Congratulations on your new puppy! In the next few weeks, you and your furry friend will learn so many things about each other. You’ll also witness your puppy’s growth from a mischievous little rascal to a mature, well-mannered dog. Like children, puppies go through several stages of development before they grow up. One of these stages is teething. Puppy teething stages are just like human ones. Puppies start out with milk teeth (also called baby teeth), which fall out as their permanent teeth settle in. Once a puppy matures into an adult dog, it will have 42 permanent teeth.
Now, teething is no easy business. It can be painful or irritating for most puppies. To help you understand better, here is a quick timeline that details everything you should expect during your puppy’s teething stages.
2 to 4 weeks old
When your puppy is 2 to 4 weeks old, they depend heavily on their mother and breeder. Whether it’s food, warmth, or comfort, your furry friend will only have their mother and caretaker for all of their needs. Along with being blind, their milk teeth are just starting to come in. Don’t worry about your puppy’s teeth during this age period.
5 to 6 weeks old
At 5 to 6 weeks old, your puppy should have 28 baby teeth. Your furry friend is also weaned or in the process of weaning. Weaning is a transitional stage in a puppy’s development, in which a puppy switches from drinking its mother’s milk to eating solid food. Your pup’s breeder is the main person who will help your puppy undergo the weaning process.
12 to 16 weeks old
During the 12 to 16 week period, your puppy is independent and ready to go to its new home. While many puppies find their fur-ever homes at 8 weeks, some breeders will choose to wait a few extra months. This helps your pup’s breeder ensure that they’re independent of their mother. At Petland, we ensure that every puppy receives adequate dental care from a licensed veterinarian before they go home with their new owners. Once your puppy is home with you, you may notice little teeth around your home. Don’t panic!
Like human children, your puppy is shedding their baby teeth so that their permanent teeth settle in. Of course, the teething process is incredibly painful for your little furball. They may start to chew on everything they can get their chompers on. Make sure you provide your puppy with puppy chew toys, puzzle games, or Kong toys to prevent potential destruction of your property. You should also visit the vet to ensure your puppy’s teeth and mouth are doing okay.
Additionally, your puppy is old enough to start a consistent dental routine. Don’t rush the process. Instead, start with the basics. Hold your puppy near you and open their mouth, touching the outside and in. This helps your puppy grow used to having their mouth opened and touched when they’re getting their teeth brushed. Avoid getting nipped or bitten by your fur-baby. Their teeth are razor-sharp so if your fingers get caught, this can really hurt!
6 months and beyond
When your puppy reaches 6 months of age, all of its permanent teeth should have settled in. All dogs have around 42 adult teeth, though this may vary with some breeds. It’s highly important to check that your puppy has no milk teeth left. If left untreated, your puppy’s baby teeth can cause dental problems such as overcrowding and malformation. Your vet will assess your puppy’s mouth and remove any extra baby teeth.
Now that your puppy has its adult teeth grown in, it’s your responsibility to keep them pearly white and healthy. We know that it’s common for dog owners to forget about their furry friend’s dental health but we recommend maintaining a routine. Dogs do not have the capacity to take care of their teeth, leading to the buildup of plaque and other debris. Without proper dental care, this plaque can develop into tartar, which causes bad breath, dental disease, and even organ damage.
Brushing your puppy’s teeth regularly prevents numerous medical issues that can harm them. As a precaution, make sure the toothpaste you use for your puppy is designed for dogs. Human toothpaste can make your puppy sick if they swallow it. You should also use a dog toothbrush so that you can brush the corners and outer edges of your puppy’s teeth.
Keep the following tips in mind when you start your pup’s dental care. You should never leave your puppy alone during their early teething stages. If you need to leave, place your puppy in their crate to prevent them from chewing and getting into other mischiefs while you are away. Also, don’t forget to have fun with your puppy! Establishing a dental care routine can become a bonding experience for both of you. When you understand your puppy’s teeth stages, you’ll be able to help your furry best friend make that important leap from puppyhood to adulthood. Pack up on chew toys and love your puppy without boundaries so that you can have years of unconditional love and friendship!