Puppy teething
One of the most noticeable changes that takes place during a puppy’s development is teething. It is an important step in your pet’s growth and can be accompanied by some discomfort. Teething is the replacement of temporary baby teeth with permanent “adult” teeth. This process usually begins at around 3 months of age. By the time a puppy is 6 months old, it has generally replaced all its baby teeth with permanent “adult” teeth.
How does teething work in puppies?
The first baby teeth usually come through when a puppy is around 3 weeks old. The baby set of teeth is complete after 2 months and consists of 28 teeth in total. The timing of teething varies by breed, but on average it starts at around 3 months. During teething, the baby teeth gradually become loose and fall out to make room for the underlying permanent teeth. By the time a dog is six months old, its adult set of teeth is usually complete. It then has 42 teeth in total: 12 incisors, 4 canines and 26 premolars and molars. Sufficient calcium in the food is essential for strong, healthy teeth.
How can you recognize teething in a puppy?
Puppies may experience discomfort while teething, such as swollen or red gums and pain. They may also lose their appetite and therefore eat less. Some puppies try to relieve the pain by chewing on toys or, somewhat less amusingly, on clothing. It is important that toys are soft to chew on but durable enough not to be chewed apart. This prevents pieces of the toys from breaking off and the puppy from swallowing them. Cold toys can provide temporary pain relief; therefore, you can moisten toys slightly and then place them in the freezer for a short time. It is also important to ensure that the puppy drinks and eats enough to maintain proper nutrition and hydration.
What should you look out for when your puppy is teething?
After your puppy has replaced all its teeth, it is important to check its teeth to determine whether they are all straight. When your puppy is still young, the vet may still be able to correct any dental problems. Issues to look out for include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Retained baby teeth
- Missing teeth or molars
If you notice one or more of the issues above, contact your vet. Together with your vet, you can determine whether action is needed and what the appropriate course of action should be.
