Dogs That Develop Underbite Problems

A bite is determined by how the upper and lower incisor teeth meet when the dog's mouth is closed. The perfect occlusion, which means the meeting of upper and lower teeth, occurs when the upper incisors slightly overlap and touch the lower incisors, which is referred to as a scissors bite. A more commonly seen bite is the level or even bite, where the incisors meet edge to edge. This is not the best bite, although it is fairly common because the constant contact wears down the teeth. Some dogs are often born with underbites, which is another issue. There is a correct bite for each breed of dog.

  1. Undershot

    • When a dog has an undershot bite, this means that the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. This type of bite is expected in pugs and bulldogs, both of which are brachycephalic breeds. When a dog has an underbite, the trait is called brachygnathism.

    Breeds Affected

    • Dogs that are brachycephalic have pushed-in faces. This includes boxers, pekingese, pugs, Boston terriers, shih tzus and bulldogs. Brachycephalic is from the Greek words

      "brachy," which means short, and "cephalic," which means head. These dogs have a compressed upper jaw and a normal lower jaw that is in proportion with the size of their body. These dogs have narrow nostrils, which can make it difficult for them to breathe. This problem can be correctly surgically. English bulldogs often suffer from respiratory problems that are caused by a soft palate in their mouths that is loose and flaps down into the throat. All brachycephalics have this condition, but only the English bulldogs have serious problems as a result. Surgery can be performed to trim the elongated soft palate. Another issue that these canines can have is trachealstenosis. This means the dog's windpipe is very narrow in some places, which puts the dog at risk if it's put under anesthesia.

    Breathing

    • Dogs with underbites have to make more effort to breathe. Over time, the two small pockets in the larynx, which are called saccules or ventricles, will turn inside out, and the condition will need to be surgically fixed. A veterinary surgeon snips off the protuberance, thus preventing laryngeal collapse.

    Heat Stroke

    • Dogs that are brachycephalic are at risk for heat stroke because a brachycephalic dog's narrow airways prevent it from taking in sufficient air. The dog has to work so hard at breathing that this can make the airways inflamed and swollen, creating additional obstruction and overheating. Dogs that do not have underbites are better able to pass air over their tongues when panting. Saliva evaporates and passes across the tongue, and the blood that circulates through the tongue is kept cool and goes through the rest of the body, but this isn't the case with brachycephalic dogs. They are inefficient panters, according to the experts at Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.