Hi Everyone,

Sorry to be a posting a help thread on my first post but i am concerned about my dog.

She likes to chew things which i have encouraged in the past as i thought she was strengthening her gums, exercising her jaw and keeping her teeth clean. Now i think she may have overly worn her teeth down. Please have a look at the pics and tell me whether you think i need to be concerned or just prevent future chewing.

She is a 9 year old large dog (similar size to a german shepherd/alsation). She will be 10 in december. She is extremely healthy and energetic (with the exception perhaps of her teeth) and i am confident that she will live for some time. I am concerned with how worn her teeth are at this age.

sorry about the pic size. Will try to cut them down smaller in future.

the left of the pic is the top of her mouth. (this pic is from the right side of the dog)


this pic is from the left side of the dog

thanks in advance for your help
mooface

If they aren't hurting her (no nerves exposed), I don't think you need to be worried. You might want to ask the vet on your next visit. My 12yo dog has worn his molars down to gum line, lost most of his small front teeth (but still has his canines). He still manages to chew on marrow bones like a puppy! What exactly have you been letting the dog chew?

You might want to work on the tartar...especially if you stop giving him/her something to chew on. Good dental hygiene is important as they go into their senior years (which for a large breed like yours, it's already there...).

Originally Posted by Frecs

If they aren't hurting her (no nerves exposed), I don't think you need to be worried. You might want to ask the vet on your next visit. My 12yo dog has worn his molars down to gum line, lost most of his small front teeth (but still has his canines). He still manages to chew on marrow bones like a puppy! What exactly have you been letting the dog chew?

You might want to work on the tartar...especially if you stop giving him/her something to chew on. Good dental hygiene is important as they go into their senior years (which for a large breed like yours, it's already there...).

Thanks for your advice!

she usually chews sticks and old bones all day, but she won't be doing this anymore.
I read that carrots are great for dogs dental hygiene, so i've been giver her half a carrot a day and she loves it!

Chewing on sticks can become an issue for a number of reasons but most especially the risk of swallowing a splinter resulting in need of surgery.

Old bones are generally okay as long as they are uncooked bones (cooked bones splinter).

Carrots are good for dental hygiene and nutritionally. They make a great treat!

Some dogs like to chew on rocks/stones...bad, very bad.