Do you have a new puppy? Aside from protecting the sofa legs from your puppy’s incessant chewing, there’s not a whole lot to do while your little Fido is going through the teething process. Knowing the details of teething is a good idea, though. That way, you know what to expect and when.
Newborn Puppies
Just like human babies, puppies are born toothless. They really don’t need them at this stage, after all—little Fido will nurse from his mother until he’s weaned. If the mother isn’t available, puppies can be bottle fed.
2-3 Weeks of Age
At around two or three weeks of age, your puppy’s baby teeth will start coming out of his gums. The smaller front teeth, called the incisors, are usually the first ones to appear. Little Fido’s canine teeth will follow. These are the four long fangs. The premolars are the last to arrive. They come in behind the canines, at the back of the mouth. When it’s all said and done, your puppy will have 28 baby teeth. These are known medically as the deciduous teeth, but are often referred to as the “milk teeth.”
6 Weeks of Age
By the time little Fido 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 his mother’s milk or formula, and begin eating solid puppy food. If you’ve chosen a puppy from a litter, it’s getting close to the time for you to bring him home!
3-4 Months of Age
Around the 12- to 16-week mark, little Fido’s baby teeth will start falling out. The adult teeth come in and simply push the milk teeth out of the way. You may occasionally see a baby tooth on the floor or by your puppy’s water or food bowls. Most often, though, litte Fido simply swallows the baby teeth as they come out.
6 Months and Older
By the time your dog is six months old, all 28 baby teeth will likely have been replaced by 42 adult teeth. Not-so-little Fido 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 here to help. Call your vet clinic today.