• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Ease puppy teething pain

Posted November 2, 2017

By Pete Decker

puppy teethPuppies are born without teeth and begin teething at about three weeks. Those sharp little puppy teeth are called  deciduous or “milk teeth.”

By the time puppies are six to eight weeks old, they have a complete set of 28 teeth that are also known as “baby teeth.”

Similar to human babies, puppies target various objects to gnaw at and chew on in order to ease the itching of gums and discomfort during this phase.

Some dogs, however, never seem to outgrow the need to chew even after the puppy teeth phase is long over.

Puppy teeth timeline

Did you know that your puppy’s age can be determined by taking a look at its teeth? While different breeds vary in terms of  the timing for puppy teeth eruption, most of the progression follows a similar timeline.

  • The first sets of teeth that appear at about three weeks of age are the incisors. A total of six incisors are found at the front of a puppy’s mouth.
  • The next teeth to arrive are the sharpest of the lot and are known as canines. These have a needle-like appearance and erupt at around four weeks.
  • Next come the premolars and molars, which begin to poke their way through the gums between three and six weeks.
  • By six to eight weeks, your puppy will have gotten its last set of molars.

Easing puppy teeth pain

A teething puppy, unlike a teething baby, won’t cry and fuss with the pain of teething. Instead, your little bundle of fur will be more likely to chew on any object he might be able to get into his mouth.

That’s where your discretion should come into play.

As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to offer safe, good-quality chew toys to your puppy to help ease the discomfort of teething.

Good chew toys are flexible, soft and bend easily. Avoid anything that is hard, breakable or difficult to bend.

Caring for puppy teeth

Most veterinarians believe the earlier your puppy gets accustomed to having you handling its mouth, the better it will be for his dental and oral care in the future.

Starting in a slow and playful way will make it easier for both of you.

Brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush using toothpaste made specifically for puppies will help keep cavities and health problems at bay.

Pete Decker is the lead editor at TheGoodyPet.com. Pete loves to share his passion for pets through snippets of interesting and helpful information. You can find more from Pete on his website or by following The Goody Pet on Twitter or Facebook.

 

Related Posts

  • puppy chewing
    Dog training: rehabilitate your anxious chewer

    Rehabilitate your anxious chewer with exercise, toys, treats, training. If…

  • puppy teeth
    Destructive chewing? Try 4 strategies to stop inappropriate chewing

    Discover simple tips from using bitter apple to dog-safe chew…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page, Puppies Tagged With: Chewing, Dog teeth

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Potty trainingPit bullWorking dogsRottweilerSmall dogsWaterValentine's DayPuppy kindergartenThanksgivingtraining tipsPuppy-proofSeparation anxietySocializationOld dogsVeterinarianYorkshire terrierRescue dogPet sitterSheddingPawPoodlePandemicTicksPomeranianPetfinder.comTwo dogsPet parentsOutdoor activitiesService dogsVacation dog care

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]
  • What is canine pyometra? Understand causes, symptoms, treatment
    Canine pyometra is a serious uterine infection that affects around one in four unspayed female dogs. Spaying provides the best protection. […]
  • Can dogs eat potatoes? Are starchy vegetables safe for dogs?
    Can dogs eat potatoes? Keep your dog healthy by occasionally adding potatoes to its diet. Before changing your dog's diet, consult your vet. […]
  • Does my dog have Addison’s Disease? Understand symptoms, treatment
    Early detection and treatment are essential for canine Addison's Disease. With quick action, most dogs will make a full recovery. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.