PET42 guide
Dental problems in small dog breeds
Crowded teeth and small jaws increase the risk of dental problems. Regular checks, appropriate care and early treatment make a difference.
Why small dogs are particularly affected - and what really helps
Dental problems are one of the most common but most underestimated health problems in small dog breeds. While large dogs often only show abnormalities as they get older, many small dogs suffer from tartar, gum inflammation or even tooth loss at an early age - often unnoticed and gradually.
Why are small dog breeds particularly vulnerable?
The main reason is anatomical:
- Small dogs have the same number of teeth as large dogs
- However, the jaw is significantly smaller and narrower
- Teeth are closer together, overlap or rotate
This leads to:
- Leftover food gets stuck more easily
- Plaque settles more quickly
- Tartar forms more quickly
- Inflammation is promoted
In addition, many small dogs:
- prefer soft food
- do less chewing work
- genetically prone to dental problems
Typical small dog breeds with increased dental risk
Those most commonly affected include:
This does not mean that every dog of these breeds automatically develops dental problems - but the risk is significantly increased.
- Chihuahuas
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Maltese
- Toy Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Havanese
- Pomeranian
Common dental problems in small dogs
🦷 Tartar
Forms from plaque that is not removed. Tartar is hard, rough and an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
🦷 Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
Red, swollen gums, often with an unpleasant odour. If left untreated, it can progress.
🦷 Periodontitis
A chronic inflammation of the periodontium. It leads to:
- Loosening of teeth
- Tooth loss
- Pain
- Inflammation throughout the body
🦷 Retained baby teeth
In small breeds, baby teeth often do not fall out on their own. This shifts permanent teeth and exacerbates misalignments.
Symptoms: How you can recognise dental problems
Many dogs do not show obvious pain for a long time. Pay attention to:
👉 Important: Bad breath is not an age-related problem, but is almost always a warning signal.
- Bad breath
- increased lip-smacking
- one-sided chewing
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Appetite for treats, but not for regular food
- Tooth discolouration
- reddened gums
What role does feeding play?
Feeding has a major influence on dental health, but often in a different way than expected.
What food can do:
- Affect saliva flow
- Change the composition of the oral flora
- Indirectly promote or reduce inflammation
What food cannot do:
- “chew away” existing tartar
- Cure dental diseases
Soft food is not automatically bad, but:
- it does not clean teeth mechanically
- Leftover food sticks more easily
The decisive factor is not dry vs. wet food, but rather:
- Overall concept
- Complementary dental care
- Regular checks
Dental care for small dogs – which really makes sense
✔️ Brush your dog’s teeth regularly
- with toothpaste suitable for dogs
- ideally daily or several times a week
✔️ Veterinary dental checks
- at least once a year
- more often if there are known problems
✔️ Chew with care
- not too hard (risk of breakage!)
- no substitute for dental care
✔️ Early dental treatment
- the sooner tartar is removed, the better
- Untreated inflammation puts a strain on the heart, liver and kidneys
Why dental problems affect the whole body
Chronic inflammation in the mouth can:
Many “picky eaters” are actually dogs with toothache.
- permanently put a strain on the immune system
- Damage organs
- Cause pain that changes behaviour
- negatively influence eating behaviour
Conclusion
Dental problems in small dog breeds are not a cosmetic issue, but rather real health problems. They arise early, often run unnoticed and are often underestimated.
The decisive factors are:
The smaller the dog, the more important it is to look into the mouth.
Find out which food and what amount of food really suits your dog
Even if food does not cure dental problems, feeding that is not optimally balanced can have a negative impact on inflammation, digestion and general well-being - especially in small, sensitive dogs.
- regular checks
- consistent dental care
- appropriate feeding
- early action
Advice tailored to your dog
Find the right food and portion size for your dog
Many unusual eating behaviours are not caused by a deficiency, but rather by food that is not optimally balanced.
PET42 creates an individual food recommendation, independent of manufacturers, based on your dog’s details, including the appropriate food quantity in grams.
Questionnaire, checkout and feeding advice are provided in German.
