A puppy goes through various stages of development, and one of them is the change of teeth. In this article, we would like to go into more detail about how the change of teeth occurs in a puppy dog and what measures owners can take to provide relief for the puppy during this time.

The milk teeth in the puppy

At birth, a puppy is toothless, and it takes some time for the first teeth to show. As a rule, puppies do not have teeth during the first weeks of life. This has the advantage that suckling on the mother is easier and does not cause the mother any pain.

After about two to four weeks, the puppy's first teeth, called milk teeth, begin to erupt through the gums. The term "milk teeth" has been in use for many millennia. As early as 2500 years ago, Hippocrates theorized that a living creature's first teeth are formed from its mother's milk. This is why the term "milk teeth" has survived to this day.

At about five to six weeks of age, most puppies have all their milk teeth in their mouths. At this time, they also begin to become accustomed to solid food and wean from their mother's milk. Puppies begin to eat their first puppy food and explore their environment with their new teeth. They still have to learn how hard they can bite without causing pain. Because of their pointed baby teeth, puppy bites can be uncomfortable. It is advisable to place only objects near the puppy that may be chewed when in doubt. Chewing around on soft chewing bones can make the change of teeth more pleasant and promote the development of the chewing muscles.

The change of teeth in puppies

At about 12 weeks of age, tooth change begins in most dogs. The baby teeth gradually fall out and are replaced by the permanent teeth. Owners may occasionally find the small, pointed baby teeth in the basket or around the home during this time. Some puppies barely feel the change of teeth, while others suffer from feelings of pressure and pain in the dentition as the larger permanent teeth push through the gums. In some cases, accompanying symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, lack of appetite or increased drooling may also occur. At about seven months of age, most dogs have completed the change of teeth and proudly present a strong set of teeth.

Teething relief

When a puppy is going through teething, certain measures can help provide relief. Here are some tools that can bring relief to the puppy (and owner) during this time:

Soft food with high mineral content.

During teething, inflammation can occur in the mouth, so soak the puppy's food. Hard food can cause additional pain. Treats should also be soft. A high content of calcium in the food promotes the development of the dentition and supports the change of teeth.

Cooling

Cold can reduce swelling and thus make pain more tolerable during teething. Many chewing rings can be placed in the freezer without hesitation. The ice-cold toy will cool irritated gums as they chew on it. Dog ice can also be a welcome relief during teething.

Chew bones and chew toys

During teething, puppies love to chew on anything they can find. Chew bones and chew toys should therefore be available in the puppy's basket at all times to satisfy their chewing needs.

Avoid tugging games

Tugging games should be suspended during teething, as they can aggravate swelling and inflammation in the mouth. Retrieving can also further irritate the gums. Instead, search or intelligence games should be preferred during this time. However, chewing on tug toys can provide relief for the puppy, so tug ropes are not strictly taboo.

Consult a veterinarian

If a puppy suffers unusually during teething or experiences accompanying symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian can check the condition of the dentition and recommend further treatment steps if needed.

The change of teeth in a puppy dog is a natural developmental step and can be accompanied by various discomforts. Owners should provide relief for their puppy during this time by offering soft food with high mineral content, allowing cooling with cold toys, providing chew toys and chews, and refraining from tugging games. If symptoms are severe, a veterinarian should be consulted to ensure proper treatment. With proper care and nurturing, owners can help ensure that the teething process is as comfortable as possible for their puppy and that he grows up with a healthy set of teeth.