To Know About Puppy Teething Process
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Certainly! Puppies have a total of 28 deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth. These deciduous teeth consist of 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars. They do not have molars at this stage. These baby teeth start to emerge when the puppy is around 3 to 4 weeks old and will eventually be replaced by adult teeth as the puppy grows older. By the time a puppy reaches adulthood, it typically has 42 adult teeth.
When Do Puppies Stop Teething?
Puppies typically stop teething around the age of 6 to 8 months. This timeframe can vary slightly depending on the breed and individual puppy. Teething is a natural process during which puppies’ baby teeth (deciduous teeth) are gradually replaced by their permanent adult teeth. It usually begins around 3 to 4 months of age when the puppy’s adult teeth start to emerge, and it continues until all adult teeth have fully erupted.
During the teething process, puppies may experience discomfort and tenderness in their gums, leading them to chew on various objects to alleviate the discomfort. Providing appropriate chew toys and regularly checking their mouth for any signs of irritation or inflammation can help manage this phase.
Once all of the adult teeth have come in, usually by around 6 to 8 months of age, the teething process is considered complete. At this point, puppies’ gums should have healed, and they should have a full set of 42 adult teeth.
How To Care for a Teething Puppy
Provide Chew Toys: Offer a variety of safe and durable chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies. Chew toys made of rubber, nylon, or natural materials like rubberized sticks or rawhide alternatives can help soothe their gums and satisfy their urge to chew.
Cold Treats: Cold treats such as frozen carrots, ice cubes (in moderation to prevent tooth damage), or frozen chew toys can provide relief for sore gums. The coldness can numb the discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Monitor Chewing: Supervise your puppy while they chew to ensure they’re not damaging their teeth or ingesting harmful objects. Avoid giving them items like shoes, furniture, or household items that can pose a choking hazard or cause dental issues.
Gentle Massage: Massage your puppy’s gums with your fingers or a damp cloth to help alleviate soreness and discomfort. Be gentle and use light pressure to avoid causing further irritation.
Teething Toys: Consider using teething toys specifically designed to be frozen. These toys can provide a soothing sensation to the puppy’s gums and help reduce inflammation.
Puppy Teething Rings: Special teething rings or toys that are designed to be safe for teething puppies can be helpful. These toys often have different textures and surfaces to massage the gums and provide relief.
Frozen Washcloth: Dampen a clean washcloth, twist it, and freeze it. Once frozen, give it to your puppy to chew on. The texture and coldness can be soothing for their gums.
Regular Dental Care: Start establishing good dental hygiene habits early by gently brushing your puppy’s teeth with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs. This helps prevent plaque buildup and promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Comfort and Affection: Provide plenty of love, attention, and comfort to your teething puppy. Reassure them during this uncomfortable phase with cuddles, praise, and positive reinforcement.
Consult Your Veterinarian: If you notice excessive drooling, bleeding gums, refusal to eat, or any other concerning symptoms during the teething process, consult your veterinarian. They can offer guidance, check for any dental issues, and recommend appropriate treatments or pain relief options.
The Best Teething Toys for Puppies
Kong Puppy Rubber Chew Toy: Kong offers a variety of rubber chew toys specifically designed for puppies. These toys are durable, bounce unpredictably, and can be stuffed with treats or frozen for added enjoyment and relief.
Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy: Nylabone manufactures a range of chew toys made from durable nylon material. These toys come in different shapes and textures to satisfy your puppy’s chewing needs while promoting healthy teeth and gums.
Benebone Puppy Chew Toy: Benebone produces chew toys with a unique ergonomic design and flavored nylon material that entices puppies to chew. They are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different breeds and preferences.
Petstages Puppy Chew Toys: Petstages offers a selection of teething toys specifically designed for puppies. These toys feature soft materials, different textures, and soothing properties to alleviate discomfort and encourage healthy chewing habits.
Frozen Carrots: A natural and budget-friendly option is to offer frozen carrots to your teething puppy. Carrots are safe for dogs to chew on, and when frozen, they provide a soothing sensation to the gums.
Beco Pets Eco-Friendly Teething Toys: Beco Pets produces teething toys made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials. These toys are designed to be gentle on puppies’ gums while promoting interactive play and mental stimulation.
