Congratulations, you’ve got a puppy (imagine Snoopy’s dancing diein). If this is your first dog, you have a lot to learn as your adorable furry friend grows. One milestone you’ll encounter is the teething process. Here’s what you need to know about puppy teeth:
When do puppy teeth begin to erupt?
Just like humans, puppies are born without teeth. Their first set of teeth, known as milk teeth, usually begin to erupt around 3 to 4 weeks. If the puppies came from a breeding facility, they may still be on breast milk during this time.
By the time your puppy is about 5 to 6 weeks old, all 28 milk teeth should have come in. That’s right, puppies have 28 milk teeth, while humans only have 20. Teething is an exciting milestone, but it can also cause your dog some discomfort. You may notice them chewing or gnawing on things to relieve sore gums.
Keep in mind that these little teeth are very sharp – sharper than adult teeth because puppies don’t have molars yet. Be careful when playing to avoid being bitten by these tiny needle-like teeth!
When do puppies start losing their teeth?
As puppies grow, their jaws begin to expand to make room for permanent teeth. This process begins around 3 to 4 months of age, when the incisors (front baby teeth) begin to fall out. For teething puppies, you can try Zera’s Super Smarty Hearties training snacks – they’re soft, low-calorie, and perfect for rewarding good behavior, even at this sensitive stage.
Next, the canines (sharp, fang-like teeth) usually fall out at 4 to 6 months of age. After that, the premolars will begin to fall out between 4 and 7 months. Finally, the molars will begin to grow in around 5 to 7 months. By the time your puppy is about 7 or 8 months old, they should have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars.
If you’re wondering how your puppy’s growth relates to the teething stage, this puppy growth chart may be helpful in tracking your puppy’s growth.
Puppy Dental Care Tips
Even though your puppy’s milk teeth are temporary, it’s essential to develop dental hygiene habits as early as possible. Use a soft cloth or a toothbrush designed for puppies to gently clean their teeth. Always use dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste, which can be harmful to your furry friend.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to pull out a tooth, no matter how loose it may seem. Puppies have long roots and pulling a tooth too soon can cause it to break, which can lead to infection. Let nature take its course and allow the tooth to fall out on its own.
Do puppies swallow their milk teeth?
Don’t be surprised if you find that you don’t have many puppy milk teeth in your home. Often, puppies will swallow loose teeth while eating or playing. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about – their baby teeth will pass safely through the digestive system.
By understanding the teething process and practicing good oral hygiene, you’ll help your dog grow into a happy, healthy adult with a great smile!