In what order do a dog's teeth change? - briefly
A dog's teeth develop in two phases: first, the deciduous or "baby" teeth erupt around 3-4 weeks of age, followed by the permanent teeth that start replacing them from around 12 weeks onwards and continue until about 6 months old.
In what order do a dog's teeth change? - in detail
A dog's dental development is a progressive process that begins before birth and continues through adulthood. Understanding this sequence is crucial for pet owners and veterinary professionals alike.
Initially, puppies are born with no visible teeth. Their first set of teeth, known as deciduous or milk teeth, begin to erupt around 2-4 weeks of age. This initial set consists of 28 teeth: 12 incisors (6 upper and 6 lower), 4 canines (2 upper and 2 lower), and 12 premolars (6 upper and 6 lower). The central incisors are typically the first to appear, followed by the lateral incisors, canines, and finally, the premolars.
Between the ages of 3-4 months, puppies start losing their baby teeth as the permanent or adult teeth emerge. This process is similar to what humans experience but occurs more rapidly in dogs. The first adult teeth to appear are usually the incisors, followed by the canines and then the premolars. By the age of 6-7 months, most puppies have lost all their deciduous teeth and have a full set of 42 permanent teeth.
The adult dental formula in dogs includes:
- 12 incisors (6 upper and 6 lower)
- 4 canines (2 upper and 2 lower)
- 16 premolars (8 upper and 8 lower)
- 4 molars (2 upper and 2 lower) - these are typically present only in larger breeds; small and medium-sized dogs often do not develop the last molar.
Proper dental care is essential throughout this developmental process. Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate chew toys, and a balanced diet can help ensure that a dog's teeth remain healthy and strong as they transition from puppyhood to adulthood.