Dogs have a first set of deciduous, or baby, teeth before their adult teeth emerge. The timing and pattern vary by puppy; this article describes the sequence rather than assessing an individual mouth.
The Development of Milk Teeth
Puppies are born without teeth, and their milk teeth begin to emerge when they are around three to four weeks old. A typical puppy has 28 milk teeth, which include incisors, canines, and premolars. These sharp, tiny teeth are essential for a puppy’s early development, as they help the puppy begin to explore solid foods and learn how to chew.
By the time puppies are six to eight weeks old, they should have a full set of milk teeth. During this time, puppies will start to wean from their mother’s milk and transition to solid food. The milk teeth serve as temporary placeholders for the adult teeth that will come in later.
The Teething Process
Teething can be a challenging time for puppies. As the adult teeth begin to emerge, usually between three and six months of age, they push the milk teeth out of the way. This process can cause discomfort, leading to increased chewing and biting behavior as puppies try to alleviate the pressure on their gums.
Durable, puppy-appropriate chew toys can offer an alternative to furniture during teething. Choose toys suited to the individual puppy and replace damaged ones.
The Loss of Milk Teeth
As the adult teeth grow in, the milk teeth fall out, usually without much trouble. In most cases, you won’t even notice the missing teeth, as puppies often swallow them while eating. By the time a puppy is about six months old, all 28 milk teeth should be replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth.
If you notice that a milk tooth hasn’t fallen out and an adult tooth is already coming in, this is called a retained tooth. Retained teeth can cause problems, such as misalignment of the bite or crowding, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian if this occurs. In some cases, the retained tooth may need to be extracted to allow the adult tooth to grow in properly.
Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth
Dental-care needs are individual. Ask a qualified veterinarian about brushing, products, or professional care for your puppy rather than relying on a general tooth-timing guide to prevent problems.
Ensuring your puppy’s teeth are well-cared for during the transition from milk teeth to adult teeth can set the stage for a lifetime of good dental health.