Dental health care plays an important part in the overall heath of all dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs (aka the Sheltie) are more prone to dental issues than some other breeds and fall into the top ten breeds that commonly are diagnosed with periodontal disease. Their long, skinny nose often contributes to dental problems. Over and under bites, teeth that rotate outwards or canine teeth that grow in sideways (Lance Canines) are some of the issues that can occur in a Sheltie.
Dental disease that is left untreated can lead to pain, broken and lose teeth and the chance of damaging the kidneys, liver and heart. Teeth should be checked yearly by a vet.
Message from a Sheltie mom – According to Misty Blue’s vet, her first professional teeth cleaning should be done around age two. She will be two in June. I have had the groomer brush her teeth on several occasions and from what I have been told, she does very well. This is one area that I need to pick up the pace as I have yet to try to brush her teeth myself.
As far as Misty Blue’s teeth, the vet did say that one of her canines is a bit worn down, possibly due to playing and chewing on tennis balls. I never knew this could happen!
What dental issues has your Sheltie had to deal with?
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Shetland Sheepdog ~ A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020 Posts
A Is For Active
B Is For Barking
C Is For Characteristics
D Is For Dental Care
E Is For Ear Tipping
F Is For Famous Shetland Sheepdogs
G Is For Grooming
H Is For Health Conditions
I Is For Ivermectin
J Is For Jumping
K Is For Kisses
L Is For Lilies and Other Poisonous Flowers
M Is For MDR1
N Is For Nose Work
O Is For Origin
P Is For Phenol
Q Is For Quarantine
R Is For Rainbow Bridge
S Is For Shedding
T Is For Traits
U Is For Unconditional Love
V Is For Veterinarian
W Is For Working Ability
X Is For Xylitol
Y Is For Yelling and Other Noises
Z Is For Zoomies
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~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~ 
One of my Papillons had to have a couple of teeth removed, Cheryl. He was a ‘rescue’ dog who came to live with us six years past. He was almost two and his teeth weren’t in very good condition. His breath smelt really bad. It was easy to diagnose and treat.
The vet suggested I brush his teeth, however, I’ve never been inspired to do that. I give him dental sticks to chew on plus the occasional bone as well, which he absolutely loves. So does my other little Papillon! It’s great to see them munching away! 🙂
I really haven’t gotten into the teeth brushing myself. So far the groomers have done it. I have been told that most dogs don’t stay still but that Misty Blue seems to like it…lol
Shetland Sheepdogs are cute and very nice dogs. My SIL has one, and he chews horn bones for his teeth.
D is for Denim
Misty Blue likes to chew on horn bones too.
Quite a job!