Have you recently brought a puppy into your home? Congratulations! If so, your canine companion is going to be very interested in chewing over the next few months. Aside from protecting the sofa legs from your puppy’s incessant chewing, there’s not a whole lot for you to do while little Fido is teething. However, it is important for you to know what your puppy will be going through and when. That way, you can let your vet know right away if something seems amiss.
N ewborn Puppies
Just like human babies, puppies are born without any teeth. They just don’t need them at this stage. Little Fido will nurse from his mother, so he doesn’t have to chew yet. If his mother isn’t available, he’ll be bottlefed for a while.
2-3 Weeks of Age
At around two or three weeks of age, your canine buddy’s first baby teeth will start coming out of the gums. The smaller front teeth, which are called the incisors, are usually the first to appear. The canine teeth will follow—these are the four long fangs. Your furry friend’s premolars are the last to appear, and they come in behind the canines near the back of little Fido’s mouth. When it’s all said and done, your puppy will have 28 baby teeth, which are known medically as the deciduous teeth and are often referred to as the milk teeth.
6 Weeks of Age
By the time your puppy is about six weeks of age, all 28 of his baby teeth should have come in. Around this time, your pup will be in the process of getting weaned off his mother’s milk or formula, and will begin eating solid puppy food.
3-4 Months of Age
Around the 12- to 16-week point, little Fido’s baby teeth will start falling out. The adult teeth come in and basically push the deciduous teeth out of the way. You may occasionally see a baby tooth on the floor or by your puppy’s water or food bowls. Most often, though, your pup simply swallows the baby teeth as they come out. This sounds scary, but is perfectly normal.
6 Months and Older
By the time your dog is six months old, all 28 baby of those teeth will likely be gone, replaced by 42 adult teeth. Your puppy will now have molars in addition to his premolars, which are the largest teeth at the back of the mouth that help with chewing and mashing food and treats.
Do you have questions about your puppy’s teething? We’re here to help. Call your vet clinic today.
