River’s just turned 6 months and I noticed today he has an adult upper canine that’s come through while the deciduous one is still in place.

Everything looks beautiful apart from that, I haven’t counted but I think everything’s erupted properly except that one.

What are the chances he’ll need surgery to remove the old baby tooth? Is it likely to come out on its own?

And is this going to be a problem for showing? I’m probably just panicking because our first show is on Sunday...

Retained baby canines are quite common; if they haven't fallen out by 7 months the vet should remove them.

I've had them come out as late as 11 months in Papillons. Never had to have one removed so far.

Seems fairly common in Cavaliers, perhaps it's a toy breed thing. Judge is unlikely to look far enough round to spot it, and it shouldn't matter in a 6 month puppy. Just play some games of tuggy with him and give him some chewy treats and it'll most likely sort itself out soon.

The problem with retained baby teeth is the adult ones all too often come in crooked/misplaced.   It might be worth having your vet take a look.

One of my boy's had one and I played tug for several days concentrating on that area and it came loose and fell out.  Same age.

So I had a chat with an experienced pap breeder this morning and she gave River a puffed pig snout, saying that they were good for retained teeth as the spongy texture kind of holds them and pulls them out.

After half an hour or so I noticed some blood on the snout (River loves it and has chewed it on and off all day) and when I checked this afternoon the tooth was gone! It’s like a miracle. Now the permanent tooth can grow in properly.

I honestly wasn’t expecting it to work that fast as the tooth was pretty solid, but I’m super happy I don’t have to stress him with a vet visit now!