Key facts:
- Puppies generally begin teething around 3 weeks of age.
- The first teeth to appear are the incisors, followed by canine teeth and then premolars and molars. Puppies have six incisors on both the upper and lower gums.
- Teething typically lasts between 6 to 8 months, though it can vary and may last up to 1 year in some cases.
- Puppies start losing their baby teeth around 3-4 months of age, beginning with the incisors. The process of losing baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth continues until about 4-7 months.
- By the time a puppy is eight months old, they should have around 42 adult teeth.
Puppies, just like human babies, grow their teeth after they are born. This, unfortunately, means teething pain and a great desire to chew (which can last up until they’re 1 year old!). This also means they’re going to need a lot of patience from their loving pet parent, as they won’t be able to communicate to you when their teeth are causing them discomfort…
At What Age Do Puppies Get Teeth?
The exact time when a puppy begins to get their teeth varies between breeds, but the process usually starts when they’re around 3 weeks of age. The incisors (the sharper teeth that are used to cut into food) usually make an appearance first, and puppies have six of these on both the upper and lower gums. Then, the four canine teeth come in around 4 weeks of age alongside the incisors, followed by 12 premolars and molars (6 along the top gums, 6 along the bottom).
When Do Puppies Stop Teething?
The teething process for puppies lasts between 6-8 months, but again exact timelines will vary from dog to dog and can last up to 1 year.
At What Age Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
When do dogs start losing their teeth? Well, just like humans, as your dog’s jaw grows, their baby teeth have to fall out in order for their adult teeth to come through. Puppy tooth loss typically begins around 3-4 months of age, starting with the incisors. Anywhere between 4-7 months is when the other three types of baby teeth start to fall.
When Do Dogs Get All Their Adult Teeth?
By the time your pup is eight months old, all their baby teeth should have fallen out and they will have grown around 42 adult teeth!
7 Common Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
Just like babies, puppies exhibit several signs and behaviors during the teething phase. Recognizing these signs can help you provide the right support and care for your teething puppy. Here are some common indicators:
1. Increased Chewing and Biting
Teething puppies have an increased tendency to chew on everything in sight. This can range from toys and bones to household items like furniture and shoes. This behavior is a natural response to the discomfort they feel in their gums.
2. Drooling More Than Usual
You might notice your puppy drooling more during the teething phase. This is a natural reaction to the new teeth emerging and should not be a cause for concern unless accompanied by other worrying symptoms.
3. Whining or Fussiness
Teething can be uncomfortable for puppies, leading to more whining or fussiness. They may seem more agitated or less patient than usual.
4. Swollen, Red, Bleeding Gums
Gently checking your puppy’s mouth will reveal red or swollen gums. This inflammation is a normal part of the teething process.
Occasionally, you might notice small spots of blood on their toys or where they chew. This is generally normal, as their baby teeth make way for adult teeth. However, excessive bleeding should prompt a visit to the vet.
5. Missing Teeth
As puppies lose their baby teeth, you might notice small gaps in their mouth before the adult teeth come in. It’s rare to find the actual baby teeth, as puppies often swallow them.
6. Changes in Eating Habits
Some puppies may lose their appetite or show difficulty in eating due to gum discomfort. This is usually temporary and improves as their mouth adjusts.
7. Rubbing Face Against Objects
To relieve gum discomfort, puppies might rub their face against furniture, the floor, or other objects.
It’s important to remember that while these signs are typical of teething, they can occasionally indicate other health issues. If you’re ever in doubt or if the symptoms seem severe, consult your veterinarian. Additionally, providing appropriate chew toys and teething aids can greatly ease your puppy’s discomfort during this developmental stage.
How to Help with Puppy Teething
Your pup will have an intense need to chew, which helps relieve the discomfort brought on by puppy teething. Chewing also helps dislodge their puppy teeth to make way for their new teeth. So, in order to help them out, they’ll need the right things to chew on and if you don’t want that to be your furniture, it’s time to invest!
Look for durable, non-toxic puppy-specific chew toys (dog toys will always be clearly labeled for what age pup they are suitable for). It’s essential you get a toy that’s age and teething-appropriate otherwise, the wrong toy can cause their teeth and gums damage or they may even break the toy and swallow bits of it.
There are also options of activity toys where you can place small pieces of food inside. This will not only satisfy their chewing but give them some needed mental stimulation too, as they try to work out how to get the food out!
The desire to chew should lessen after 1 year of age. However, dogs tend to need to chew throughout their life so will always need suitable toys and dental chews. It provides them pleasure, relaxes them, exercises their jaw, and helps keep their oral health and dental hygiene in check!
Top Tip: Keep valuables, wires, and anything dangerous out of reach of your puppy. And, if your puppy does start to chew on something you don’t want them to, don’t punish them – this will just make them scared of you! Simply lead them off what they’re chewing and onto a suitable toy or dental chew. Make a fuss of them when they choose the right chew toy, as the positive reinforcement will help them choose this item again!
How to Look After Your Dog’s Teeth
Caring for your dog’s teeth is crucial for their overall health, especially during the teething phase, which typically occurs between three and seven months of age. To ensure proper dental health, establish a routine of regular brushing with dog-specific toothpaste and provide suitable chew toys that can help massage their gums and facilitate the teething process. It’s also essential to regularly check your puppy’s mouth for any signs of swollen gums or discomfort.
Should You Change Your Dog’s Diet When Teething?
Regarding diet during teething, while there’s no need for a major change, you can certainly make your puppy more comfortable. Offering cold, soft foods can alleviate gum discomfort — for instance, chilling their kibble or providing frozen treats. However, maintain a balanced diet suitable for their age and size. Always avoid hard bones or chew toys that could damage their sensitive, developing teeth, and consult your veterinarian if you notice any irregularities or persistent discomfort in your dog’s mouth during this time.
At What Age Can Puppies Eat Dry Food?
Puppies can eat dry food from around 6-8 weeks old, once they’re fully weaned. This usually happens with their breeder, as puppies shouldn’t leave their mother until they’re weaned.
However, many puppies go off their food when they’re teething because their gums hurt and their puppy teeth are becoming loose. So, if your puppy is reluctant to eat dry food this is probably why. Try mixing half the amount of their kibble with a wet food suitable for puppies to help soften and moisten the dry, harder food, or simply try softening the dry food with warm water.
If you decide to mix wet and dry food, be sure to scale back the amount of each so together they make one portion of food. It’s essential not to overfeed your pooch, otherwise, they will gain unnecessary weight from being overfed which can pose serious health issues in dogs.
Sources
“A Guide To Puppy Teething” Pets At Home https://www.petsathome.com/pet-talk/puppy-advice/health/puppy-teething-guide
“Puppies And Chewing” Blue Cross, Jul 12. 2021 https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/puppies-and-chewing
“Why Is My Puppy Not Eating Dry Food?” Purina https://www.purina.com/articles/puppy/feeding/why-is-my-puppy-not-eating-dry-food#:~:text=Most%20puppies%20aren’t%20fully,eat%20regular%20dry%20food%20meals.
