The Puppy Teething Phase: What to Expect Between 5-8 Months

As puppy parents, we’re always eager to witness and understand every stage of our furry friend’s growth. One of the most significant, and often challenging, phases is the teething period. Just like human babies, puppies also go through a process where their baby teeth fall out to make way for adult teeth. This transition typically occurs between 5 to 8 months of age. Here’s what you should know about this intriguing phase.

  • Understanding Puppy Dental Development

Puppies are born toothless. Around 3-4 weeks of age, their baby teeth (also known as deciduous or milk teeth) start to emerge. By the time they’re 6-8 weeks old, puppies usually have a full set of 28 baby teeth. However, these teeth are temporary. Beginning around the 5-month mark, these baby teeth start to fall out to make room for 42 adult teeth.

  • Signs Your Puppy is Teething

Between 5-8 months, you might notice several signs indicating your puppy is teething:

Increased Chewing: Puppies will chew more during this phase to relieve the discomfort of new teeth pushing through the gums.

Finding Tiny Teeth: It’s not uncommon to find small baby teeth around the house. However, many puppies swallow them while eating, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t find any.

Red, Swollen Gums: As new teeth emerge, it’s normal for a puppy’s gums to appear redder and slightly swollen.

Drooling: Some puppies might drool more than usual during this period.

  • How to Support Your Teething Puppy

The teething phase can be uncomfortable for puppies. Here’s how you can help:

Provide Teething Toys: Specialized puppy teething toys can offer relief. These toys are often designed to be frozen, providing a soothing, cool sensation for sore gums.

Avoid Hard Toys: While it might be tempting to give your puppy a bone or a hard chew toy, these can damage emerging adult teeth. Stick to softer toys during this period.

Puppy-Proof Your Home: A teething puppy will chew on anything in sight, including furniture, shoes, and cords. Ensure your home is puppy-proofed to prevent any unwanted destruction or potential hazards.

Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular check-ups can help ensure that your puppy’s teeth are growing in correctly. Issues like retained baby teeth can be identified and addressed early.

  •  The End of the Teething Phase

By the time your puppy reaches 8 months of age, most, if not all, of their adult teeth should have emerged. However, teething behaviors might continue as they explore their new set of chompers. Continue to provide appropriate chew toys and monitor their dental health.

Conclusion

The teething phase, while a natural part of puppy development, requires patience and understanding from dog owners. By offering the right support and ensuring their dental health is on track, you can help your puppy navigate this phase with ease. Remember, those sharp little puppy teeth will soon be replaced by a strong adult set, marking another milestone in your puppy’s journey to adulthood.

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