Vet Tips 2025: What Are Wolf Teeth in Horses—and Should You Remove Them? 🐴🦷

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Wolf teeth are a mysterious part of horse anatomy that prompt questions from many owners—especially when starting young horses under saddle. While often extracted, the science behind their impact is still evolving. Let’s unpack what these small teeth are, where they’re located, and whether they really need to go. 🧠🐎

What Are Wolf Teeth in Horses? 🧬🦷

Wolf teeth are small, peg-like premolars located just in front of the first large cheek teeth (molars). They're often confused with:

• 🦷 Canine teeth – located further forward, visible in male horses
• 🔘 Incisors – the obvious front teeth horses use for grazing

Wolf teeth are often only 1–2 cm long and sit about 4–5 inches behind the front teeth, making them invisible during a casual oral exam. A full dental speculum is typically required to see them. 🔍

How Common Are Wolf Teeth? 📊

• 🐴 Found in about 15% of male horses
• 🐎 Found in about 25% of females (fillies)
• 📍 Most commonly on the upper jaw, but can also appear on the lower jaw

It’s also possible for a horse to have unilateral (one side only) or blind wolf teeth—teeth that never erupt through the gum. 🧠

Do Wolf Teeth Affect Performance? 🤷‍♂️🐎

This is where things get interesting. Many owners and trainers believe wolf teeth:

• 😬 Interfere with the bit
• 💢 Cause pain when the bit presses against them
• 📉 Lead to resistance or decreased performance

However, there is no scientific evidence proving that bits cause pain due to wolf teeth. The belief is largely anecdotal—and dates back centuries. In the Middle Ages, wolf teeth were removed based on the belief they caused blindness and madness! 😳

When Might Removal Be Justified? 💉🔧

Despite the lack of hard data, some valid reasons for removal include:

• 🧠 Peace of mind for the owner or trainer
• 📉 A young horse shows bit resistance or head tossing
• 🛠️ One-sided behavior suggesting discomfort on one side of the mouth
• 🧪 The presence of blind wolf teeth under the gum (potentially painful)

Since extraction is relatively safe and simple, many vets and owners opt for removal during routine dental procedures—especially before starting a young horse under saddle. 🐴🪥

How Are Wolf Teeth Removed? 🩺🛠️

The procedure is typically done under sedation and local anesthesia:

• 💤 The horse is sedated
• 💉 Local anesthetic is injected into the gum near the tooth
• 🦷 The tooth is gently elevated and removed with dental tools

Recovery is generally quick, and horses usually return to work within a few days. 🧊🕒

Should You Remove Wolf Teeth “Just in Case”? 🤔

This is a personal and professional decision. Some factors to consider:

Reasons to Remove:

• 📅 You’re planning to start the horse under saddle soon
• 📈 Your horse shows bit sensitivity or one-sidedness
• 🔍 Wolf teeth are loose or visibly interfering with tack or performance

Reasons to Leave Them In:

• 🔍 The teeth are small, symmetrical, and not causing any issues
• 📉 No evidence of pain or performance decline
• 🧠 The horse is older and already accustomed to the bit

If you’re unsure, your veterinarian can examine the mouth and help decide what's best for your horse. 🩺

Wolf Teeth vs. Canine Teeth: Key Differences 🔍🧠

• 🐺 Wolf teeth are small premolars, usually removed
• 🦷 Canine teeth are sharp and more common in males, often used for display or defense

Don’t confuse the two—canines are much larger and rarely removed unless they cause problems. 📏

Need Help Identifying Wolf Teeth or Planning a Bit Check? Ask A Vet 📱🐎

Wondering if your horse has wolf teeth or whether they should be removed before bitting? Speak with an equine dental expert today through Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 equine support—dental checks, pre-training evaluations, and extraction guidance. 🐴🩺

Final Thoughts: Know What’s Behind the Bit 💡🧠

Wolf teeth may be small, but they’ve played a big role in equine lore for centuries. Today, they’re easy to manage—and sometimes, even easier to remove. Whether you opt to extract or observe, knowledge is the best bit-fitting tool you have. 🎯

Need help planning your horse’s dental care? Visit Ask A Vet and talk to a trusted equine professional today. 🐎🦷