Calcium Deficiency Causes Double Rows of Teeth

Calcium's importance for a dog's growth is self-evident; whether it is the development of bones or the health condition of teeth, calcium is closely related. Once a dog severely lacks calcium, the impact on them is significant. Double rows of teeth, poor skeletal development, bow legs, and other adverse reactions are caused by calcium deficiency. Therefore, to avoid severe calcium deficiency in dogs, one must pay considerable attention to their diet and exercise.

It Is Best to Feed Dog Food, Not Human Food

1. Causes of Severe Calcium Deficiency

The main cause of severe calcium deficiency in dogs is diet. Irregular eating habits or feeding incorrect foods lead to calcium deficiency, which over time causes severe deficiency. Many owners like to feed their dogs food they eat themselves, but our nutritional needs differ greatly from dogs’. Long-term consumption of human food can cause serious calcium deficiency in dogs.

Some owners, besides feeding meals, also like to feed dogs animal livers. Since the calcium content in these foods is inherently low, feeding dogs liver can additionally hinder calcium absorption. This only worsens the situation, making it difficult for dogs to avoid calcium deficiency over time. The detrimental effects caused by prolonged calcium deficiency are also unimaginable.

2. Effects of Severe Calcium Deficiency

Dogs with severe calcium deficiency usually exhibit stunted growth, underdeveloped bones, skeletal deformities, double rows of teeth, and other adverse symptoms. Among these, poor bone development is the most harmful — underdevelopment can cause dogs to walk unsteadily. This instability is not only due to underdeveloped bones but also because gaps between bones cause friction, which creates intense pain leading to unsteady walking. The longer the condition lasts, the more severe it becomes, eventually leading to paralysis.

Furthermore, dogs that previously suffered severe calcium deficiency may retain many sequelae even after improvement. Irritability, hot flashes, susceptibility to fractures, and reluctance to run are all impacts of severe calcium deficiency. Therefore, supplementing calcium after severe deficiency can still affect dogs, making early prevention of calcium deficiency essential to ensure dog health.

Exercise Often and Get Some Sunlight

3. How to Prevent Severe Calcium Deficiency

The 2 to 3 months age period is important for the development of puppies’ intervertebral discs. At this stage, even if no signs of calcium deficiency are detected, small amounts of calcium tablets or calcium powder can be fed to lay a foundation for their bodies. From 4 to 6 months, deciduous teeth start to fall out and permanent teeth begin to grow. If calcium is deficient then, deciduous teeth will not fall out, permanent teeth grow slowly, the enamel layer is thin and structurally weak, which can lead to double rows of teeth or uneven permanent teeth. During this stage, it is best to regularly supplement calcium to prevent double rows of teeth.

After reaching adulthood, usually no special calcium supplementation is needed because bone and other organ development has basically stopped and calcium demand is low. However, breeding males and pregnant or lactating females still require large amounts of calcium since semen, embryos, and milk cause significant calcium loss. Without timely supplementation, the body will use calcium stored in bones, causing osteoporosis or convulsions.

Preventing severe calcium deficiency first requires ensuring an accurate diet: feed dog food rather than human meals to avoid calcium deficiency as well as halitosis and dental calculus. During special periods, appropriately supplement calcium, and regular exercise and sunlight exposure also effectively prevent calcium deficiency in dogs.