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Learn puppies’ teething timeline, what to do about chewing, dental care, and how to brush your dog’s teeth.
Estimating Age by Observing Teeth
Puppies are born toothless, but baby canines (the longer teeth on either side of the front of the mouth) begin to sprout about 3 to 4 weeks of age, with incisors (the tiny teeth in the show) and premolars (more prominent side teeth) coming in at about 4 to 6 weeks of age. Puppies should have 28 baby teeth by the age of 8 weeks.
Puppies lose their baby teeth between four and five months of age, and by seven months, all permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and molars should be in place. The majority of mature dog breeds have 42 teeth.
Dealing with Teething
Young puppies love to chew. Chewing helps to alleviate the pain associated with teething and sometimes alleviates boredom. It is also a form of play and a puppy’s way of exploring the big new world he’s fascinated with. As a result, puppy parents should expect some chewing even as the dog develops. However, for a puppy to live in harmony with the family, his urge to chew must be controlled and directed positively.
- Give your Puppy plenty of exercise and fun. It will help prevent boredom—nip or mouth your puppy’s hands. Say aloud high-pitched ‘no’ and instantly cease playing if he does. I ignored him for a few minutes. He will eventually realize that harsh play kills the joy. Never strike or smack a puppy, since this might result in aggression or hand shyness.
- Ensure your dog has lots of chew toys that don’t resemble forbidden objects. Ascertain that they are safe and do not include anything he may choke on. Consider rawhide chewies (the crumbly sort, not the leathery kind), treat-filled toys, and rope toys. To assist sensitive teething gums, you may moisten and freeze rope toys or even a carrot. Rotate his toys to prevent boredom. If you discover him chewing on your shoes or the television remote, tell him a firm ‘no’ and substitute one of his chew toys.
- Remove temptation by keeping children’s toys, valuables, garbage, and hazardous items, such as electrical cords, out of the puppy’s reach.
- Make use of a baby gate or a crate when you have to be away but leave your Puppy plenty of his toys to occupy his time.
Doggy Dental Care
- To protect your puppy’s dental health, he should have regular physical exams by the veterinarian.
- Ask the veterinarian about a diet that will enhance dental health.
- Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly at home is critical. Dogs are more cooperative if this is started at a young age. A soft toothbrush or a gauze bandage would do. Be sure to use toothpaste formulated especially for dogs, as human toothpaste can upset their tummy. It should be done daily or weekly. As recommended by your veterinarian, it and periodic professional cleanings throughout your dog’s life will help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease, leading to painful abscesses and damage to internal organs.
