At what age do dogs get teeth? - briefly
Puppies typically begin teething around 3-4 weeks old, with their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) emerging first. Their permanent teeth start to erupt between 12-16 weeks of age.
At what age do dogs get teeth? - in detail
Dogs, like humans, undergo a process of tooth development and eruption that occurs in distinct stages throughout their lifespan. Understanding this timeline is crucial for pet owners to ensure proper dental care and hygiene.
Newborn puppies are born without any teeth. During the first few weeks of life, their milk teeth begin to develop beneath the gums. These deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth or primary dentition, start to erupt around 2-4 weeks of age. The incisors (the small front teeth) typically appear first, followed by the canines and then the premolars. By the time a puppy is 6-8 weeks old, all 28 milk teeth should have erupted.
The next significant phase in a dog's dental development occurs between 3-4 months of age when the permanent or adult teeth begin to replace the milk teeth. This process can continue until the dog is about 7 months old, depending on the breed and size of the dog. Larger breeds may take longer for all their adult teeth to erupt compared to smaller breeds.
By the time a dog reaches adulthood, typically around 1 year of age, they should have a full set of 42 permanent teeth. This includes 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. It is important to note that some breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, may retain their deciduous canine teeth throughout their lives, a condition known as "retained baby teeth."
Proper dental care should begin early in a dog's life to ensure good oral health and prevent issues like tartar buildup and gum disease. Regular veterinary check-ups, along with daily brushing and appropriate chew toys, can help maintain the health of both the deciduous and permanent teeth throughout a dog's lifetime.