Does your puppy seem to have made a full-time job of "biting things"? Chances are he is busy changing teeth. Puppies are known for biting a lot. They do this to investigate their environment. This chewing behavior increases again during the change period. But how does the teeth change in dogs?
Read on to learn all about how your puppy changes its teeth!
Teeth of dogs
When your puppy is 3 weeks old, the first teeth begin to emerge. The milk teeth are complete around 3 months. Your little four-legged friend will then have 12 front teeth, 4 canines and 12 small molars. From 4 months onwards, the change to adult teeth starts. First the front teeth are next, followed by the small molars and canines.
The permanent large molars are also coming through. At around 6 months, your puppy's teeth consist of 12 front teeth,
4 canines, 16 small molars and 8 to 12 large molars.
Is your dog already 6 months old and wondering when you can hand over all those baby teeth to the teeth fairy? Then unfortunately we have to disappoint you. Usually dogs just swallow their baby teeth as soon as they drop out.
Problems changing puppy teeth
How do you notice the change? During the transition period, puppies have an extra tendency to chew and bite. A special teether - which you may put in the fridge beforehand - helps to control this behavior. Prevent your dog from finding it normal to bite your hands. Sometimes puppies also suffer from diarrhea and produce more saliva. This is harmless.
In dogs with upright ears you can sometimes see that they temporarily hang during the exchange. This is because your puppy needs calcium to make the new teeth. Good food contains enough calcium to support this process.
Usually, changing the teeth in puppies goes well by itself. The only problems that occur are milk teeth that do not fall out by themselves, too many or too few adult teeth and an abnormal position of the jaws. Smaller varieties, such as
Shih-Tzu's and Yorkshire Terriers are relatively more likely to have dental problems when changing. If you are unsure whether something is wrong, be sure to visit the vet for a dental check-up. This way you prevent nasty infections.
Toothbrushing?
During the change it is smart to let your dog get used to
dental care. This will allow you to brush the permanent teeth more easily, but be careful and do not use a toothbrush just yet. Simply lifting the lips, letting them taste the dog toothpaste and checking the teeth with your finger is enough.
Dental care and food
In terms of food, the best option is to give your puppy special food for growing dogs.
In the Fokker range you will find puppy food for small, medium and large breeds.
Does your puppy seem to have made a full-time job of "biting things"? Chances are he is busy changing teeth. Puppies are known for biting a lot. They do this to investigate their environment. This chewing behavior increases again during the change period. But how does the teeth change in dogs?
Read on to learn all about how your puppy changes its teeth!
Teeth of dogs
When your puppy is 3 weeks old, the first teeth begin to emerge. The milk teeth are complete around 3 months. Your little four-legged friend will then have 12 front teeth, 4 canines and 12 small molars. From 4 months onwards, the change to adult teeth starts. First the front teeth are next, followed by the small molars and canines.
The permanent large molars are also coming through. At around 6 months, your puppy's teeth consist of 12 front teeth,
4 canines, 16 small molars and 8 to 12 large molars.
Is your dog already 6 months old and wondering when you can hand over all those baby teeth to the teeth fairy? Then unfortunately we have to disappoint you. Usually dogs just swallow their baby teeth as soon as they drop out.
Problems changing puppy teeth
How do you notice the change? During the transition period, puppies have an extra tendency to chew and bite. A special teether - which you may put in the fridge beforehand - helps to control this behavior. Prevent your dog from finding it normal to bite your hands. Sometimes puppies also suffer from diarrhea and produce more saliva. This is harmless.
In dogs with upright ears you can sometimes see that they temporarily hang during the exchange. This is because your puppy needs calcium to make the new teeth. Good food contains enough calcium to support this process.
Usually, changing the teeth in puppies goes well by itself. The only problems that occur are milk teeth that do not fall out by themselves, too many or too few adult teeth and an abnormal position of the jaws. Smaller varieties, such as
Shih-Tzu's and Yorkshire Terriers are relatively more likely to have dental problems when changing. If you are unsure whether something is wrong, be sure to visit the vet for a dental check-up. This way you prevent nasty infections.
Toothbrushing?
During the change it is smart to let your dog get used to
dental care. This will allow you to brush the permanent teeth more easily, but be careful and do not use a toothbrush just yet. Simply lifting the lips, letting them taste the dog toothpaste and checking the teeth with your finger is enough.
Dental care and food
In terms of food, the best option is to give your puppy special food for growing dogs.
In the Fokker range you will find puppy food for small, medium and large breeds.
