How to Tell If Your Puppy Is Teething
Puppy teething is a natural and necessary part of your dog’s development. Just like human babies, puppies experience the shedding of baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth. This process can bring about discomfort and behavioral changes, which can be identified through observation and proper care.
Understanding Puppy Teething
Puppies are born toothless. By 3 weeks of age, their baby teeth—also known as deciduous or milk teeth—start to appear. By 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth. These small and sharp teeth help them learn to eat solid foods but are eventually replaced by 42 adult teeth.
Key Signs Your Puppy is Teething
- Increased Chewing: Your puppy may start chewing on anything they can find to relieve sore gums.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling is a common sign of gum discomfort.
- Mild Bleeding: You may occasionally see traces of blood on chew toys.
- Irritability: Puppies undergoing teething may be more irritable or restless than usual.
- Loss of Appetite: Some pups eat less during this phase due to gum sensitivity.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Gums may appear red or feel spongy to the touch.
- Nipping and Mouthing: Nipping increases as puppies explore textures and seek relief from discomfort.
When Does Teething Occur?
The teething journey follows a general timeline, though individual development can vary slightly by breed and size:
- Birth to 2 Weeks: No teeth are present.
- 3 to 4 Weeks: Incisors and canines begin to erupt.
- 5 to 8 Weeks: Full baby set (28 teeth) is typically present.
- 12 to 16 Weeks: Baby teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth emerge.
- 5 to 7 Months: Full adult set (42 teeth) should be in place.
Common Teething Behaviors
Puppies may exhibit notable changes in behavior during teething. These can include:
- Chronic chewing on inappropriate items like shoes or furniture.
- Exploration with the mouth as they test textures and relieve discomfort.
- Clinginess or withdrawal depending on temperament and comfort levels.
Managing Teething Discomfort
Providing appropriate relief can make this phase manageable and ensure healthy development:
- Offer Safe Chew Toys: Choose soft rubber toys, freezable options, or edible dental chews.
- Avoid Hard Materials: Do not provide bones, antlers, or rawhide as they may damage emerging adult teeth.
- Provide Frozen Carrots: A soothing and safe natural teething aid.
- Use Puppy-Safe Dental Products: Begin brushing gently with dog-safe toothpaste.
Retained Deciduous Teeth
Sometimes, baby teeth don't fall out as scheduled. These retained deciduous teeth can lead to:
- Improper alignment of adult teeth.
- Oral pain and discomfort.
- Greater risk of periodontal disease.
It's recommended to have a veterinarian assess and, if necessary, remove retained teeth.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Contact your vet if you notice any of the following:
- Excessive bleeding or persistent drooling
- Difficulty eating or avoiding food
- Unusual gum swelling or foul breath
- Loose or misaligned adult teeth
Controlling Nipping and Mouthing
To discourage excessive biting:
- Teach Bite Inhibition: Squeal or stop play if biting becomes too hard.
- Redirect Behavior: Offer a toy when they start nipping.
- Provide Exercise: Keep them engaged and reduce overstimulation.
Long-Term Chewing Behavior
Even after adult teeth are in place, chewing remains a natural part of canine behavior, especially in active and inquisitive breeds. Maintain consistent access to safe toys to prevent behavioral regressions.
Conclusion
Teething is a challenging yet important phase in your puppy’s life. By recognizing the signs of teething and managing them appropriately, you support your puppy’s comfort and long-term dental health. Offer safe chews, initiate gentle dental care early, and monitor for any irregularities that may need veterinary attention.
