Dog overbite is a genetic, hereditary condition that causes the lower jaw to be noticeably shorter than the upper jaw. We sometimes refer to the condition as an overshot jaw, overjet, parrot mouth, class 2 malocclusion, or mandibular brachygnathism. But these terms all refer to the same thing: the dog’s teeth are out of alignment. If your four-legged friend is in pain or uncomfortable due to an overbite, here are ten things you can do to care for the issue and improve your pet’s quality of life.
1. Buy a Better Dog Bowl
If your dog has an overbite, you’ve probably noticed that he finds picking up food in his mouth challenging. This problem is due to the misalignment of his lower and upper jaws. The teeth also overlap, which makes it difficult for him to bite.
Dogs with overbites can use conventional pet bowls, but eating will become more difficult as the meal progresses. The reason is that it becomes more challenging to get a solid bite of the remaining food.
The Fix
A tilted dog bowl can help a dog with an overbite because it changes the angle at which the dog approaches the food or water. When a dog with an overbite eats or drinks from a tilted bowl, it allows them to extend their neck and angle their head to make accessing the food or water easier without straining their jaw or neck. A more relaxed pose can reduce discomfort and make mealtime more enjoyable.
I recommend you try the JWPC Bulldog Bowl; it can significantly improve the dining experience for dogs with overbites or other dental issues. It can promote better posture during eating and drinking, potentially reducing the risk of choking or digestive problems resulting from eating too quickly or at awkward angles.
2. Make His Diet Easier
If your pup’s teeth and jaw are misaligned, there is no reason why he shouldn’t still get enough nutritious food. You can simplify your dog’s diet with a high-quality, nutrient-rich formula that is easy on his mouth and jaw. When feeding a dog with an overbite, thoughtful preparation and care are the key.
Key Tips
- Try hydrating and softening your dog’s favorite crunchy kibble. Adding a warm water or broth to chunky pieces of kibble and letting them soak overnight will make the comforting and enjoyable meal easier to consume.
- After the kibble has softened, smash it with a fork to remove any chunks.
- To make the dish more palatable before serving, add a little more warm liquid or rewarm it briefly in the microwave.
When dogs have an overbite, it is up to us as pet owners to ensure they eat an appropriate amount of nutritious food daily. Some canned foods, especially those advertised as containing “gravy,” may still contain chunks that need mashing before serving your four-legged friend. In any case, make sure you find food that your dog enjoys.
3. Ball Therapy
Dogs with misaligned teeth frequently benefit from ball therapy. Most pups find this orthodontic procedure amusing and intriguing because they view the ball as a fun, playful toy.
How It Works
An object held in the mouth will provide resistance when biting onto it and exert force on the teeth. A veterinarian or dental specialist can apply the proper pressure to guide the development of canine teeth into a more favorable position. This process helps prevent long-term trauma and discomfort, which the incorrect alignment causes. A dog can exert force on the mandibular canines with a ball of the right size and density in its mouth.
Try Ball Therapy With a Kong Toy
The most effective balls to use are moderately dense, with some give. It must be of the proper size and density (and used correctly and consistently) to effectively correct the misalignment of teeth that comes with a dog’s overbite. Tennis balls are too soft and don’t offer sufficient resistance, so they can’t subject the teeth to enough force. However, the rubber material in Kong ball toys is ideally suited for this exercise since it offers a higher density.
4. Proper Oral Care
The majority of bite misalignments don’t need any treatments. Dog overbites usually correct themselves as the puppy ages, and routine dental cleanings can help prevent the overbite from getting further aggravated. Learning how to care for your dog’s teeth with proper oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to address misaligned teeth in most cases.
Invest in dental care items made exclusively for canines—toothbrushes, gels, or sprays—for consistently good oral hygiene. Regular tooth brushing is a must to avoid abnormal tartar and plaque buildup.
5. Professional Dental Cleaning
Together with proper oral care, you may wish to speak with a canine dentist. An expert can help you pinpoint ways to improve your dog’s overbite. They may suggest you start by taking your pup in for a professional dental cleaning.
A comprehensive dental exam, teeth cleaning, and polishing are all included in a dental cleaning appointment. These services will help you eliminate plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. The vet typically performs them while the dog is asleep and under general anesthesia.
A thorough oral cleaning may improve your dog’s overbite by reducing plaque and tartar. And with cleaner teeth, it will be easier for your vet to determine what (if any) further treatment is required.
6. Get a Treatment Plan
If you are particularly concerned about your dog’s overbite, your vet can further guide you and decide whether treatment is necessary. If so, they will create an appropriate treatment plan by assessing whether the lower canines strike the palate or roof of the mouth. A treatment strategy will focus on creating a comfortable and functional bite for the dog.
Possible treatments could include:
- Veterinarians may extract lower canines and incisors from young puppies to ease discomfort and promote jaw development.
- An orthodontic tool called an “incline plane” (bite plate) may help to tip the tooth outward.
- A canine dentist can reduce (shorten) the crown to eliminate palate contact.
7. Orthodontic Procedures
If your dog’s overbite is severe, please discuss potential orthodontic procedures with your vet that could help align the bite and reduce any associated pain. Fitting spacers, braces, and other orthodontic devices to your pup’s teeth can help correct this problem.
Dogs’ mouths develop more quickly than humans do. Therefore, you might only need these accessories for several weeks or months. However, some dogs need them for up to two years in extreme cases.
8. Jaw-stabilizing Muzzles
Take some time to research custom mouthguards and muzzles—they may prevent additional wear on your dog’s misaligned teeth. In some situations, stabilizing the jaw can benefit a dog with an overbite.
For instance, some veterinary practices offer special muzzles to help keep the jaw steady during dental cleanings and exams. They keep the jaw stable to stop dogs from biting during examinations. Speak to your veterinarian to see if a custom mouth guard or muzzle may help your pet.
9. Regular Checkups
Our four-legged companions need annual checkups, just like people. They play a vital role in identifying health issues needing further treatment and providing preventative care. Yearly exams are the perfect opportunity to address any queries or worries pet owners may have regarding their pet’s health.
If your dog has an overbite, it is all the more reason to take them for regular visits with the vet. That way, your vet can identify any problems with the overbite early on and treat them appropriately before further damage happens to their teeth and jaw structure.
10. Peer Support
Why not seek advice from other pet owners who have experienced a similar issue? Support groups are available online or at local animal rescue centers that can offer helpful insight into how to go about addressing this problem.
Joining a local Facebook group or something similar might allow you to exchange advice with other pet owners and make some friends for both you and your pet, providing a valuable support network to navigate your dog’s overbite problem and its related challenges together.
Also, consider attending local dog training classes or workshops to connect with experienced trainers and fellow dog owners. You may meet somebody who can share practical tips and techniques for managing your pup’s condition in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Final Thoughts
Most tooth alignment issues in dogs don’t need treatment unless the animal feels pain or suffering. As a pet owner, you can significantly improve your pup’s quality of life by getting him a more appropriate bowl, softening his food, and playing with a durable toy to encourage better-aligned teeth.
Please remember to practice healthy oral hygiene to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar that could worsen a dog’s overbite. If the problem significantly impairs your pet’s quality of life, it’s wise to consult a veterinarian to develop a treatment strategy.
Sources and Further Reading
- What are …? Overbites and Underbites | RSPCA ACT
An overbite might not seem like a serious condition for your dog, but severely misaligned teeth can lead to difficulty eating, gum injuries and bruising, bad breath and different types of dental problems, including tooth decay and gingivitis. - Overbite – Malocclusion in Pet | Veterinary Dental Center
An overbite is when the lower canine teeth are striking the roof of the mouth or palate resulting in pain and discomfort for your dog. - Malocclusions in Dogs – When Teeth Are Malaligned | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
Dogs normally have twenty-eight deciduous teeth, which erupt during the first six months of life, and forty-two adult teeth. Learn more at VCA.
