Teething in dogs: when and which ones?

Teething in dogs usually begins around the age of 3 to 4 months and ends between 6 and 7 months. This process can bring on discomforts such as increased biting, drooling and changes in appetite. In this article, you can read all about teething in puppies, from the first teeth coming through to proper dental care after this process.

When do dogs start teething?

Dogs start teething between 13 and 21 weeks of age. This process occurs in stages: first the incisors come through, followed by the canines and premolars. The molars come through later and do not need to be replaced, since they form part of the adult dentition from the start.[1]

How long does teething take in dogs?

The teething process in dogs takes an average of 3 to 4 months, from the 3rd to the 7th month. This is when your puppy transitions from its milk teeth to its adult teeth.[1]

Which teeth are replaced and when?

At birth, a dog has no teeth. The milk teeth come through first and are later replaced by the adult teeth. Here is an overview of the teething process:

Symptoms of teething in puppies

Teething can cause various symptoms, such as:

1. Increased chewing behaviour: Puppies chew on objects, hands or other items more frequently. Chewing seems to ease the discomfort of teething, which is exactly why it ramps up during this stage.[1]
2. Increased saliva production: Drooling due to teething.
3. Slightly bleeding gums: A little pink staining on a chew toy is normal. Ongoing or heavy bleeding is not, and is worth a vet visit.[1]
4. Reduced appetite: Chewing can be uncomfortable due to sensitive gums.
5. Bad breath: Bacterial growth around loose teeth can cause this.
6. Mild diarrhoea or lethargy: This may be due to the stress of the teething process.

How can you support your puppy during teething?

It is important to support your puppy during teething:

• Teething toys: Chew toys give puppies an outlet and can take some of the irritation out of the process.
• Soft nutrition: Soak the food in water to make it easier for your puppy to chew, or give wet food to relieve pressure on the gums.

What dental problems can occur during teething?

Sometimes complications can arise during teething:

1. Persistent milk teeth: Milk teeth remain in place for longer, whilst the adult teeth are coming through. Small and short-nosed breeds are more prone to this. It can lead to misalignment and inflammation, since food and plaque get trapped between the two teeth.[2]
2. Malocclusion: This means the teeth do not fit together properly, which can lead to chewing problems or gum inflammation. It's often linked to those same persistent milk teeth pushing the adult tooth off course.[3]

What should you do if your puppy isn’t losing its teeth?

If your puppy is older than 7 months and still has milk teeth, or if you notice that their teeth are growing in crookedly, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Vets recommend checking a puppy's mouth weekly until around 7 to 8 months old, and any retained milk tooth found after 6 to 7 months should be removed without delay.[2] Delaying treatment can lead to jaw problems and sensitivity when eating.

Dental care after teething

Good dental care is essential for your dog’s health. Make sure you:

1. Brush daily: Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque. Brushing only helps if it happens daily, since plaque starts building back up within hours of a meal.[4]
2. Healthy nutrition: Chewable nutrition and special dental sticks can help reduce plaque and tartar.
3. Regular check-ups: Have your dog’s teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year, more often for small breeds prone to dental disease.[4]

When should you visit the veterinarian for dental care?

Consult a veterinarian if you notice that your dog:

• Has persistent bad breath.
• Has baby teeth that haven’t fallen out and are causing blockages.
• Has red or inflamed gums.
• Has difficulty eating or chewing.

Conclusion

Teething in dogs usually begins between 3 and 4 months and ends around 7 months. It's an important stretch during which your puppy will chew a lot, drool, and sometimes feel a bit off. With the right support, chew toys, soft nutrition and regular check-ups, the teething process can go smoothly for both of you. If your puppy has problems with teething, such as retained milk teeth or malocclusion, don't wait it out. Seek professional help. Good dental care helps your dog stay healthy for years to come.