Puppy Teething: Tips and Ways to Care for Puppy Teeth

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase that requires special attention and care.

Similar to human babies, puppies are initially born without teeth, and they undergo a natural process of temporary teeth emerging and eventually being replaced by permanent ones. However, this teething process can sometimes lead to challenges for puppies, much like it does for human infants. Being aware of the signs can help you understand your puppy’s experience and enable you to provide the necessary support.

Temporary and Permanent Puppy Teeth

The teething journey for puppies typically begins at around 3 or 4 weeks of age. During this initial phase, puppies develop a set of temporary teeth, commonly referred to as “milk teeth” or “deciduous teeth” by veterinarians. These temporary teeth number 28 in total.

Puppy Teething Process

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The temporary teeth in puppies have a limited lifespan. Typically, between the ages of 14 and 30 weeks, these milk teeth begin to loosen and fall out. The process is swift, as the 42 adult teeth that have been patiently waiting emerge to take their place. These permanent teeth will accompany your dog throughout their life. By the time your puppy reaches 8 months of age, they should have a total of 12 incisors, 16 premolars, four canines, and 10 molars.

It’s important to remember that puppies possess sharp teeth. Despite their gentle demeanor as domesticated pets, they are, in essence, carnivores. These sharp teeth would have served them well in the wild, enabling them to tear through even the toughest meat.

How to Comfort Teething Puppy

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When your puppy goes through the teething phase, it can lead to some noticeable changes in behavior, although measuring their discomfort is not exact. You may observe decreased appetite, accompanied by increased chewing as they attempt to alleviate the discomfort. To assist your puppy during this stage, consider providing specially designed rawhide or hard rubber toys for teething puppies. This not only helps relieve their discomfort but also prevents them from chewing on furniture or other household items. Toys with nubs can massage their gums, providing relief, while also aiding in the removal of soft tartar that naturally accumulates on their teeth.

While your puppy’s temporary teeth won’t cause significant issues, it’s a good opportunity to introduce dental care practices. Begin by gently rubbing their teeth and gums with a doggy toothbrush or a soft, clean cloth. Ensure you use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs, as human toothpaste can be toxic to them. If your puppy’s temporary teeth lasts beyond 30 weeks, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian, as they may require extraction.

Puppy Oral Health

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Consistent oral hygiene is essential once your puppy’s permanent teeth have emerged. Incorporating dry and crunchy foods into their regular diet is an effective way to facilitate self-cleaning of their teeth, benefiting both puppies and adult dogs.

When your dog chews on dry food, the texture helps scrape away tartar buildup, minimizing the risk of dental issues as they mature.

Puppy Dental Problems

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Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being, just like regular wellness check-ups. Regular dental care from a veterinarian is essential, and if you suspect a dental problem, it’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly.

Dental issues in dogs often begin early, with symptoms of dental disease commonly appearing around the age of 3. Establishing a consistent dental cleaning routine early on, including incorporating dry kibble into their diet, is crucial. If your dog struggles with transitioning from soft, wet food to dry food, a gradual transition with encouragement may be necessary.

Recognising the signs of dental problems is key to addressing them before they escalate. Dental issues can manifest as bad breath, eating difficulties, and can even lead to infections in the mouth and other parts of the body.

While dental problems are rare in puppies, it’s important to be aware of signs that indicate a dental visit may be necessary as your puppy grows older. These signs include:

• Loss of appetite
• Blood in saliva
• Broken teeth
• Drooling
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Foul-smelling breath
• Yellowish-brown tartar at the gum line

One common dental problem in dogs is plaque buildup, which, if left untreated, can harden and cause inflamed gums, tooth infections, or tooth loss.

A veterinary evaluation is crucial to assess these symptoms and determine the need for dental care. Your vet can also rule out other potential issues, such as systemic disease or the presence of foreign objects that may present similar symptoms.

Remember, puppy teething is just one phase you’ll experience as a pet parent. Fortunately, it is temporary and causes minimal disruption to your puppy’s daily life.

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