Should a Dog’s Double Row of Teeth Be Extracted, and When?

1 Should They Be Extracted?

Extraction is usually advised, since the extra teeth hinder eating and appetite, disturb jaw growth, and trapped baby teeth can die and abscess. Over time they cause bad breath, gingivitis, tartar, and loose teeth, then severe stomatitis that cuts diet and shortens life.

So if baby teeth block adult teeth during teething, have them pulled at a clinic. If a baby tooth is already loose, use chew toys to speed shedding. But if both rows are very firm and numerous, extraction is too hard on the dog; just brush well instead.

2 When to Extract

During Teething

If a new adult tooth appears but the baby tooth stays, watch for a week while using chew toys and calcium supplements; if it does not loosen, schedule extraction, or wait for natural shedding if it loosens.

Multiple Baby Teeth

For several retained baby teeth, wait until after age 1 to assess at a clinic; avoid heavy extraction under 1 year as it loosens the jaw. Combine spay or neuter and extraction to reduce the number of anesthesia sessions.

For other questions, consult an online pet vet.