We love our dogs just like they are part of our family, but how much do you actually know about their physiology and health? Although we treat our dogs like one of us, dogs are not furry four legged humans and actually have some surprising differences especially when it comes to their teeth!
For example, did you know that an adult dog has more teeth than an adult human? And that they begin to form even before birth! Adult dogs have 42 teeth in comparison to the 32 that humans have and the canine root structure differs quite a bit from humans too, the roots of a dog’s tooth are much longer than a humans and go much deeper inside the gum.
Puppies only have around 28 milk teeth and the teething process is much faster in dogs than it is in human babies, meaning that dog’s often have most of their adult teeth by around the age of 4 months.
As well as differences there are also quite a few similarities between human teeth and dog teeth. Just like you, your dog’s teeth are made up of multiple layers. These layers consist of pulp, dentin, cementum, and enamel. Each of these layers contributes to the overall strength and vitality of the tooth.
Although many dog owners worry about the dental health of their pet, cavities and dental problems are actually much rarer than they are in humans.
Of course, you should still take care of your dog’s teeth by providing them with tasty natural dog treats as part of a healthy balanced diet. For example; the main benefits to our yak treat, include that they are a great teeth cleaner, they're really hard and therefore provide enjoyment for long periods of time.
Every dog can enjoy our Yak treats, from puppies to older dogs and they will often return to the same chewy treat time after time, making them last for days.
If you’re not sure how to care for your dog’s teeth but would like to learn more then you can ask advice from your local vet or even check with the groomer when you visit the dog grooming parlour.
Each of your dog’s teeth has its own unique purpose such as the small incisors which are used for picking up small items and scraping flesh from meaty bones. Your dog has 12 incisors in total, 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom.
The fangs which are correctly called Canines are used primarily for holding and gripping. If you get bitten by a dog, it’s usually the fangs that break the skin. Dogs have two canine teeth on the top and two canine teeth on the bottom.
The strength of a dog’s jaw is almost double that of a human and has a maximum bite force of 325 PSI. The dogs that have the strongest bite force are Rottweilers and the infamous Pit Bull Terrier actually has one of the lowest bite forces.
The largest tooth in a dog’s mouth is the upper fourth premolar also known as the carnassial tooth. Its special shape and surface is designed to help tear, crush and hold. This is why you see dogs grasp toys with the side of their mouth and also why you have to replace so many chew toys.
Dog’s make great pets and companions and the more that you know about them, the more enjoyable you can make their life with you. We hope this article has helped you to learn interesting facts about your dog’s teeth and you can check out our other articles to learn more about caring for your dog’s dental hygiene.