Congratulations on your new puppy! Over the span of the next few weeks, you’ll learn everything about your furry friend, including their likes and dislikes. With time, you will be able to handle any changes your puppy develops as they mature into adult dogs. One of these common stages is teething. Puppy teething stages are […]
Congratulations on your new puppy! Over the span of the next few weeks, you’ll learn everything about your furry friend, including their likes and dislikes. With time, you will be able to handle any changes your puppy develops as they mature into adult dogs.
One of these common stages is teething. Puppy teething stages are very similar to humans. Most puppies have milk teeth (also called baby teeth) that fall out as they start to grow. These baby teeth are later replaced with 42 permanent teeth.
To help you understand your puppy’s teeth growth, we’ve compiled a quick timeline that details what you should expect from your puppy as they grow.
At around this age, your puppy is still dependent on its mother and breeder for…everything! Food, warmth, comfort, your furry friend’s entire world are their mother and caretaker.
Due to their young age, their baby teeth are just starting to come in. You do not need to worry about your puppy’s teeth development.
By this age, all 28 of your puppy’s milk teeth should have come in. Your puppy may still be drinking its mother’s milk but not for long. At this stage, your puppy is going through the weaning process.
This means they will gradually stop consuming puppy milk and transition to soft, solid food. Most of the time, your puppy’s breeder is the one helping your furry friend go through this important transition in their life.
Somewhere between the 12 to 16-week period, your puppy is ready to go home with you. Many breeders allow puppies to go to their new homes at around 8 weeks, but some will wait a few extra months. This ensures that your puppy is completely independent of its mother.
At Petland, we ensure that every puppy receives adequate dental care from a licensed veterinarian before they go home with their new owners. Once your puppy is home with you, you may notice little teeth around your home. Don’t panic!
Like human children, your puppy is shedding their baby teeth so that its permanent teeth settle in. Of course, the teething process is incredibly painful for your little furball. They may start to chew on everything they can get their chompers on.
Make sure you provide your puppy with puppy chew toys, puzzle games, or Kong toys to prevent the potential destruction of your property. You should also visit the vet to ensure your puppy’s teeth and mouth are doing okay.
Additionally, your puppy is old enough to start a consistent dental routine. Don’t rush the process. Instead, start with the basics. Hold your puppy near you and open their mouth, touching the outside and in.
This helps your puppy grow used to having its mouth opened and touched when they’re getting its teeth brushed. Avoid getting nipped or bitten by your fur-baby. Their teeth are razor-sharp so if your fingers get caught, this can really hurt!
When your puppy reaches 6 months of age, all of its permanent teeth should have settled in. All dogs have around 42 adult teeth, though this may vary with some breeds.
It’s highly important to check that your puppy has no milk teeth left. If left untreated, your puppy’s baby teeth can cause dental problems such as overcrowding and malformation. Your vet will assess your puppy’s mouth and remove any extra baby teeth.
Now that your puppy has its adult teeth grown in, it’s your responsibility to keep them pearly white and healthy. We know that it’s common for dog owners to forget about their furry friend’s dental health but we recommend maintaining a routine.
Dogs do not have the capacity to take care of their teeth, leading to the buildup of plaque and other debris. Without proper dental care, this plaque can develop into tartar, which causes bad breath, dental disease, and even organ damage.
Brushing your puppy’s teeth regularly prevents numerous medical issues that can harm them. If you need help getting started, check out our blog, How to Care for Your Puppy’s Teeth for more information.
As a precaution, make sure the toothpaste you use for your puppy is designed for dogs. Human toothpaste can make your puppy sick if they swallow it. You should also use a dog toothbrush so that you can brush the corners and outer edges of your puppy’s teeth.
Keep the following tips in mind when you start your pup’s dental care. You should never leave your puppy alone during its early teething stages.
If you need to leave, place your puppy in their crate to prevent them from chewing and getting into mischief while you are away. Also, don’t forget to have fun with your puppy! Establishing a dental care routine can become a bonding experience for both of you.
When you understand your puppy’s teeth stages, you’ll be able to help your furry best friend make that important leap from puppyhood to adulthood. Pack up on chew toys and love your puppy without boundaries so that you can have years of unconditional love and friendship!
Read our blog, How To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing to learn how to stop your puppy’s chewing habits.
