Puppies go through the teething process just like human children. First they develop a set of baby teeth, with time these baby teeth are replaced by a set of adult and stronger teeth. This is the natural process of puppies transitioning to adulthood. As a vet I meet so many concerned puppy parents who are alarmed by the teething process in puppies.
Therefore, I have compiled everything you need to know about puppy’s teething, including when do puppies start to get teeth, when do puppies lose their baby teeth, when do puppies stop teething and how can you support puppy’s teething as a responsible puppy parent.
When Do Puppies Start to Get Teeth?
Just like human babies, puppies are born teethless. In the beginning phase of their life they are heavily dependent on their mother’s milk. At the age of 3 weeks you may notice baby teeth peeking from your puppies gums.
This is the time you may like to make the shift to puppy foods and formulas from mothers milk and introduce chewing toys. With time these baby teeths will grow and eventually your puppy will get their first set of teeth at the age of 5 to 6 weeks.
You can now switch to dry kibbles as a developed set of teeths gives them opportunity to explore different textures of foods. With a new set of teeth you may encounter unpleasant puppy behaviors like excessive biting and chewing. To control such behaviors it is important to start training for puppy behavioral management.
When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Puppies lose their baby teeth at 3 to 6 months and start growing a new set of adult teeth just like humans. At this age the puppy’s adult teeth continue to appear underneath. As a result the roots of the baby teeth start to dissolve.
This causes baby teeth to get loose and fall off eventually. The answer to the question of when do puppies lose their baby teeth can vary among different breeds. Smaller breeds may go through the transition much earlier in comparison to puppies of larger breeds. This experience can cause your puppy a lot of discomfort causing excessive chewing behavior.
However, it is important to support and comfort your puppy throughout this experience. Do not be alarmed as the loss of baby teeth is only a natural process of your puppies growth.
How to support healthy teething in puppies?
As a puppy parent one of your priority should be ensuring safe teething experience in your puppy as they may experience a lot of pain and discomfort due to this transitional phase of their journey to adulthood. Now that you know when do puppies lose their baby teeth, prepare yourself to support healthy teething in puppies.
After a lot of research, observation and much success with both my puppy patients and their owners in aiding the teething process in puppies I have listed down 7 ways to support you little furry friends’ treething journey.
- Spend plenty of quality time with your puppy and ensure regular monitoring.
- Ensure nutritional diet specially designed for growing puppies.
- Introduce safe and durable chew toys, including chilled toys and frozen treats which can provide additional relief though its cold temperature.
- You can gently massage your puppy’s gums with your fingers to help alleviate discomfort.
- Provide dental chews specifically designed to keep your puppy’s teeth clean and reduce plaque buildup.
- Start a dental care routine early by gently brushing your puppy’s teeth with a puppy-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your puppy’s dental health.
When do puppies stop teething?
Your puppy will stop teething as soon as their adult teeth are developed. Puppies typically stop teething around 6 to 8 months of age. This timeline is subject to the specific growth pattern of your puppy.
Teething is a sign of maturity in puppies. As soon as your puppy will stop teething they will have a stronger set of teeth and be more independent by themselves. They will also stop experiencing discomfort and pain associated with teething.
They can now enjoy a variety of food options and participate in hunting activities as well. It is important to maintain proper delta health care for your routine.
Conclusion
Puppies teething is a very natural process of them becoming more mature and independent. Therefore, as a puppy parent you should not be alarmed, in fact join their journey to adulthood while building an even stronger bond with them.
Follow our recommendations to support your little friends teething experience and ensure their optimal well being. For more information on how to take care of your little furry friend check out our website, where we arm you with all the information you need to care for your puppy.
