushed will assist hold their tooth and mouth clear and free from decay, stopping the necessity for dental remedy sooner or later.
In case your Shih Tzu has any overcrowding or retained deciduous tooth, they need to be checked out by your vet. Normally, overcrowding and retained child tooth don’t trigger many issues at first, and remedy can wait till your pup is older. The veterinary surgeon generally removes deciduous tooth throughout a canine’s spay or neuter process whereas they’re already beneath anesthetic.
Dry meals diets may help hold tooth clear as a result of crunchy, onerous texture of the kibble. As well as, dry meals can scrape leftover meals and plaque off of the tooth, however your Shih Tzu will nonetheless want common tooth cleansing even with a dry meals weight loss program.
Be sure to use toothpaste particularly for canine. Human toothpaste is unsafe for canine and may comprise poisonous substances like xylitol, which may be very harmful for canine to ingest. Plus, doggy toothpaste is commonly flavored with tempting bacon or cheese flavors, which makes brushing extra of a deal with!
Conclusion
The Shih Tzu undergoes the identical teething course of as different breeds. They teethe in phases, beginning with razor-sharp pet tooth at 2 weeks and ending with a full complement of grownup tooth at 6–7 months previous. Shih Tzus can undergo from teething issues as a result of form of their skulls, similar to retained child tooth and overcrowding. Nevertheless, these issues are normally rectified when the canine is spayed or neutered and sometimes don’t trigger any points.
Featured Picture Credit score: Elena Rozhenok, Shutterstock