When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth

Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething process as they grow. Understanding when and how puppies lose their baby teeth is essential for pet owners to ensure their furry friends develop healthy adult teeth. In this article, we’ll explore the timeline of puppy teething, what to expect during this phase, and how to care for your puppy’s dental health.

What Are Puppy Baby Teeth?

Puppy baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth that puppies develop. These small, sharp teeth begin to emerge when a puppy is around 3 weeks old. By the time a puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old, they typically have a full set of 28 baby teeth.

When Do Puppies Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?

Puppies usually start losing their baby teeth around 12 to 16 weeks of age (3 to 4 months). The process continues until they are about 6 months old, by which time most puppies will have lost all their baby teeth and replaced them with 42 adult teeth.

Teething Timeline:

• 3-4 Months: The incisors, or the small front teeth, are the first to fall out.
• 4-5 Months: The canine teeth, also known as fangs, and the premolars start to come in, pushing out the baby teeth.
• 5-6 Months: The molars, which don’t have baby counterparts, begin to emerge, completing the teething process.

How to Know Your Puppy Is Losing Baby Teeth

Dogs may exhibit some abnormal behaviors during tooth replacement, which are usually related to discomfort in the gums and physiological changes during tooth replacement. Here are some common abnormal behaviors.

• Strong desire to chew

Dogs may bite frequently because of itchy or sore gums, which can lead them to chew on furniture, shoes, or other items they shouldn't be chewing on. 

• Red or swollen gums

 Gums may appear irritated as teeth fall out and new ones come in.

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• Anorexia or loss of appetite

Red, swollen and painful gums may cause your dog discomfort while eating, causing them to temporarily lose their appetite. 

• Anxiety or irritability

The discomfort of teething may cause your dog to exhibit more anxious or irritable behavior. 

• Chewing on furniture or objects

In an attempt to ease the discomfort in their gums, dogs may chew on furniture or other objects, which can lead to damage to items in the home. 

• Self-handling loose teeth

Sometimes dogs will use their paws to pick at loose milk teeth, and pet owners need to be careful to spot and pick up their dog's dislodged teeth in time to prevent them from accidentally eating them. 

• Swallowing their own teeth

Dogs may unconsciously swallow their own lost milk teeth. This is usually harmless to the dog's health, but pet owners should keep an eye out in case the tooth fragments cause digestive problems. 

• Selective Chewing

Dogs may prefer to chew on specific items, such as frozen wet towels or chew toys and teething sticks designed specifically for dogs. 

Understanding these behaviors can help pet owners provide proper care and management during a dog's tooth change to ensure the dog's comfort and the safety of items in the home.

How to Care for a Puppy Changing Teeth?

Puppies do need special adjustments to their daily care habits during tooth replacement to help them get through this growth phase. Here are some adjustments to make.

• Provide teething toys

Puppies can experience itchy and uncomfortable gums during tooth replacement, and providing teething toys can help alleviate this discomfort while promoting proper tooth loss and the growth of permanent teeth. 

• Take care of nutritional supplements

Puppies need plenty of calcium and vitamins for tooth and bone development during tooth replacement, and these nutrients can be provided through food or supplements. 

• Observe Teeth Growth

Check your puppy's teeth regularly to ensure that milk teeth are falling out properly and permanent teeth are growing in correctly. Consult your veterinarian if you notice stagnant milk teeth or abnormal growth of permanent teeth. 

• Avoid Dangerous Items

Put away items that can be easily chewed or swallowed to prevent your puppy from accidentally ingesting them and causing internal injuries. 

• Apply ice to relieve discomfort

When your puppy is very uncomfortable, offer ice packs to relieve pain, such as containing ice cubes or iced towels. 

• More care and play

Puppies may be more irritable during a tooth change and need more affection and interaction from their owners to keep them in a good mood. 

• Getting used to brushing

From the time your puppy is 6 months old, you should gradually acclimate them to brushing their teeth to establish good oral hygiene habits. 

By making these adjustments, you can help your puppy reduce discomfort during tooth replacement and promote healthy dental development.

How to Properly Handle Your Puppy's Diet During Teeth Changing?

It is really important to avoid giving your puppy overly hard foods during their teeth change. During tooth replacement, your puppy's milk teeth are falling out and permanent teeth are growing, a process that can be accompanied by gum pain and discomfort. Foods that are too hard may hurt the new teeth that are growing or cause the milk teeth to fall out prematurely, interfering with the proper eruption of the permanent teeth. Here are some suggestions for handling your puppy's diet during tooth replacement.

• Provide food that is easy to chew

Choose soft dog food, cooked meats or vegetables, or soften the food by soaking it in the broth or milk in which the meat was cooked to make it easier for your puppy to chew. 

• Avoid hard foods

You should avoid giving your puppy hard dry food and teething bones, which can increase oral discomfort and pain. 

• Pay attention to oral hygiene

Pay special attention to your puppy's oral hygiene during tooth replacement, which can be cleaned with a pet oral cleaner or mouthwash. 

• Observe eating habits

Keep an eye on your puppy's appetite and digestion, and try adding probiotics or pet elimination tablets if indigestion occurs. 

• Regular Checkups

During tooth replacement, take your puppy to the hospital for regular oral exams to ensure dental health. 

By following these tips, you can help your puppy get through the tooth replacement period smoothly, with less discomfort and a boost to his overall health.

How to Relieve Your Puppy's Teeth Change Pain?

There are a number of natural remedies that can be used to ease your puppy's pain and discomfort during their tooth change. Here are some recommended natural remedies.

• Cold compresses

Use a moist washcloth chilled in the refrigerator and offer it to your puppy to relieve the pain in the gums. This method is simple and effective and can help reduce swelling and discomfort. 

• Teething Toys

Offering specially designed teething toys, such as dog chews, can help relieve your dog's itchy gums while promoting dental health.

• Natural Supplements

While natural supplements for teething pain relief are not directly mentioned in the search results, supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are sometimes used in pet care to support joint health, and these ingredients may also be beneficial for healthy gums and teeth.

• Massage

Gently massaging your puppy's gums can help relieve pain while increasing circulation. 

• Pay Attention to Diet

Make sure your puppy is getting the right amount of calcium and vitamin D during tooth replacement, which is essential for healthy tooth development. 

Before trying any natural remedies, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian to ensure that the chosen method is appropriate for your pet and will not conflict with your puppy's health condition or other medications being taken. Also, closely monitor your puppy's response to ensure that the therapy is effective and safe.

Why Brush Your Puppy's Teeth?

Preventing Oral Disease

Your dog's oral health has a direct impact on his overall health. Regular brushing can help prevent the formation of plaque and calculus and reduce the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease, which are very common in adult dogs. 

Establish the habit of brushing

Developing the habit of brushing your dog's teeth from an early age will make the process easier to accept. Puppies are more adaptable, and starting early allows your dog to see brushing as part of their daily routine, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene as an adult. 

Reduces Oral Odor

Unclean teeth can lead to bad breath, which can affect your dog's quality of life and owner interaction experience. Regular brushing helps keep your dog's mouth fresh and improves quality of life. 

Avoid premature tooth loss

Uncleaned teeth are prone to problems that can lead to loose teeth or even loss. Starting brushing at a young age helps maintain the structure of the teeth and prolongs their lifespan. 

Therefore, brushing teeth from a puppy is vital to maintaining their long-term oral health. By establishing a brushing habit, you can effectively prevent oral diseases, reduce oral odors, and avoid premature tooth loss, thus improving your dog's quality of life and health.

Also Read: Unhealthy Dog Teeth and Their Impact on Canine Well-Being

How to Properly Clean Your Puppy's Teeth After They Fall Out?

Use pet-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush

Choose a toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for puppies and gently brush the teeth, especially the contact surfaces between the teeth and gums.

Regularly check the oral cavity

Examine your puppy's mouth to make sure there is no food residue, tartar, or signs of infection. Pay attention to the color and texture of the gums; healthy gums should be pink. 

Use an oral spray or mouthwash

These products can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce plaque and bad breath.

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How to Help Your Puppy Adjust to Teeth Brushing

Helping your puppy get used to brushing their teeth can be done by following these steps.

Gradually get used to the oral examination

Start by gently touching your puppy's lips and cheeks to get them used to having their mouth touched. This can be done during playtime or feeding to minimize your dog's nervousness.

Using a finger toothbrush

After your puppy has gotten used to the oral exam, you can wrap your finger in wet gauze and gently scrub their teeth and gums. This helps your dog get used to the sensation of brushing their teeth without discomfort.

Introduce a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste

When your puppy is no longer resistant to finger brushing, you can gradually transition to using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start by brushing just a few teeth and gradually increase the number of teeth brushed and the amount of time spent brushing.

Positive Reinforcement

Give your puppy rewards, such as small snacks or praise, during the brushing process to build positive conditioning and allow them to associate brushing with a positive experience.

Maintain Patience and Consistency

It may take some time for your puppy to get used to brushing their teeth, and it's important to remain patient and perform brushing every day or every other day to form a habit.

By taking these steps, your puppy can grow accustomed to brushing their teeth and make it part of their daily care routine.

FAQs

Does a Puppy's Oral Health Need Continued Attention After the Teeth Change is Over?

Yes, your puppy's oral health will continue to need attention after the tooth replacement is over. Your dog's oral health not only affects his ability to chew and digest, but is also closely related to his overall health. Even after the tooth replacement period is over, dogs may face oral problems such as plaque, calculus, and gingivitis. Regular oral exams and cleanings can help prevent these problems and keep your dog's mouth healthy. In addition, your dog's teeth and gums need proper care, such as regular brushing and the use of oral cleaning products, to minimize the risk of oral diseases. Therefore, it is important to continue to keep an eye on your dog's oral health and take proper care of it, even if it has changed teeth.

When to Start Brushing Puppy's Teeth?

Puppies are usually best brushed when they are 2 to 3 months old. Starting brushing at this time will help your puppy get used to the brushing process and develop good oral hygiene habits. Before you start brushing, you can get your puppy used to the touch of your finger and the taste of toothpaste by brushing gently with a finger toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste. As your puppy gets used to it, you can gradually increase the frequency and duration of brushing, with the ultimate goal of brushing your puppy's teeth at least two to three times a week.

How to Choose the Right Size Toothbrush for Your Dog's Size?

Choosing the right size toothbrush is essential for effectively cleaning your dog's teeth and gums. For small dogs, choose a small toothbrush that is easier to maneuver and can easily reach all areas of your dog's mouth. For medium-sized dogs, choose a medium-sized toothbrush, while larger dogs will need a larger toothbrush to accommodate their larger mouths. The design of the toothbrush should fit the shape of your dog's mouth to allow for comfortable brushing, as well as making sure that the bristles are soft enough to avoid hurting your dog's gums. The condition of your dog's mouth should also be taken into consideration when choosing a toothbrush; if your dog has tartar in his mouth, choose a soft-bristled brush, or a hard-bristled brush if his mouth is already clean. The correct size and design of the toothbrush will help to improve the efficiency of brushing and the dog's acceptance.

Why Should You Choose a Soft Bristle Toothbrush for Your Dog Instead of a Hard Bristle Toothbrush?

The main reason for choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush for your dog over a hard-bristled toothbrush is that soft-bristled toothbrushes are gentler on your dog's gums, reducing the amount of damage that can be caused when brushing. Dogs have relatively sensitive gums, and a hard-bristled toothbrush may cause bleeding or discomfort, especially if your dog is less cooperative with brushing. Soft bristle toothbrushes are better able to conform to the shape of your dog's teeth and gums, effectively removing plaque and food debris while protecting your dog's oral health. In addition, soft-bristled toothbrushes are often designed to be more user-friendly, taking into account the size of your dog's mouth and comfort when brushing, which helps to improve your dog's acceptance and cooperation with brushing. Therefore, to ensure that your dog's oral care is both effective and safe, it is recommended that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for dogs!

Conclusion

Puppy teething is a natural part of their development, typically starting around 3 to 4 months of age and finishing by 6 months. By understanding the teething process and providing the right care, you can help ensure your puppy grows into a healthy adult dog with strong, healthy teeth. Remember to monitor their dental health, offer appropriate chew toys, and maintain regular veterinary visits to support their oral development.

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