Is It Normal For The Dogs' Canines To Wear Down?!

[leopuppy04]

Hi guys,

A friend of mine noticed at agility on Wed that Leo's (3yrs) bottom canines have been slightly worn.... ever so slightly that we couldn't be sure unless I looked at Kinta's teeth, then Leo's again

But it got me wondering - is this a natural thing that occurs with age, that their teeth will wear down?

Leo doesn't have tennis balls to play with, save in the park, and that is not a daily event.

He has plenty of bones to chew, and not often marrows, just off cuts, lamb flaps and such

He has plenty of Kong's and other 'teeth cleaning' toys to chew also.

He doesn't chew a great deal, nor does he chew rocks, sticks or anything like that.

I don't mind if his teeth wear down a bit, or if the occasional tennis ball game is causing it, but our last girl at 13yrs had NO canines left from the constant chewing/ tearing of tennis balls - i'd hate to think how much her teeth hurt her!!!

So is it normal for them to wear down a little???

[sheree_e4]

I am a vet nurse and it is common in dogs who chew alot ,it can be caused from toys,sticks and bones.

It should not hurt him as the nerve in the tooth should recede but if not and the root becomes exposed you should have them removed,I have been told you can get "caps" but we do not do them routinely (will do if asked to) so not sure of costs.