Dental care is one of the most important aspects of your Shetland Sheepdog’s healthcare program. Train your Sheltie for dental care while he is still a puppy. Sheltie puppies are born without teeth. When they reach three to four weeks of age, their deciduous teeth (baby teeth) start to erupt.
Within a few months the 28 temporary teeth start to fall out and are replaced by 48 permanent teeth. By six months of age, the adult teeth have erupted. These teeth must last your dog’s lifetime, so it is important to take good care of them by preventing plaque and tartar buildup and periodontal disease.
The best way to reduce plaque buildup is by dental brushing. You can train your Sheltie to dental brushing by practicing on his deciduous teeth while he is a puppy. In the beginning, keep dental brushing sessions short so your puppy will tolerate them better. Praise him for good behavior. By the time he is an adult, he will be used to the routine.
Use a soft bristle brush and a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs. Start with the upper front teeth (incisors), brushing down and away from the gum line, or in a gentle, circular motion. Proceed back to the premolars and molars on each side of the mouth. Repeat the same procedure for the bottom teeth.
The loving care you give your Shetland Sheepdog is reflected in his beautiful coat and overall condition. Your Sheltie will feel great in his clean, well-groomed, and glorious coat, and he will love the attention he receives from you when you groom him. He will also receive a lot of attention when you take him out on walks. Your beautiful companion will attract admirers like a magnet.
Your Sheltie doesn’t have to be formally competing in the show ring to look fantastic. He knows that he is always “Best in Show” in your eyes – and that’s all that matters to him.
Good to know: Bad breath in Shelties is a possible sign of health problems:
• periodontal disease
• foreign body obstructing nasal passages (such as a grass awn or nasal tumor)
• infection or ulcers
• metabolic diseases