In adult dogs, the upper jaw (maxillary) total is 20 teeth. This comes from 10 teeth on each side: 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 2 molars per side, so 10 per side times 2 sides equals 20. The full adult dentition is 42 teeth (20 upper, 22 lower), but the question focuses on how many teeth are in the upper jaw, which is 20.

An aging dog benefits most when home safety addresses mobility, hydration, comfort, and risk reduction. The option that includes non-slip surfaces, ramps, stable furniture, accessible water, hazard removal, and comfortable bedding covers all these needs. Non-slip floors help prevent slips as joints stiffen or dogs slow down. Ramps reduce the strain of stairs or high transitions, which is especially important for arthritic hips or knees. Stable furniture means you can create secure, predictable navigable spaces and resting spots without the risk of tipping. Accessible water ensures the dog can drink easily, supporting hydration and kidney function, which can decline with age. Hazard removal lowers the chance of swallowing or stepping on dangerous items, cords, or small objects that could cause injury. Comfortable bedding provides joint support and warmth, aiding sleep and recovery. The other options fall short because they miss one or more of these essential safety elements: dim lighting can hide hazards and make navigation harder, and leaving stairs unchanged doesn’t address mobility or fall risk; removing water bowls is unsafe and reduces hydration; focusing only on some features—like just surfaces, ramps, and furniture—ignores hydration, hazard control, and comfort that collectively support well-being.

NSAIDs must be used cautiously in senior dogs because they can affect the kidneys, liver, and stomach, and they require veterinary supervision and appropriate dosing. These drugs reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes that also help protect the stomach lining and support kidney blood flow and liver metabolism. In older dogs, organ function may already be diminished or compromised by chronic disease, dehydration, or other medications, so NSAIDs can more easily cause stomach ulcers or irritation, kidney injury, or liver strain. That’s why a veterinarian typically checks baseline kidney and liver function, considers the dog’s overall health and other drugs, and tailors the dose and duration. Ongoing monitoring is important to catch any signs of trouble early. Look for vomiting, loss of appetite, dark stools, thirst or urination changes, lethargy, or abdominal discomfort, and contact the vet if they appear. While NSAIDs can be helpful, they are not universally safe for all senior dogs and must be used with professional guidance.

Urinary incontinence in senior dogs is best managed with a practical plan that targets both daily routines and possible underlying causes. Establishing scheduled bathroom breaks gives your dog regular chances to void, which reduces the number of accidents inside the home. Using protective pads or diapers helps contain leaks and keeps your dog clean and comfortable while you work on longer-term solutions. A veterinary evaluation is important because incontinence can stem from treatable issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney problems, or hormonal changes after spaying. If appropriate, medications can then be used to improve sphincter control or reduce bladder overactivity, and hormone therapy may help some cases. This combination—routine bathroom opportunities, containment aids, vet diagnosis, and targeted medical treatment—offers the most effective approach to managing incontinence. Ignoring episodes, focusing on exercise alone, or changing the diet to a high-fat plan do not address the problem and can allow it to worsen.