How to Help with Puppy Teething
August 26, 2022There is nothing better than puppy breath! Too bad that doesn’t last forever…
Taking care of puppies is a lot like taking care of babies. While you may focus on major aspects of your puppy’s care, such as potty training, feeding, and exercising, you also need to pay attention to your pup’s teething. Just like kids, puppies grow baby teeth and eventually lose them to adult teeth. It’s important to be aware of the process if you want to be a responsible dog owner. Here’s what you need to know about puppy teething.
That puppy breath phase will last until their permanent teeth replace their baby teeth which is a big deal for your puppy. The most common teething time is between 12-20 weeks of age. Puppies do not need dental cleanings until they get all of their adult teeth.
Teething is a term that refers to the process of permanent teeth coming into your puppies’ mouth. This typically occurs around five to six months of age. Our advice is to have a lot of acceptable (and safe!) chews and treats for your puppy during this stage.
When Do Puppies Start Getting Teeth?
Similar to children, puppies teethe gradually. The first teeth typically erupt when puppies are around two weeks of age, and the process is usually complete by the time a puppy is ten weeks old. Although the varies frame varies slightly among different breeds, puppy teeth tend to erupt in the following order:
- Incisors
- Canine teeth
- Premolars
- Molars
Puppies grow a total of 28 baby teeth. These teeth are notoriously sharp and are prone to leave marks on anything puppies to get ahold of, including toys, shoes, and fingers.
When Do Puppies teeth fall out?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), puppies teeth begin to fall out at about three to four months. It can start to happen as early as 8 weeks.
Puppies lose their teeth a lot faster than they grow them. A puppy’s baby teeth usually start to fall out around three months of age. The incisors typically fall out first, and most puppies have all of their adult teeth by six months of age. Puppies are notorious for chewing on everything when they are between the ages of three and six months because they are forming their 42 permanent adult teeth.
Puppy teething timeline
Weeks 2 – 4
Your puppies will still be with their mom and their baby teeth are just starting to come in!
Weeks 5 – 6
Dogs have about 28 baby teeth total. The breeder will likely have already or will be in the process of weaning the puppies in the litter as they learn to eat soft puppy food.
Weeks 12- 16
This is when your puppy’s baby teeth start to fall out and permanent adult teeth emerge.
6 months and older
All of his puppy teeth should have fallen out by now, and his adult teeth should have grown in. Adults dogs have about 42 teeth!
Credit American Kennel Club
What are puppy teething symptoms?
You’ll be able to tell when your puppy starts teething! It hurts!
The most common symptoms are:
- Bad breath! That puppy breath no longer smells delicious but fowl
- They may drool a little
- Little spots of blood on his toys
- Increased chewing
How Should You Monitor the Teething Process?
There’s not much you can do to speed up the teething process. It is best to let puppy teeth fall out on their own because you could accidentally damage the root if you try to pull it out. Sometimes, a puppy’s baby teeth get stuck and won’t come out, leaving the adult teeth with nowhere to go. In this case, you need to intervene to reduce the risk of infection and periodontal disease. Take your puppy to a professional to remove the stuck baby tooth properly.
Certain breeds are more prone to having stuck baby teeth than others. Yorkshire terriers, in particular, are notorious for needing professional help while teething. You should know if your puppy’s breed is known for needing help during the teething process.
How can I help a teething puppy?
In general, the best thing you can do to help your puppy with the teething process is to provide it with plenty of toys to chew on. Chewing helps puppies deal with teething, and if you don’t provide them with appropriate items, they’ll turn to shoes, pillows, and furniture for chewing. Expect this behavior to continue until a puppy is at least six months old.
The best advice we have is freezing toys! Even freezing a puppy Kong toy can help soothe those sore gums. Soft rubber and plastic dental rings are also safe toys for puppies to chew on.
What are the safest toys for a teething puppy?
- Frozen toys and treats: KONG’s line of puppy toys are all wonderful for your puppy
- Puppy teething sticks: Nylabone teething toys, rings and chews including Frisco teething rings
- Rope toys: KONG’s line of rope toys designed for puppies are the best choice
Avoid plush toys as these can be shred into small pieces and ingested
Our vet technicians have a list of dental chews and treats they recommend to help keep your pet’s oral health in top condition between dental cleanings. You can find our recommended list and where to purchase these treats here.
When is it necessary for you to call your vet?
In some cases the baby teeth are slow to falling out and a vet may need to be contacted. If your dog hasn’t gone through the entire teething process by eight months your vet will advise you on what should happen. Some breeds including smaller breeds and brachycephalic breeds are prone to issues.
Don’t introduce brushing at this point! You don’t want your puppy to associate brushing with the discomfort going on in their mouth
When your puppy has all his permanent teeth, it’s time to positively train them to enjoy having their teeth brushed. At home dental care will be an important part of your routine.
How Should You Care for Your Dog’s Adult Teeth?
Caring for your dog’s adult teeth is important for its overall health and well-being. Plaque buildup and periodontal disease can lead to many health problems, so it’s important to take proper care of your dog’s teeth. The best thing you can do is make sure your pet is used to you handling its mouth and checking its teeth. This habit will make brushing your dog’s teeth easier. You can also provide your pet with suitable chew toys that will help keep teeth clean. However, the most important step for caring for your dog’s teeth properly is getting regular cleanings by a professional.
When Is It Time To Seek Professional Teeth Cleanings for Your Pup?
You need to have your dog’s teeth cleaned by a professional any time you see a lot of plaque that you can’t remove by brushing your dog’s teeth. It is also a good idea to schedule cleanings once a year to help maintain your pet’s oral health.
Find Professional Teeth Cleaning for Your Dog in Plantation, Florida
If you live in Plantation, Florida, and are looking for a reputable place to take your puppy for professional teeth cleaning, HealthySmiles Pet Dental Spa is here to help. We are a non-anesthetic dental cleaning provider for pets. We over both in-practice and in-home cleanings to keep your furry companion comfortable during teeth cleanings. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment to have your pet’s teeth cleaned, contact us today to schedule an appointment
