Teething in puppies
One of the most noticeable changes during a puppy's development is teething. It is an important step in your pet's growth and can come with some discomfort. Teething is the replacement of temporary baby teeth with permanent "adult" teeth. This process usually begins around the age of 3 months, and by the time a puppy is 6 months old, it has usually replaced most of its baby teeth with permanent "adult" teeth.
How does teething occur in puppies?
The first baby teeth usually come in when a puppy is around 3 weeks old. The baby teeth set is complete by 2 months and consists of a total of 28 teeth. The timing of teething varies by breed, but on average it starts around 3 months. During teething, the baby teeth gradually loosen and fall out to make way for the underlying permanent teeth. Once a dog is six months old, the adult teeth are usually fully in. The adult set consists of 42 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 26 molars. For a strong and healthy set of teeth, sufficient calcium in the food is essential.
How do you recognize teething in a puppy?
Puppies can experience discomfort during teething, such as swelling or redness of the gums and pain. They may also lose their appetite and eat less. Some puppies try to relieve the pain by chewing on toys or, less amusingly, on clothing. It is important that the toys are soft enough to chew on but made of strong material so they cannot be destroyed. This prevents pieces of the toys from breaking off and being swallowed by the puppy. Cold toys can provide temporary relief from the pain; therefore, it is an option to slightly wet the toys first and then place them briefly in the freezer. It is also important to ensure the puppy drinks and eats enough to maintain proper nutrition and hydration.
What should you watch for when your puppy is teething?
After your puppy has replaced all its teeth, it is important to check the teeth to see if they are properly aligned. When your puppy is still young, the vet can correct any dental issues. Abnormalities to look out for include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Retention of baby teeth
- Missing teeth or molars
If you notice one or more of the above abnormalities, contact your veterinarian. Together with the vet, you can determine if action is needed and what the plan of action should be.
