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When do puppies loose their baby teeth?


Dogs In Line Puppy Training - Teething puppies

When Do Puppies Start Teething and When do puppies loose their baby teeth?


Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, it also comes with a myriad of questions and concerns, especially regarding their growth and development. One common question among new puppy parents is: "When do puppies start teething and when do puppies loose their baby teeth?" Understanding this phase is crucial as it impacts their behaviour, health, and your household items! As a professional dog behaviourist at Dogs In Line, I'm here to provide you with all the information you need to navigate this teething phase effectively.


Dogs In Line Puppy Training - Teething puppy

The Puppy Teething Timeline


Puppies, much like human babies, go through a teething process as they grow. Here's a detailed timeline to help you understand what to expect during your puppy's teething journey:


Birth to 3 Weeks


No Teeth: Puppies are born without teeth. During the first few weeks, they are entirely dependent on their mother’s milk and are not yet ready for solid food.


3 to 4 Weeks


Milk Teeth Emerge: Around this time, puppies start to develop their deciduous teeth, commonly known as milk teeth or baby teeth. Typically, the incisors (front teeth) are the first to appear, followed by the canine teeth and premolars.


6 to 8 Weeks


Full Set of Milk Teeth: By the age of 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies have a full set of 28 milk teeth. These teeth are sharp and small, aiding in the transition from mother's milk to solid food. This period is also when they begin to wean.


12 to 16 Weeks


Teething Begins: The teething process generally starts around 3 to 4 months of age. During this phase, the puppy’s milk teeth begin to fall out, making way for the permanent adult teeth. You may notice your puppy chewing on objects more frequently to alleviate the discomfort.


6 to 8 Months


Adult Teeth Emerge: By the time your puppy is 6 to 8 months old, most of the permanent teeth should have emerged. Adult dogs typically have 42 teeth, including molars that were not present in the milk teeth set.

Dogs In Line Puppy Training - Teething puppies

Signs of Teething

Recognising the signs of teething can help you provide the right care and comfort for your puppy. Although teething is "normal" please seek advice if you ever feel your puppies biting is getting out of hand.


Here are some common indicators:


  • Increased Chewing: Puppies chew on various objects to relieve teething discomfort. As the teething increase your puppy may prefer harder chews. Providing appropriate chews for your puppy is essential.

  • Irritability: Teething can be very uncomfortable, leading to irritability or changes in behaviour. Expect and increase in "play" biting which can also seem more meaningful!

  • Red or Swollen Gums: You might notice your puppy's gums are red and swollen during teething.

  • Red or Swollen Ears: You might notice your puppy's Ears are red and swollen during teething too.

  • Loss of Appetite: Some puppies may eat less due to gum soreness.

  • House Training: Teething can indeed influence various aspects of your puppy's behaviour, including their house training progress.


Dogs In Line Puppy Training - Teething puppies large breed

Larger Breeds vs. Smaller Breeds: Teething Differences


Growth Rate and Development:

  • Larger Breeds: Larger breeds often have a faster overall growth rate, which can mean a more intense teething process. Their larger jaws and teeth can contribute to more noticeable teething discomfort.

  • Smaller Breeds: Smaller breeds typically have a slower growth rate. Their smaller jaws and teeth may result in a less intense teething experience.

  • Larger Breeds: Due to their larger jaws, the emergence of adult teeth in larger breeds can cause more pressure and discomfort. The sheer size and strength of their teeth might result in more noticeable signs of teething, such as increased chewing and biting!


Dogs In Line Puppy Training - Teething puppies

How to Help Your Teething Puppy

Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your puppy. Here are some tips to help ease the process:


Provide Chew Toys: 

Invest in high-quality chew toys that are designed for teething puppies. These toys can help soothe their gums and keep them occupied.


Find a high value chew:

If you happen to find a chew that your puppy loves, use this to your advantage ONLY - Giving your puppy their favourite chew in the witching/zoomies hour! This can help redirect there jaws away from you.


Cold Treats: 

Offer cold or frozen treats to numb the gums and provide relief. You can try freezing a carrot or using specially designed frozen toys likes KONGS.


Monitor Behaviour: 

Keep an eye on your puppy’s behaviour and ensure they are not chewing on inappropriate items like furniture or shoes. Redirect them to their chew toys when necessary.


Reduce Play and affection:

Yes, that's right – if your puppy is struggling with teething, reducing play and affection can actually be beneficial. Engaging too much during this period can inadvertently encourage hard biting. Just like us, when we have a bad toothache, we are not at our happiest, and our reactions can be unpredictable. Your puppy, already in pain and irritable, may react similarly. By minimising overly stimulating activities, you can help your puppy remain calm and avoid reinforcing any unwanted biting behaviours.


Conclusion

Teething is a natural part of your puppy’s development and, although it can be a bit of a rocky road, it is a phase that will pass. By understanding the teething timeline and recognising the signs, you can provide the necessary care and comfort to help your puppy through this period. At Dogs In Line, we believe that a well-informed pet parent is key to raising a happy and healthy dog. Should you need further assistance with your puppy’s behaviour during the teething phase, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and support.


Remember, patience and preparation are your best tools during this stage. With the right approach, you can ensure your puppy transitions smoothly from milk teeth to a strong set of adult teeth, ready to take on the world with a healthy bite!



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