Dogs lose their milk teeth during the first months of life. This significant development involves symptoms such as irritability and pain, which can be alleviated with proper care.
Puppies, much like humans during growth phases, undergo physical changes such as shedding fur and, most importantly, losing their milk teeth. This stage causes various discomforts in puppies that we can alleviate through attention and care, as well as consulting a veterinarian.
When Does Teething Occur?
The teething process in dogs shares similarities with humans. Puppies are born toothless. After 2–3 weeks, their first milk teeth emerge (28 in total), marking the deciduous dentition phase. These teeth are white with a bluish hue, thinner than permanent teeth, and have crowns shaped like lilies.
Each dog develops teeth and undergoes teething at its own pace, depending on breed and size. However, this process generally occurs between 3–7 months of age and completes around 8 months. The first milk teeth to fall out, pushed by permanent teeth, are canines and incisors, followed by others, resulting in a full set of 42 teeth.
Symptoms to Watch For
Teething can be challenging for dogs, presenting symptoms similar to those in human babies. The most prominent are gum pressure, difficulty eating, increased chewing, and disturbed sleep.
In severe cases, gums may become inflamed, causing diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Monitoring symptoms is essential to assess the dog’s health and determine if veterinary care is necessary.
How to Relieve Puppy Discomfort
Puppies tend to be restless, irritable, and seek relief. You may find them chewing on cold or hard objects like branches or metal bars to soothe their discomfort.
To help, provide them with soft, chewy toys to reduce gum irritation. For extra relief, refrigerate or freeze these toys to cool them down.
During teething, dogs often struggle with chewing food. During this period, wet food is preferable to dry food. Alternatively, moisten dry food to make chewing easier.
Diet should be planned with a veterinarian to ensure it is balanced and rich in calcium.
Oral Hygiene and Professional Consultation
Along with diet, oral hygiene is crucial during this phase. Regularly brush the dog’s teeth using specific toothpaste and toothbrushes to remove food debris and prevent plaque formation.
Finally, it is always advisable to consult a specialist during every stage of teething to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Once all teeth have replaced the milk teeth, the dog should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out malocclusion or jaw misalignment, which are more effectively treated when caught early.
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