Welcome to the exciting world of puppy ownership. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or it’s been a while since you’ve had a puppy, there’s always something new to learn about your furry friend. One important aspect of puppyhood is the teething process, which involves the shedding of baby teeth. To help you navigate this stage, we’ve put together a timeline of what to expect as your pup grows into adulthood.
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Weekly 2–4:
When your puppy’s baby teeth start coming in, he will still be with his mother and breeder. By this time, his eyes will have opened and he will still be nursing.
Weekly 5–6:
By now, all of your puppy’s baby teeth should have come in. Dogs typically have around 28 baby teeth. At this stage, the breeder may have already started or will soon start weaning the puppies in the litter, introducing them to moist and soft puppy food.
Weekly 12–16:
Around this time, your breeder may allow you to take your new puppy home with you. However, some breeders may wait an additional month or so, depending on the breed and their personal preferences. As your puppy’s baby teeth begin to shed and permanent adult teeth emerge, you may start to find small teeth around your home. This process can be painful for your puppy, so it’s important to offer safe chew toys like a Kong or Treat Pod toy. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your vet check your puppy’s mouth to ensure everything is progressing as it should.
This period is also crucial for socialization, which involves getting your puppy accustomed to new experiences in a low-stress environment. While we’re on the topic of teeth, it’s a great time to start touching your puppy’s mouth, both inside and out. However, be cautious as your puppy’s remaining teeth are sharp. By doing this, you’ll be setting your puppy up for success when it comes to teeth brushing in the future.
6 Months or More:
By the time your puppy reaches around six months of age, it is expected that all of his puppy teeth will have naturally fallen out, making way for his adult teeth to grow in. It is interesting to note that adult dogs typically have approximately 42 teeth, which is about 10 more than humans.
However, if you happen to observe any baby teeth still present in your puppy’s mouth, it is important to inform your veterinarian about it. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if these remaining baby teeth need to be removed for the overall dental health of your furry friend.
Make Your House Dog-Proof
If you haven’t already puppy-proofed your home, your pup’s teething period is a great opportunity to start. It’s important to gate off rooms, hide wires and cords, and keep inappropriate objects such as towels and magazines out of reach. Additionally, it’s crucial to make potentially toxic items inaccessible. Some plants, like aloe vera, daffodils, lilies, and tulips, can be harmful to dogs. Similarly, certain foods and drinks, including raisins, onions, chocolate, grapes, and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, are not safe for dogs. As always, remember to supervise your dog as often as possible to ensure their safety.
Maintaining Dental Health
Keeping your puppy’s teeth clean is important to prevent dental problems and bad breath. Dogs don’t have the ability to remove food particles from their teeth with their tongue, which can lead to plaque buildup and periodontal disease.
Regularly brushing your pup’s teeth can prevent the need for veterinary cleanings that require anesthesia. Start by using a finger brush or gauze pad to gently scrub the teeth, and later graduate to a soft toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste formulated for dogs. Avoid using human toothpaste, as it can cause an upset stomach if swallowed.
You can also clean your pup’s teeth with a paste made of baking soda and water. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval to help reduce plaque. For more help with your teething puppy, check out our puppy teething pack, which includes toys, treats, and more.