Just like human babies, puppies go through a stage where they lose their baby teeth. As a new pet owner, you might be curious or even concerned when you notice tiny teeth falling out as your puppy chews or plays. This is a natural process. Puppies are born without teeth, and around three to six weeks old, they start to get their baby teeth, which are also known as deciduous or milk teeth. When your puppy is about three to seven months old, you’ll begin to find these small teeth around your home or notice your puppy is chewing more than usual.
During this teething phase, it’s normal for your puppy to experience some discomfort as their adult teeth push through the gums, causing the baby teeth to fall out. You can help alleviate your puppy’s discomfort by providing safe chew toys and monitoring their gums for inflammation or excessive redness. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a bit of blood on their toys – it’s part of the process. Keeping a close eye on your puppy’s dental health during this time is crucial, as proper dental care from the start can prevent issues later on.
To gain a better understanding of dental health in puppies, this article will refer to research by expert veterinarian dentist, Dr. Bonnie Shope. Good dental practices can make a big difference in the well-being of your pet, and learning from experienced professionals is key to ensuring your puppy grows into a healthy adult dog with a bright smile.
So, What Should You Do When Your Puppy’s Teeth Start Falling Out?
When your puppy’s teeth begin to fall out, usually around 3 to 6 months of age, it’s a normal part of their development. Ensure they have appropriate chew toys to ease discomfort. Regularly check their mouth for any issues, and consult your vet if you notice any dental problems or retained teeth.
Some general things to do when your puppies teeth are falling out include:
- Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys to satisfy your puppy’s natural urge to chew and help alleviate discomfort from teething.
- Keep Valuables Out of Reach: Ensure items you don’t want chewed are stored away safely, minimizing the risk of your puppy chewing on inappropriate objects.
- Freeze Chew Toys: Freeze some chew toys or a wet washcloth as the cold can help soothe your puppy’s sore gums.
- Use Anti-Chew Spray: Apply an anti-chew spray on furniture or other items you want to protect. These sprays have a bitter taste that discourages chewing.
- Monitor and Replace Chew Toys Regularly: Keep an eye on the condition of the chew toys, replacing them when they become too small or start to break apart to prevent choking hazards.
- Consult Your Vet for Additional Advice: If you’re concerned about your puppy’s teething or chewing behavior, consult your vet for personalized advice and solutions.
When your puppy starts losing their baby teeth, it usually means they’re growing as expected. Puppies typically begin losing their baby teeth around 12 to 16 weeks of age. By the time they’re about six months old, most puppies will have their full set of adult teeth. This process can be uncomfortable for your furry friend, but there are ways to make it easier for them.
Firstly, provide safe chew toys to help relieve teething discomfort and keep their teeth clean. Ensure these toys are durable and appropriate for your puppy’s size to avoid any choking hazards.
Monitor your puppy during playtime to ensure they’re not biting off pieces of their toys, and keep an eye out for any blood or excess saliva which can be signs of teething. If you notice any discomfort or excessive changes in behavior, consider consulting your vet for advice. Providing a variety of textured toys can also help massage your puppy’s gums, offering relief from any pain or itchiness.
In addition to toys, you can offer frozen treats like carrot sticks or specially designed teething treats that can soothe their sore gums. Always supervise your puppy when they have these treats to prevent any accidental swallowing of large pieces.
Lastly, maintain good dental hygiene for your puppy. Start brushing their teeth early to get them used to the process which also helps prevent future dental problems. Remember, this teething phase is only temporary, and with your help, your puppy can get through it with minimal discomfort.
During this transition, familiarize yourself with puppy dental development to better understand what’s normal and what might require a vet’s attention. And don’t forget to consult expert advice on navigating through your puppy’s teething period.
Understanding Puppy Teething
As your new puppy grows, understanding the teething process is crucial for their development and comfort.
Stages of Puppy Teething
Puppy teething begins with the eruption of milk teeth or deciduous teeth. By six weeks, puppies typically have all their milk teeth, with incisors appearing first, then canines, and finally premolars. Adult teeth, including molars, replace these temporary teeth beginning around 12 weeks.
Signs of Teething in Puppies
During teething, puppies exhibit symptoms such as drooling, nipping, and chewing. You may also notice some swelling around the gums or find tiny teeth that have fallen out as your puppies lose their teeth.
Puppy Teething and Behavior
Puppies become mouthy and may nip more often when teething. This is a phase to reinforce bite inhibition and gentle play to prevent developing a habit of destructive chewing.
Managing Teething Discomfort
Offer soft chew toys, cold treats like ice cubes or carrots, to alleviate pain. Rubber toys and puzzle toys are ideal for teething puppies.
Dental Health Maintenance
Use a puppy toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs to establish a routine for dental care. This helps prevent plaques and periodontal disease as your pup ages.
Nutrition and Puppy Teething
Transition to solid food should coincide with teething. During this period, ensure your puppy’s diet supports their development without straining their sensitive gums.
Common Teething Concerns
Beware of retained deciduous teeth, which can lead to misaligned adult teeth. Inspect your puppy’s mouth regularly for signs of bad breath or retained baby teeth.
Effective Teething Remedies and Tools
Puppies benefit from a variety of teething toys. Kong’s, bully sticks, and frozen chewables can provide relief and keep your puppy engaged.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If you notice excessive discomfort, lack of eating, or misaligned teeth, consult with a veterinarian. They can assess if there’s an underlying issue with your puppy’s teething.
Transitioning to Adult Teeth
By six months, most puppies have their permanent teeth. Continue monitoring for any signs of retained baby teeth or discomfort as they adapt to their new adult teeth.
Preventing Destructive Chewing
Keep your puppy’s environment enriched with appropriate chew toys to distract them from chewing on furniture or other inappropriate items. Consistent attention and socialization goes a long way in managing their teething-related behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When it comes to puppies losing their teeth, you probably have a few questions. Let’s go over some common concerns to give you a better understanding of this natural process.
At what age do puppies usually start losing their teeth?
Puppies typically begin to lose their baby teeth around the age of 12 to 16 weeks. This is when the adult teeth start to push through the gums.
Is it common for a puppy’s teeth to bleed when they fall out?
Yes, it’s normal for there to be a small amount of bleeding when puppies lose their teeth. This should only be a few drops of blood and nothing excessive.
What can I do to help my puppy when its teeth are falling out?
Provide them with appropriate chew toys which can relieve the discomfort of teething. Also, maintain regular dental check-ups with your vet.
Are there particular teeth that puppies lose before the others?
Puppies typically lose their incisors first, then the premolars and canines, usually in that order.
Do puppies experience discomfort during the teething process?
It is common for puppies to experience some discomfort while teething. You may notice they chew more during this time to help mitigate some of the soreness.
How long does the teething stage last for puppies?
The teething stage in puppies usually lasts until about six months of age when most should have their full set of adult teeth.
Final Thoughts
When your puppy starts losing teeth, it’s a sign they’re growing up! This usually happens around four to six months of age. Here’s what you can expect:
- Loose Teeth: Just like human kids, puppies will have loose teeth before they fall out.
- New Teeth: Adult teeth will replace the baby teeth. There’s no need to worry unless you notice adult teeth coming in while baby ones are still present.
Always keep an eye out for the following during this process:
- No Pain: Losing teeth shouldn’t be painful for your pup. If they seem uncomfortable, a trip to the vet might be in order.
- Safe Toys: Offer chew toys that are gentle on gums to help with teething.
- No Swallowing: Puppies often swallow their baby teeth. Usually, this is harmless, but watch for any signs of choking.
And remember, teething time means bonding opportunity! Embrace this stage by spending time together and offering lots of cuddles and soft pats. If you notice anything odd about your pup’s mouth or behavior, a guide to canine oral health can be a handy resource. It’s the best time to instill good habits for a future of healthy teeth!
- Shope, B.H., Mitchell, P.Q. and Carle, D., 2019. Developmental pathology and pedodontology. Wiggs's Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice, pp.63-79.
- Roccaro, M. and Peli, A., 2020. Age determination in dog puppies by teeth examination: Legal, health and welfare implications, review of the literature and practical considerations. Veterinaria Italiana, 56(3), pp.149-162.
- Esaka, S., 1982. Development of rotation of mandibular premolar tooth germs in the dog. Cells Tissues Organs, 114(3), pp.211-227.
- Glock, G.E., Mellanby, H., Mellanby, M., Murray, M.M. and Thewlis, J., 1942. A study of the development of dental enamel in dogs. Journal of Dental Research, 21(2), pp.183-199.
- Scott, J. and Marston, M.V., 1950. Critical periods affecting the development of normal and mal-adjustive social behavior of puppies. The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology, 77(1), pp.25
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.