When do puppies change their teeth? - briefly
Puppies typically start losing their baby teeth at around 3-4 months of age. The process is usually complete by the time they are 6-7 months old, with adult teeth replacing the baby ones in that period.
When do puppies change their teeth? - in detail
Puppies, like human babies, go through a period of teething as they transition from infancy to adulthood. Understanding when and how this process occurs is crucial for pet owners to provide appropriate care and support during this phase.
Puppies are born with a set of deciduous (baby) teeth, which start erupting when the puppy is around 2-4 weeks old. This initial set consists of 28 teeth, including incisors, canines, and premolars. These baby teeth help the puppy nurse from their mother and begin to explore their surroundings.
The process of losing these baby teeth and gaining permanent adult teeth typically begins around 3-4 months of age. During this period, the roots of the baby teeth start to resorb, making way for the eruption of the adult teeth. This transition can be uncomfortable for the puppy, similar to how human babies experience discomfort during teething.
The sequence of tooth loss and replacement is as follows:
- Incisors: The baby incisors are usually the first to be replaced by the permanent ones. This process starts around 3-4 months and can take a few weeks to complete.
- Canines: Next, the puppy's canine teeth (often referred to as fangs) begin to fall out, typically between 4-6 months of age.
- Premolars: Finally, the baby premolars are replaced by adult premolars. This stage usually begins around 5-7 months and concludes by the time the puppy is about 8 months old.
By the time a puppy reaches 6-8 months of age, they should have lost all their deciduous teeth and have a full set of 42 permanent adult teeth. This includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
During the teething phase, puppies may exhibit various behaviors such as increased chewing on objects, pawing at their mouth, or even slight changes in appetite. Providing appropriate chew toys can help alleviate some of the discomfort and also serve as a form of enrichment for the puppy.
In conclusion, the teething process in puppies typically begins around 3-4 months of age and concludes by about 8 months of age. Understanding this timeline allows pet owners to anticipate and address any potential discomfort their puppy may experience during this natural developmental stage.