Which milk teeth change in dogs? - briefly
In dogs, the milk teeth that typically erupt first are the incisors, followed by the canines and premolars. These are the teeth that will eventually be replaced by adult teeth as the dog grows older.
Which milk teeth change in dogs? - in detail
In dogs, as in humans, primary or "milk" teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth during a process known as dentition. This transition is crucial for maintaining proper oral health and function throughout a dog's life. The sequence and timing of tooth replacement can vary slightly among different breeds and individual dogs, but there is a general pattern that most dogs follow.
Dogs typically have 28 primary teeth, which include incisors, canines, and premolars. These teeth begin to erupt around three weeks of age and are fully present by the time a puppy is about six to eight weeks old. The process of tooth replacement usually starts when the dog is around three to four months old and continues until they are approximately six to seven months old.
The incisors, which are the small teeth at the front of the mouth, are the first primary teeth to be replaced by permanent ones. In dogs, there are six upper and six lower incisors on each side of the mouth. These tiny teeth are typically replaced between four to five months of age. The canine teeth, also known as the "fangs," are the next set of primary teeth to be shed. There are two upper and two lower canines in dogs, and they are usually replaced around four to six months of age.
The premolars, which are the teeth located behind the canines, are the last set of primary teeth to be replaced by permanent ones. Dogs have four upper and four lower premolars on each side of the mouth. These teeth typically start to fall out between five to seven months of age. It is essential to note that some smaller breeds of dogs may retain their deciduous premolars for a more extended period, sometimes even into adulthood.
After all the primary teeth have been replaced by permanent ones, dogs will have a total of 42 adult teeth. These include the incisors, canines, premolars, and additional molars that erupt only in the permanent dentition. Proper oral care and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial during this transitional period to ensure that any retained deciduous teeth or other dental issues are promptly addressed.