Puppies are adorable, but they can also be pretty messy. And while all puppies go through a teething phase as they grow up, there’s no denying that this stage isn’t much fun for either party involved.
You may have wondered: how long does it take for puppies to get all their teeth? Or maybe you’re thinking about adopting a new puppy and want to know what happens if your new friend is only partially teething.
Either way, this article will answer all of those questions plus more!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Puppies go through a teething phase. |
| The teething process involves the loss of baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth. |
| The teething timeline can vary, but it generally lasts for several months. |
| Common signs of teething in puppies include increased chewing, drooling, swollen gums, and irritability. |
| Providing appropriate chew toys can help soothe a teething puppy’s discomfort. |
| Swallowing baby teeth is usually not a cause for concern. |
| It’s normal for puppies to have temporary bad breath during teething. |
| If you have specific concerns about your puppy’s teething, consult a veterinarian for personalized advice. |
How Long Does It Take For Puppies To Get All Their Teeth?
A puppy has 28 teeth, which start to erupt between 4 and 7 weeks. The process is gradual, so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when each tooth will appear.
The lower teeth generally come in first, followed by the upper ones. Puppies are usually finished teething by 16 weeks old, but some pups may take longer than others (some adult dogs have been known to have missing incisors).
As puppies go through their teething phase, they can’t help but chew on things. Discover how long puppies chew on things and how to redirect their chewing behavior in our comprehensive guide on how long puppies chew on things.
What Happens If A Puppy Is Only Partially Teething?
A puppy that is partially teething will have some teeth but not all. The puppy may be very uncomfortable as he tries to chew on things that are too hard for him. He may also act more aggressive than usual, especially if he feels pain in his gums.
Does A Puppy’s Teething Phase Last Longer Than Other Animals?
The answer is yes, puppies do have a longer teething period than other animals.
Puppies have more teeth than cats and dogs. While cats average 28 teeth (4 upper and lower incisors, 5 anterior and 6 posteriors), dogs only have 42 teeth (3 upper incisors, 2 canines, 10 premolars and 12 molars).
However, when it comes to their head size and jaw size compared to other animals’ jaws and heads respectively; puppies are not too far behind!
It’s important to note that while this may be true of most breeds of dog there are some exceptions like the Basset Hound which typically has 20-26 adult teeth: including two pairs each of large canines (6mm) with short roots extending beyond the gums;
Lower incisors with two cusps opposite each other so one tooth fits between them when they meet at right angles.
Upper incisor crowding is common but usually not severe enough to cause problems except hygienically during dental care procedures such as scaling or polishing because extra time must be taken during such procedures due to these crowding issues.
When it comes to the health of your puppy, timing is crucial. Find out the appropriate age for puppies to receive their first shots and learn more about their teething journey in our informative article on when puppies should get their first shots.
Are There Any Symptoms That Indicate When A Puppy Is Teething?
One of the most common signs that your puppy is teething is increased chewing. They will chew on everything they can get their paws on, including your favorite pair of slippers!
You might also notice that they seem to be drooling more than usual and have trouble keeping food in their mouths.
Other symptoms include pawing at the mouth and whining. Puppies will often restlessly pace around their cage or yard as well, looking for something to chew on or play with.
| Symptoms of Teething |
|---|
| Excessive chewing behavior |
| Increased drooling |
| Swollen or inflamed gums |
| Irritability or restlessness |
| Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat |
| Bleeding or tender gums |
How Do You Know When A Puppy Has Finished Teething?
- When all of the permanent teeth have come in, you know that your puppy’s teething has ended.
- The following signs can indicate that a puppy is finished with its teething:
- Teeth are fully grown and no longer falling out
- Teets are fully functional and no longer being chewed on by the dog
- Drooling has stopped (or at least reduced to normal levels) because the dog doesn’t need to use its tongue as much anymore to comfort itself while it adjusts to having new teeth in place.
What Are The Best Toys For Puppies During The Teething Stage?
There are some unique considerations to keep in mind when choosing toys for your puppy during the teething phase of its life.
First, you’ll want to make sure that they’re sturdy and durable enough to last through multiple chewings (and maybe even a few tosses).
You don’t want a toy that’s too small, since it could get stuck in your puppy’s throat or cause an injury if it gets sucked into his mouth.
You also need something that isn’t made of soft rubber or plastic foam this stuff can get ruined by puppy teeth, and will only encourage him to continue chewing on furniture and rugs instead of his own toys!
Sturdy Nylabones are perfect for this stage because they’re easy-to-clean hard rubber pieces that come in different sizes so you can buy one with each milestone your little guy reaches.
While you may have seen Kongs around before now they’re great for older dogs who aren’t interested in chewing on anything except tennis balls anymore but puppies love these too!
They’re made from extremely durable rubber which won’t break apart when chewed on hard enough (which is normal behavior during teething).
Curious about how much a Bichon puppy should weigh during their teething stage? Our detailed guide on Bichon puppy weight provides valuable insights and tips to ensure your puppy’s growth is on track.
How Can I Help My Puppy When It’s Teething?
The best way to help your puppy through this stage of life is to provide plenty of toys for them to chew on.
You should also keep an eye on the puppy’s behavior and make sure that they do not chew on anything inappropriate, such as your favorite pair of shoes.
If you want your puppy to be able to enjoy its toys without having any accidents, then you should make sure it has a safe place where it can chew without worrying about damaging anything in the house.
For example, if you have rugs or carpets in your home that could get ruined by chewing, then place some protective mats over them so that if something happens due to chewing (which will inevitably happen at some point), there won’t be any damage done!
You should also provide plenty of water whenever possible so that the puppy doesn’t dehydrate itself while trying out new things with its mouth!
This is especially important if there are multiple puppies sharing space together because they will all need access
| Tips for Soothing |
|---|
| Provide teething toys |
| Use Kong Puppy products |
| Offer frozen washcloths |
| Use Nylabone products |
| Provide soft and wet food |
| Avoid giving hard or tough treats |
Is There Anything I Should Avoid Doing Around My Puppy During This Stage Of Development?
While you may be tempted to give your puppy a toy that it can carry around and chew on, this could be potentially harmful.
The best toys for puppies are those that are large enough to not get stuck in their mouths, but small enough that they can hold onto them with their paws.
Gummy-type chews are also great because they won’t break off and become choking hazards when swallowed.
You should also avoid giving your puppy any toys that might have hard or sharp edges on them since these could cause injury if the puppy bites down too hard while playing with one of them.
Planning to travel with your puppy by air? It’s essential to know the right age for them to embark on their first flight. Explore our article on what age a puppy can go on a plane to prepare your furry friend for a safe and comfortable journey.
How Can I Tell If My Puppy Is In Pain From Teething?
Pain is an important indicator of when a puppy needs help. If your puppy seems uncomfortable or in pain, you should consider taking him to see the vet. Here are some signs that your puppy might be in pain:
- Swollen face
- Red gums (the color of the gums may be dark pink or bright red)
- Fever (puppies can get fevers for many reasons; it’s best to check with a vet about a fever before assuming it’s because of tooth pain)
- Irritability (puppies may cry more than usual or seem fussy)
- Lethargy (puppies tend to sleep more when they are teething, but if they are sleeping more than usual and/or seem unusually tired/depressed, this may be due to pain)
| Signs of Teething Pain |
|---|
| Excessive chewing |
| Increased drooling |
| Swollen or inflamed gums |
| Irritability or restlessness |
| Reluctance to eat hard food |
| Bleeding or tender gums |
What Happens If A Puppy Gets A Tooth Knocked Out By Accident?
If you think that your puppy has had a tooth knocked out, it is important to take him or her to the vet as soon as possible.
The vet can help get the tooth back into place and determine whether or not it needs to be removed.
During the teething phase, puppies require proper supervision and restraint. Learn how to tie out your puppy safely and effectively with our easy-to-follow guide on tying out a puppy. Ensure their well-being while allowing them to explore the world around them.
Conclusion
The teething phase is a very important period of your puppy’s development, and it can be difficult for both you and your pet.
However, you should always be on hand to provide support and comfort during this time. It’s important to understand how long it takes for puppies to get all their teeth as well as what happens if they don’t finish this process until later in life (like humans!)
So take note! And remember: no matter what happens during this process or what symptoms present themselves you are still responsible for caring for them every step along the way.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of puppy teething:
AKC: Timeline of Puppy Teething: Discover a comprehensive timeline that outlines the stages of puppy teething and what to expect during each phase.
PetMD: Puppy Teething: Learn about the teething process in puppies, including signs, symptoms, and helpful tips for managing this developmental stage.
Veterinary Dental Services: When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth?: Gain insights into the timeline of puppy tooth loss and the emergence of adult teeth, provided by veterinary dental experts.
FAQs
How long does the teething phase in puppies typically last?
The duration of the teething phase can vary, but it generally lasts for several months. It often begins around 3 to 4 months of age and can continue until the puppy is around 6 to 8 months old.
What are common signs that a puppy is teething?
Some common signs of teething in puppies include increased chewing behavior, drooling, swollen gums, irritability, and occasional bleeding gums. Providing appropriate chew toys can help alleviate discomfort.
Should I be concerned if my puppy swallows their baby teeth?
It’s generally not a cause for concern if a puppy swallows their baby teeth. In most cases, the teeth are small enough to pass through their digestive system without any issues. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or unusual behavior.
How can I help soothe my teething puppy’s discomfort?
To soothe a teething puppy’s discomfort, you can provide appropriate chew toys, such as specially designed teething toys or frozen washcloths. Avoid giving them items that are too hard or small, which can pose a choking hazard.
Is it normal for puppies to have bad breath during teething?
Yes, it’s normal for puppies to have temporary bad breath during their teething phase. The increased chewing and gum irritation can contribute to a slight odor. However, if the bad breath persists or worsens, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
