When Do Dogs Stop Teething

When Do Dogs Stop Teething?

Dogs usually stop teething at 6 to 8 months of age, which is the end stage of their tooth replacement period. During this period, a dog's milk teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth, which grow faster and usually come in fully within a few weeks. Teething begins when the dog is about 4 months old, when the milk teeth begin to loosen and gradually fall out, and the permanent teeth grow in. By about 8 months of age, the dog's teeth are basically replaced and all permanent teeth have grown in. However, there are a few dogs whose tooth replacement period may last up to about a year. During the tooth replacement period, dogs may exhibit chewing behavior due to dental discomfort, so it is important to provide appropriate teething toys and pay attention to oral hygiene.

1. Puppy Teeth (Deciduous Teeth)

• Age: 2 to 4 weeks
• Description: Puppies begin to get their baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. They develop a full set of 28 baby teeth by the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old.

2. Transition to Adult Teeth

• Age: 3 to 6 months
• Description: At around 3 to 4 months of age, puppies start losing their baby teeth as their adult teeth begin to emerge. This process typically continues until the puppy is about 6 months old.

3. Adult Teeth

• Age: 6 to 8 months
• Description: By 6 to 8 months, most puppies will have their full set of 42 adult teeth, and the teething process will usually come to an end. During this stage, you might notice your dog chewing on objects more than usual as they experience discomfort while their adult teeth are coming in.

What are the Differences Between Baby Teeth and Permanent Teeth in Dogs?

There are several main differences between baby teeth and permanent teeth in dogs .

• Difference in number

Dogs have a total of 24 milk teeth, while there are 42 permanent teeth, with more permanent teeth than milk teeth. 

• Different texture

Milk teeth are smaller and thinner with sharp tips, while permanent teeth are larger and thicker with more rounded tips. 

• Functionality

Milk teeth are temporary teeth during a dog's early years. As a dog grows, milk teeth will gradually fall out and be replaced by stronger permanent teeth to accommodate harder foods and stronger chewing needs in adulthood. 

• The Teeth Changing Process

Dogs usually begin to change their teeth at 3 to 6 months of age, with milk teeth gradually loosening and falling out, and permanent teeth then coming in. During this process, dogs may exhibit chewing behavior due to gum discomfort. 

• Health Problems

If the permanent teeth have erupted and the milk teeth have not fallen out, this can lead to oral health problems such as double rows of teeth, tartar and periodontal disease. This condition requires veterinary intervention and may require the removal of unerupted milk teeth. 

Knowing these differences will help pet owners provide proper care and attention to their dog's oral health as they grow.

How Should I Care for My Dog's Oral Health During Teeth Changing?

It's important to take care of your dog's oral health during a tooth change, and here are some key steps to take to take care of it.

• Help with pain relief

Dogs may be in pain during a tooth change, you can use frozen wet washcloths to help relieve the pain, but avoid biting directly into ice cubes to prevent colds. 

• Provide teething items

Dogs like to chew on hard objects when they are changing their teeth. Specialized teething toys or snacks, such as chicken jerky or large bones, can be provided to help soothe their itchy gums and promote dental health. 

• Appropriate Calcium Supplementation

Calcium is vital to the development of your dog's teeth and can be supplemented with food or calcium tablets to support tooth growth during tooth replacement. 

• Observe the condition of the teeth

Keep an eye on your dog's teeth to ensure that milk teeth are falling out properly and permanent teeth are coming in correctly. If there are retained milk teeth, manual assistance or veterinary intervention may be required. 

• Clean the mouth

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Keep your dog's mouth clean to avoid bacteria growth in the cavity of the milk teeth, you can use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste for brushing. 

• Protect items in the home

Dogs may have a stronger urge to chew during tooth replacement, and you need to make sure that dangerous items in your home, such as electrical cords and power sources, are kept away from your dog to prevent accidents. 

By taking the above measures, you can help your dog get through the tooth changing period smoothly and maintain its oral health.

Related: Cat Teeth: Feline Dental Health

What Oral Care Do Dogs Need After the Teeth Changing Period Is Over?

After your dog's tooth replacement period is over, oral care is still very important to prevent oral diseases. Here are some oral care measures that require special attention.

• Regular Brushing

Regular brushing of your dog's teeth can effectively remove plaque and tartar and prevent periodontal disease and bad breath. Use pet-specific toothpaste and toothbrushes, and make sure the brushing action is gentle to avoid hurting your dog's gums. 

• Provide mouth-cleaning treats and toys

Choose chew toys and treats that can help clean teeth, such as specially designed chew toys and hard dry dog food, which can help remove food debris and plaque from the surface of the teeth. 

• Regular dental checkups

Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular oral exams to identify and address problems with the teeth and gums, such as worn or broken teeth or gum inflammation. 

• Avoid letting your dog chew on hard objects

Even though your dog has replaced their teeth, you still need to avoid them biting on objects that are too hard to prevent tooth damage. 

• Provide a nutritionally balanced diet

Make sure your dog gets enough nutrients, especially calcium and phosphorus, to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 

• Using Pet Mouthwash

Pet mouthwash can help clean your dog's mouth, freshen breath, and effectively destroy bacteria in the mouth. 

• Saline Mouthwash

Saline can be used to clean your dog's mouth, help prevent cavities and help disinfect the mouth. 

By doing the above, you can help your dog maintain good oral hygiene, prevent oral diseases, and promote their overall health.

Also Read:  How to Clean Cats' Teeth

How Should I Adjust My Dog's Diet After Losing a Tooth?

When a dog loses a tooth, their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly to ensure that they are comfortable eating and getting the necessary nutrients. Here are some suggestions for adjusting your diet.

• Choose foods that are easy to chew

As your dog's ability to chew may be compromised, offer cooked chicken, rice or soft foods specifically designed for dogs with poor teeth. 

• Monitor your dog's appetite and weight

Dental problems can lead to a decrease in your dog's appetite, so you need to closely monitor your dog's eating habits and adjust the texture and amount of food as needed. 

• Offer soft or liquid food

For dogs that have lost almost all of their teeth, soft or liquid food can be offered to ensure that they are taking in enough food. 

By making these adjustments, you can help your dog better adapt to life after losing teeth and maintain good nutrition and quality of life.

Conclusion

Most dogs stop teething and have their full set of adult teeth by the time they are 6 to 8 months old. Providing proper care and chew toys during this period can help ease discomfort and prevent damage to household items. If you notice any issues with your puppy’s teeth or gums, consult your veterinarian for advice.