Aside from protecting your shoes and sofa legs from your puppy’s incessant chewing, there’s not a whole lot you can do while your new pet is going through the teething process. Knowing the details of teething is a good idea, though. That way, you’ll recognize what your puppy is going through and when, and you can let your Grayson vet know right away if something seems amiss.
N ewborn Puppies
Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth. They don’t need them at this stage, after all, since your puppy will suckle milk from their mother if the mother is around, or they’ll need to be hand-fed from a bottle if the mother isn’t available.
2-3 Weeks of Age
Around the age of two to three weeks, your puppy’s first baby teeth will start emerging from the gums. The smaller front teeth, called the incisors, are typically the first to appear. The canine teeth are soon to follow—these are the four long fangs. Your puppy’s premolars are the last to appear, and they come in behind the canines near the back of the mouth. When all is 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 old, all 28 baby teeth will probably have come in. Around this time, your pup will be in the process of getting weaned off of the mother’s milk or formula, and they’ll begin eating solid puppy food.
3-4 Months of Age
Around the 12- to 16-week mark, your puppy’s baby teeth will begin falling out. This happens because the adult teeth come in and simply push the deciduous teeth out of the way. As a result, you may occasionally see a baby tooth on the floor or by your puppy’s water or food bowls. Most often, though, your pup will simply swallow the baby teeth as they come out, which is perfectly normal.
6 Months and Older
By the time your dog reaches six months old, all 28 baby teeth will likely be gone, replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth. Your puppy will now have molars in addition to premolars, which are the largest teeth at the back of the mouth that help with chewing and mashing food.
Do you have questions about your puppy’s teething? We’re happy to help. Call your Grayson vet clinic today.
