How Many Times Do Dogs Change Teeth? Teething Period Explained

The teething period for dogs typically lasts around 3 to 4 months, during which they will go through two sets of teeth in their lifetime.

Dogs experience two sets of teeth throughout their lives: their deciduous (puppy) teeth and their permanent adult teeth. The process of losing baby teeth and growing permanent teeth usually begins around three months of age and is generally completed by six months. The wear and tear on a dog's teeth is directly related to its age; the older the dog, the more wear its teeth will show. By 4 or 5 years old, the cusps of the upper second incisors begin to wear down. At 5 years old, the cusps of the lower third incisors show slight wear, and the wear surfaces of the lower first and second incisors become rectangular. By 6 years old, the cusps of the lower third incisors are worn away, and the canines become rounded. At 7 years old, the lower first incisors are worn down to the roots, with the wear surfaces taking a longitudinal oval shape. By 8 years old, the wear surface of the lower first incisors starts to tilt forward. After this, new teeth will grow in.

What to Do During a Dog's Teething Period

1. After securing any items around the house that your puppy might chew on, make sure to provide them with suitable chew options. You can choose rubber toys designed for teething, or edible dental chews like jerky. Avoid offering hard bones, as they are too rigid and can hurt the puppy's gums.

2. If you don't find your puppy's fallen teeth, they likely swallowed them, which is completely normal. If you see a loose tooth that won't come out, you can try to help it along. If it still doesn't come out, consult your vet for extraction. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from growing in the empty sockets left by the milk teeth.Related resource:Pet Training