When Do Dogs Lose Their Puppy Teeth?

Dental health is a very important consideration at every phase of your dog’s life, especially when they are just a young pup with developing teeth. You can take excellent care of your puppy by knowing when they should get their first set of teeth and when dogs lose their puppy teeth in general. 

When Do Puppies Get Teeth?

Puppies will start teething at around three weeks old, meaning that this is the phase when their baby teeth will start to emerge. By the time they are six to eight weeks old, your pet should have all 28 of their puppy teeth.

Puppies need something suitable to chew on once their puppy teeth start to come in. Chewing is necessary for a teething puppy because it can relieve some of the discomfort that comes from erupting teeth. The act of chewing also serves to strengthen the puppy’s jaw muscles, preparing them for a strong and healthy adult life.

What To Give Teething Puppies To Chew On

Knowing what to give teething puppies to chew on is one of the important steps in finding the essential products for your new puppy.

For starters, you can capitalize on a young pup’s playfulness by having a wide variety of chew toys available, including both soft toys and rubber toys. Make sure that your puppy always has something chewable close at hand. 

BaxterBoo has a range of highly-rated chew toys for teething dogs, including:

• Nylabone Dura Chew Ring Dental Dog Toy
• foufou Dog Zoo Chew Latex Dog Toy
• Nylabone Puppy Teething Rings Chew Dog Toy
• Pet Life Totty-Chew Teething Cat and Dog Toy

The best puppy-safe chew toys are ones made of nylon or hard rubber. Latex is also non-toxic, but be aware that some dogs may develop a latex allergy in some cases. 

Avoid materials like hard plastic, animal bone, compressed rawhide, or anything with metal parts, as these can be too rigid and lead to cracks or fractures in delicate teeth. 

You can even encourage extra chewing at snack time without breaking your puppy’s diet by giving them frozen fruits or veggies. The cold sensation can also help relieve growing pains in their teeth or gums.

Do Puppies Lose Their Canine Teeth?

To know when dogs lose their puppy teeth, it is a good idea to refer to a puppy teething timeline. Puppies will typically start losing their baby teeth at around four months of age. The incisors toward the front of the mouth tend to be the first to go, followed by the canines and then the premolars.

You will likely discover some fallen teeth around the house as your puppy starts developing their adult teeth, but it is also entirely possible that the dog will swallow their baby teeth while eating. This is perfectly normal and not a cause for alarm. Your top priority is simply to check that the teeth are, in fact, falling out without getting stuck or blocking the adult teeth from coming in.

When Do Dogs Get All Their Adult Teeth?

Puppies should have all 42 of their adult teeth by around six months of age. These should come in the same order as the baby teeth, starting with incisors in front, followed by canines, and then the permanent molars toward the back of the mouth.

Once your dog has all of their adult teeth, you should prepare for the ongoing effort of maintaining positive dental health. This means brushing your furry friend’s teeth regularly and giving them the occasional dental chew. These measures will keep your dog’s breath fresh, mitigate plaque buildup, and reduce the need for expensive veterinary cleanings.

How To Watch for Dental Disease During Puppy Teething

Your puppy’s mouth can be especially vulnerable to dental issues during the early teething stage. To ensure that your pup has a healthy mouth, carefully monitor their teeth as they are growing in. Make sure that there is a full set of teeth by month seven and report to your vet if any seem to be missing.

At every phase of teething, watch for plaque or tartar buildup and excessive bleeding from the gums. Bad breath or facial swelling can also be a sign of dental disease. All of these signs can be indicative of serious issues, so it is important to never ignore them.

Your pet’s behavior can also be a sign of something going wrong. Pay careful attention when you are feeding your puppy, as a refusal to eat or difficulty chewing can be signs that they are in pain. Even if there are dental issues that are difficult for you to notice, you might see your puppy pawing at their mouth area if they are feeling discomfort.

When Should You Call a Vet During Puppy Teething?

The most important rule of thumb when raising a pet is to never hesitate to contact the vet if you suspect anything is wrong. Unusual or concerning behavior is always a valid reason to call a vet, even if you are not sure there is a medical issue.

Definitely contact a vet if you notice excessive bleeding or plaque buildup during the teething phase. These could indicate a dental disease or developmental issue that calls for immediate treatment. 

Issues with teeth growth are another valid concern. Call the vet if either the baby teeth or adult teeth are not growing according to the typical teething timeline. If your puppy still has any baby teeth by month seven, there could very likely be a dental issue that the vet needs to address.

Shop for Dog Care Products for Every Stage of Life

At BaxterBoo, we personally inspect every item we stock to ensure that it will improve the lives of pets and their humans. When dogs lose their puppy teeth, you need to have the proper toys and supplies ready to support the next stage of your puppy’s life. Browse our catalog of dog care products today and get everything you need delivered straight to your door.