Although it is not a well-known practice, the canine orthodontics It is essential to eliminate certain problems related to the position of the teeth. Too crooked teeth can cause serious injuries in the mouth of dogs, causing infections that lead to serious diseases. That is why dog braces are becoming more and more popular.
Brackets are recommended when there is a malocclusion in the mouth of the animal; that is, the jaw does not fit properly. It is also necessary when there is a linguoversion (the lower fangs have grown inwards) or when the upper fangs develop outwards. If these problems are not solved, the consequences can be fatal for our pet.
Just a qualified veterinarian You can carry out this treatment and determine which procedure is the most appropriate in each case. There are several that the specialist must apply depending on the characteristics of each dog. In fact, orthodontics is not suitable for some dogs, either due to behavioral problems or unfavorable health conditions.
Canine orthodontics has gained fame in recent months thanks to Wesley, a golden retriever puppy who is receiving this treatment because of a malocclusion problem. The animal had trouble opening and closing its mouth properly because its teeth were growing in the wrong position. "He stopped gaining weight and even started losing it," explains his owner, Molly Moore, a veterinarian by profession.
Fortunately, his partner, a veterinarian specialized in canine orthodontics, fitted him with braces to correct his teeth, with the help of the team at the clinic where he works, called Harborfront Hospital for Animals (Michigan, United States). When Wesley's image was posted on the center's social media, the case went viral and internationally famous.
Despite all this, canine braces are something very unusual, which are used only in case of extreme need and in order to improve the quality of life of the dog, without taking into account the aesthetic factor. The duration of these orthodontic treatments is approximately between 6 months and a year, during which time the animal will not be able to eat very hard food or bite rigid toys. In addition, the owner should clean his pet's teeth daily to avoid infection.