Pup with overbite

[audrey]

Hi just thought that I would come to the experts for some advice. We had a new addition to our family two weeks ago. A beautiful 12 wk old boy who weighs in at 35lbs.

Problem though, our little boy has an overbite. I have noticed that his appetite has decreased over the last couple of days, and am wondering could this have something to do with his bite?

What is generally the route to follow with an overbite? we do not plan to show him or breed him because of this fault, but want to see him live a comfortable life. I probably should have done some research before hand.

[Judi W]

Some overbites correct, some do not. (well, that was helpful wasn't it???). Oftentimes the lower jaw grows longer and catches up with the upper. Problems usually depend upon the degree of the overbite. Appetites wax and wane with dogs often depending upon the growth spurts occuring and also teething can make crunching painful for some. If he is in the throes of teething, try soaking his food so it is soft before he eats it. Give frozen carrots that help sooth the gums. And, mainly don't over-worry about it. Keep an eye on the bite to assure that teeth are not poking holes into the roof of the mouth or some such thing. Although dogs with large overbites sometimes have difficulty picking up some things off the floor, I've never heard of one starving to death so I'm pretty confident you are OK there.

First and foremost, enjoy the pup.

[audrey]

Thank you so much for the reassurance!!

You know what it is like being a new "mom". I worried far more with my first girl...

I will try the suggestions that you made. You are right he is teething like crazy right now.

[LORHEL]

I don't know if this helps or not, but our 2 year old female has a severe underbite (I know that is the opposite of yours)... I don't know what it started out like because we've had her only since late last fall. Our only concern was that her teeth weren't poking into her gums which it looks like they are..when her mouth is shut you can see it but when she is panting or mouth relaxed you can't tell as much. She has one tooth which actually extends over her gums.

With a puppy, you may have a better chance of it correcting itself, or at least ending up not quite so bad. Just make sure the teeth aren't rubbing on the gums, and lots of frozen treats will help the gums. :)

We know there's no mistaking her, not too many rotties with an overbite like hers... She's just as special to us, either way.