Dog Teething Stage: Age in Months Explained
Section 1: When Do Puppies Start Teething?
According to statistics, the timing of a puppy's teething process can be referenced as follows:
At around 20 days old, puppies begin to grow their first teeth; by 4 to 6 weeks, the incisors are fully in place. As the puppy approaches 2 months of age, most of the deciduous teeth will have grown in. These baby teeth are typically white and have a pointed, delicate shape.
Between 2 to 4 months of age, the puppy will start to replace its first incisors;
By the 5 to 6month stage, the second and third incisors, as well as the canine teeth, will begin to be replaced;
After 8 months of age, all teeth should have been replaced. However, due to the individual differences in each puppy, the teething process may vary. Some puppies may start teething as early as 4 or 5 months, while the slowest may not finish until 2 months old.
Section 2: What to Pay Attention to During the Puppy Teething Period?
1. Provide Soft Foods:
During the teething phase, puppies may experience pain and a decrease in appetite. As a result, pet owners should prepare some easytoswallow foods that require minimal chewing, such as softened dry kibble, canned food, or milk powder.
2. Offer Dental Chews:
Puppies may feel itchy in their teeth during this time, so it's essential to provide dental chews and toys to help them with their teething needs. This prevents them from gnawing on furniture or other items. Be sure to choose largersized dental toys to avoid the risk of the puppy swallowing them.
3. Relieve Teething Pain:
Puppies may experience symptoms like swollen and painful gums during teething. Since each puppy's constitution varies, some may find the process particularly painful. Owners can help by dampening a towel with ice water, chilling it, and then applying it to the puppy's mouth to soothe the discomfort. Alternatively, you can use a damp cloth chilled in the refrigerator. It's also important to monitor for signs of gum inflammation or swelling, and if present, consider using a product like Lefran's spray to help with inflammation and pain relief.
4. Observe the Growth of New Teeth:
During the teething process, pet owners should monitor the normal shedding of the old teeth and the proper growth of the new ones. Sometimes, the new teeth may emerge while the old ones remain, which can cause misalignment. If the puppy is not aggressive and you're sure it won't bite, gently wiggle the loose tooth to help it fall out. If the puppy is fearful or becomes aggressive, it's best to consult a veterinarian for assistance in removing the tooth.
The teething period is a time of rapid growth for puppies. It's also important to ensure they receive proper nutrition. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert.
