Teething can be a challenging phase for both puppies and their humans. Our furry friends experience sore gums, an irresistible urge to chew on everything, and sometimes, even mild digestive upset as they navigate this natural stage of development. Understanding the teething process and knowing what to expect can help you better support your puppy through this transitional period.
The Basics of Puppy Teething
Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth. However, their baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) start developing within their jaws shortly after birth. These tiny, needle-sharp teeth are designed to help puppies nurse comfortably from their mother.
Puppy Dental Timeline
Here's a breakdown of the typical puppy teething timeline, based on research from veterinary articles and resources:
Weeks 2-4: Baby Teeth Erupt During this stage, you'll notice your puppy's first set of teeth, the incisors (small, front teeth) start to poke through the gums. This is quickly followed by the eruption of canines (the long, fang-like teeth) and premolars.
Weeks 5-6: Puppy Chewing Begins As more of their baby teeth come in, puppies experience an increasing urge to chew. This is a natural instinct that helps relieve the discomfort associated with teething. It's essential to provide them with appropriate chew toys during this time.
Weeks 12-16: Losing Baby Teeth The real fun (and sometimes slight chaos!) begins! Your puppy will start to lose their baby teeth to make way for their permanent, adult teeth. You might find tiny teeth around the house or even notice a little blood on your pup's chew toys. Don't worry, this is completely normal. Although often, the lost teeth are swallowed unnoticed.
Weeks 16-24: Adult Teeth Start to Emerge As the baby teeth fall out, adult teeth begin to erupt in their places. Expect your puppy's chewing instincts to be at their peak during this stage.
6 Months +: Full Set of Adult Teeth By about six months of age, most puppies have all 42 of their permanent adult teeth. Some larger breeds may take a bit longer to fully develop their adult teeth.
Signs of Teething in Puppies
Look out for these telltale signs that your puppy is teething:
Excessive chewing and mouthing: Puppies will want to chew on anything and everything, including furniture, shoes, and your hands!
Sore or swollen gums: Teething can be uncomfortable for puppies, and their gums may appear red and inflamed.
Drooling: You might notice your pup drooling more than usual as a result of the increased saliva production.
Changes in appetite: Teething discomfort can sometimes lead to a temporary decrease in appetite in some puppies.
Mild Crankiness: Your happy-go-lucky puppy might become a bit fussy or irritable due to teething soreness.
How to Help Your Teething Puppy
Provide appropriate chew toys: Offer a variety of chew toys with different textures to help soothe discomfort and satisfy your puppy's urge to chew. Choose durable toys specifically designed for puppies, such as Kongs, Nylabones, and tough rubber toys.
Frozen treats: Frozen carrots, ice cubes, or a wet washcloth frozen into a knot can provide cooling relief for sore gums. Always supervise your puppy when offering frozen treats.
Consider teething gels: Over-the-counter teething gels formulated for puppies can temporarily numb discomfort. Consult with your veterinarian before using any such products.
Plenty of patience and love: Teething is a natural process, and it will pass. Be patient with your puppy, offer comfort when they seem irritable, and clean up the occasional chewed-up shoe without scolding. Redirect unacceptable chewing to appropriate toys.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
While teething is usually a normal developmental process, it's wise to consult with your veterinarian in the following situations:
Adult teeth erupting before baby teeth fall out: This is called retained deciduous teeth and sometimes requires extraction to prevent crowding and bite issues.
Signs of infection: If you notice excessive redness, bleeding, or discharge from your puppy's gums, it could indicate an infection that needs veterinary attention.
Broken teeth: Puppies sometimes fracture their delicate baby teeth or even their adult teeth due to excessive chewing. Consult your veterinarian to determine if an extraction is necessary.
Teething discomfort beyond 6 months of age: Most puppies have their full set of adult teeth by 6 months, and teething discomfort should subside by this time. If your puppy is still showing obvious signs of severe discomfort, it's worth a visit to the vet.
The puppy teething phase is a natural part of your furry friend's development, but with a bit of understanding and proactive care, you can help make this journey smoother for both you and your puppy. By recognizing the signs, providing appropriate outlets for chewing, and maintaining regular veterinary checkups, you'll ensure your puppy's transition from baby teeth to adult teeth is a positive and healthy experience. Embrace this phase as a bonding opportunity and celebrate the growth of your canine companion.
