When do all of a dog's teeth change? - briefly
All dogs go through two primary tooth changes: their deciduous (baby) teeth are replaced by permanent ones between 3-4 months of age, and then, as adults, they may experience changes such as wear or loss due to age or dental issues.
When do all of a dog's teeth change? - in detail
The process of tooth development and replacement in dogs is a well-orchestrated event that occurs in several stages, primarily during their first year of life. At birth, puppies are edentulous, meaning they do not have any teeth. Their deciduous or baby teeth begin to erupt around the third week after birth. This initial set of teeth, also known as milk teeth, consists of 28 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars.
The first teeth to appear are the incisors, followed by the canines and then the premolars. The deciduous teeth serve a crucial purpose in the puppy's development, allowing them to nurse effectively and begin exploring their environment through chewing. However, these baby teeth are not permanent and will eventually be replaced by adult teeth.
The replacement of deciduous teeth with permanent teeth, known as dentition, typically begins around 3-4 months of age. The incisors are the first to be replaced, followed by the canines and then the premolars. By the time a puppy reaches 6-7 months old, all of their deciduous teeth should have been shed and replaced by adult teeth.
In total, an adult dog has 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. The additional molars are not present in the puppy's initial set of deciduous teeth and will erupt as the jaw develops to accommodate them.
It is essential for dog owners to monitor their puppies during this teething process, providing appropriate chew toys to alleviate discomfort and prevent destructive behavior. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help ensure that the dentition process is progressing normally and address any potential dental issues early on.