Dog owners might all have the same question: when do puppies lose their teeth? It’s a good idea for dog owners to have an idea of when their puppies are going to lose their teeth. Obviously, puppies are not all going to lose their teeth at the exact same time.
It’s important to remember that breed differences between dogs are also essential to take into consideration. Dog breeds can often be so different from one another that they almost seem like members of different species, even though they aren’t.
However, there are still certain trends in canine development to keep in mind.
Teeth In Puppies Throughout Their Development
Puppies get their baby teeth at around three weeks of age. They won’t have back molars because they are relying on their mother’s milk at that point. Puppies will typically start losing their baby teeth and getting their adult teeth at around four months of age.
They will usually only have around twenty-eight puppy teeth. As adults, dogs will have about forty-two teeth. When dogs are around eight months old, all of their adult teeth should be present and accounted for, at least with most breeds of dogs.
Adult teeth in dogs are going to be sturdier, but they will typically be less sharp than puppy teeth.
Breed Differences and Teeth
Bigger dogs might manage to get their teeth slightly sooner, and smaller dogs might get their teeth slightly later. Larger dogs are typically more closely related to wolves.
Smaller dogs have literally been bred for a more puppy-like appearance and more puppy-like qualities. As such, it isn’t surprising that they are literally going to seem like they stay puppies for longer.
Small Dogs and Teeth
Small dogs typically have tinier and narrower jaws, and this means that they are not going to have as much room for their teeth. They might be more prone to problems with crowding than larger dogs.
They also might have fewer teeth than some larger dogs. Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and boxers tend to have larger jaws on the bottom than they do on the top, and this can have an effect on their teeth and their bites.
Considerations With Tooth Loss in Puppies
Final Verdict
Dog owners should remember that dogs are individuals and there will be some variations when it comes to their tooth development. There are trends to keep in mind, of course, and this will help bring order to all of the chaos inherent to animal development of all kinds.
However, it is a good idea for people to remember that many tooth problems in all animals can still be corrected, and they really don’t have to worry one way or another. Puppies will get their teeth when they get their teeth.
Sources:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/teeth.html
http://www.akc.org/press-center/akc-syndicate/ask-akc/dogs-permanent-teeth/