Puppy with an Overbite

My husband and I have just purchased our very first little blue girl from a breeder. We were aware she had an overbite but were not concerned as rye breeders vet had suggested she would grow out of it. After a vet visit at 8 weeks yesterday we were bombarded with negativity towards the overbite and how much pain our little princess will be in and the long term affects on her health. The vet even went as far to say that we should be returning her and demanding a replacement. We are shattered, we have quite the attachment to our blue girl, her temperament and little personality is incredible. It's not about the money for us it ensuring our girl has the best treatment. Has anyone come across this in this breed of dog & if so what type of remedies should I try?

Can you get 2nd opinion from another vet? I have come across overbite in a few dogs in rescue but none appeared to have any associated pain, and it's not something I've heard of.

I personally would be trying to find a vet with a more positive approach. If there is anything to be done it would be now, while your girl is developing but I wouldn't want an unsympathetic vet handling her.

I am saddened, by the way, that the breeder is producing puppies with this problem. Overbite is nearly always hereditary. The dog or bitch that is passing on this trait should not be bred from again. And saddened by the uncaring attitude of your vet. Send her back because she's not got perfectly aligned teeth, honestly!

And in your shoes I would absolutely keep her, without a shadow of a doubt.

Ooops, forgot the welcome message! Too cross about that vet!

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Yes, she's booked with another vet on Thursday for a second opinion. I've also contacted an animal dental team to see whether they could look at her as well. I'm definitely not annoyed with the breeder, they were very open about the overbite. I think they are just as shocked a it's happened for the first time and they are now going to stop breeding Our girls mum. There vet literally said it's gong to be no issue so yesterday's appointment was such a shock.

My husband and I literally got in the car and cried, the last thing we ever wanted was our little girl to be in any sort of pain and discomfort.

I know, our society is so much about perfect everything and that was prevelent after the comment about sending her back :-(

Ok, I'll go easy on the breeder! But not the vet.

It sounds like you're going down the right route. Let us know what the other vet says on Thursday?

Part of my annoyance at the breeder was from personal experience. We bought a puppy 20 years ago that withing 9 months developed joint problems (OCD), problems he was to suffer from for his entire life. The condition is thought to be largely genetic, so we contacted the breeder just to let them know so they could reconsider their breeding plan. Their response was 'nothing to do with us, guv', although they owned both dog and bitch. I'm very relieved your breeder doesn't have the same attitude.

the only real problem with an over bite is that sometimes the canine teeth can dig into the gum & cause inflammation/pain. if you keep an eye on it & watch for any sore spots you'll be fine.

obviously if you intend to show her, it's a different matter, but if you don't it really isn't that much of a problem.

The vet told me that the canines will put holes in her soft pallet and then she's at risk of food going in to her lungs. I'm happy to have the canines taken out if that will help but was told that'll cause more problems! So confusing and she's such a lovely little girl, we adore her.

Thankyou so much for your comments, it's very helpful!

at this age there's no telling how much of a problem they'll be - if at all.

if you're happy with her, then that's what matters. some overbites do adjust a little as the jaw grows, widens & strengthens. If it comes down to it, removing the lower canines at a later date won't affect her quality of life.

I agree with that completely.

Nonsense! Overbite unless severe to the point the dog can't lap food is nothing to worry about! They just can not show. My dog has an overbite and at 13 is still going strong despite a few old dog problems. Her jaw has never once given her a problem (apart from old dog teeth needing removed! but totally unrealted to overbite)