One of the many questions dog owners have is when do puppies lose their teeth? A new puppy can bring both joy and hours of fun, as well as the tendency to chew and teethe on not only your shoes, and the remote control, but your fingers as well. It can take at least eight months for puppies to finish teething, and to learn that chewing on your shoes is not a good idea.
There’s enough to think about and keep track of when caring for a puppy, including feeding, walking, training, and potty training that you might not give their teeth much thought. However, in their first eight-nine months, puppies develop two sets of teeth, and there’s more to caring for them than just making sure they don’t leave marks on your furniture. If you have a new puppy and you’re wondering when your youngster will grow out of the teething phase, read on.
The Development of Puppy Teeth
Before we talk about when puppies lose their teeth, let’s look at the puppy dentition. Puppies start getting teeth once they start the weaning process, and this typically starts around five to six weeks of age, and for some breeds, it might not start until eight weeks of age. The puppy dentition contains a total of 28 baby teeth, and puppies are known to have sharp, pointy baby teeth that can wreak havoc on not just your shoes, but your hands, arms, and fingers too.
When Do Puppies Get Their Teeth?
Puppy teeth erupt at about two weeks of age and are usually completely in by about eight to ten weeks old. The incisors erupt first, followed by the canine teeth, the premolars, and the molars, although there is some variation between breeds.
When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth?
Typically, puppies lose their baby teeth faster than they come in, and typically baby teeth fall out about one month after erupting.
Three Months
Most puppies lose their first set of teeth at three months of age, usually starting with the incisors.
Four Months
At four months, most of a puppy’s baby teeth will be out and the adult molars will start to erupt, and at this time your puppy may teeth quite a bit.
Six Months
At six months old, a puppy should have nearly all of her adult teeth in place, and any teeth that are growing crooked or causing an overbite might need dental correction before the teething process is over.
At What Age Do Puppies Get Their Permanent Teeth in Boxborough, MA?
A puppy’s permanent teeth start to erupt as soon as the baby teeth start to fall out, and adult teeth start to appear at two months. Below is a general timeline for the presence of adult teeth:
- Incisors: Two-four months
- Canine teeth: Five-six months
- Premolars: Four-six months
- Molars: Four-seven months
From seven to eight months old, puppies should have all their permanent teeth, totaling 42 teeth.
How Long Do Puppies Teethe?
Teething is a process that can last for months and starts when puppies are around two weeks old when the first baby teeth start to come in. The teething process itself usually ends at around eight to nine months of age, when all the adult teeth have erupted. If you have ever had a puppy, you know that during the teething process, it’s important to provide them with appropriate chew toys to relieve the discomfort that comes with teething.
Caring For Your Puppy While Teething
If your puppy is healthy and happy, and is playful, eating, drinking, and socializing normally, teething shouldn’t be an issue. However, if your puppy seems painful, reluctant to eat or play, then an appointment with your veterinarian is recommended. The best thing to do for your teething puppy is to offer safe chew toys, and your veterinarian can make recommendations. The best items for teething puppies are toys that are soft and flexible and bend easily. Toys that are too hard to bend, and don’t in your hand, might be too hard on your puppy’s mouth and can actually break these fragile young teeth.
What Can I Do When My Puppy Starts Losing Teeth?
Veterinarians recommend letting baby teeth fall out on their own, and don’t advise trying to pull loose teeth out yourself. Baby teeth have long roots, and pulling a loose tooth can break a root, leaving the broken part behind and leading to possible infection. In dogs who have retained baby teeth, where the baby tooth is in the way of an emerging permanent tooth, you may have to make a dental appointment with your veterinarian to have those baby teeth pulled. This is a common issue in some toy breeds, such as Yorkshire terriers, where the baby tooth remains in place, preventing the adult tooth from coming in properly, and as a result, causing an occlusion, or bite, problem. Periodontal issues can also arise when there is the crowding of baby and adult teeth, and this can lead to bad breath and the build-up of dental plaque and tartar.
How To Care For Your Puppy’s Teeth in Boxborough, MA
From day one, get your puppy used to you handling her mouth; touch her lips, gums, and teeth in a gentle, playful way. This will get your puppy used to having her mouth touched and make it easier for you to brush her teeth and maintain a dental care regimen. It will also help you as the owner to recognize any issues or potential problems with your puppy’s teeth and will sensitize your puppy for annual veterinary examinations.
Puppies are wonderful, playful companions, and although the teething process can result in chewed shoes, and lost baby teeth on the carpet, it’s a natural growth process for your best friend. If you have questions about teething and your puppy’s teeth, call Veterinary Dental Services at (978) 929-9200!