How many baby teeth does a dog have?
Just like us humans, dogs are born without teeth and then develop milk teeth first, which after a while are replaced by their permanent teeth. Six incisors, two canines and six molars each grow in the upper and lower jaws. The milk teeth in dogs consist of a total of 28 teeth, which usually break through between the third and sixth week of life.
The change of teeth in the dog
The change of teeth in dogs usually takes place between the fourth and seventh month of life. In this phase, the young four-legged friend loses his milk teeth. They are replaced by permanent teeth. The duration of the change of teeth can vary, although it is generally completed more quickly in larger breeds than in smaller ones.
How many permanent teeth does a dog have?
Dogs have a permanent set of 42 teeth. In the upper jaw there are six incisors, two canines and twelve molars. It looks similar in the lower jaw. However, dogs have two more molars there than in the upper jaw.
Possible problems when changing teeth
As a rule, the change of teeth in most dogs runs without any major problems. Many dog owners hardly notice it. The milk teeth that have fallen out are partially swallowed or get stuck in the four-legged friend’s toy.
However, it may well be that the change of teeth in your dog is not without problems and is associated with severe pain. This is usually due to the fact that a milk tooth does not fall out and the underlying permanent tooth nevertheless breaks through. This is usually caused by disturbances in the growth of the jawbones.
The following symptoms, among others, can occur:
- toothache
- Fever
- listlessness
- stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
The problems described when changing teeth are particularly common in small dog breeds. If your dog is affected, you should definitely consult a veterinarian. In this case, extraction of the milk tooth is often unavoidable in order to give the new tooth the space it needs.
In this way you can support your dog with the change of teeth
As the owner, you have a number of options to help your dog change teeth. With suitable chewing snacks and chewing toys, you can provide distraction and also protect your furniture from your four-legged friend’s teeth.
On the other hand, you should avoid tugging games with your dog during the change of teeth. If your four-legged friend refuses to eat dry food, it can help to soak it. Alternatively, you can also feed him wet food to make it easier for him to eat despite a possible toothache.
Dental care is also essential for dogs
Your dog needs healthy teeth. For this reason, it is important that you pay sufficient attention to his dental care.
With chewing articles, such as chewing bones made from cowhide, your four-legged friend can pursue their natural urge to chew and train their jaw muscles. In addition, chewing on the chewy snack removes leftovers from between the teeth, stimulates the flow of saliva and removes plaque from the teeth.
In addition, we recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Do not use your own toothpaste for this purpose, but use a product suitable for dogs and a special toothbrush with long and soft bristles. Alternatively, you can also use a so-called finger toothbrush. This has nubs and can be slipped over the finger.
If possible, train your dog to brush his teeth from a young age. This helps the four-legged friend to get used to this initially unpopular procedure.
Treating dental disease in dogs early
Tartar is a widespread problem, especially in small dog breeds, which over time can lead to painful dental diseases such as periodontitis. In addition to thorough dental care, it is therefore advisable to have your dog’s teeth checked regularly by the vet and to have tartar removed if necessary.
Conclusion
Toothache is no less unpleasant for your dog than it is for you. Be it problems during the change of teeth or dental diseases such as tooth decay – treatment of the teeth by a veterinarian is often unavoidable. The costs involved should not be underestimated. Extracting a tooth, like removing tartar, can quickly cost several hundred euros.