Adopting a puppy is exciting, but there's also a lot to think about: vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering or spaying. One thing you may not have given much thought to is what to expect from your puppy's teeth. Here are a few pointers about what you puppy's teeth will go through in his first few years of life.
Baby Teeth Fall Out
You might be surprised to learn that dogs, like people, have baby teeth that will eventually fall out. This is completely normal, and usually starts when a puppy is two to three weeks old. You can expect your puppy's teeth to continue falling out until he's eight weeks old.
As a puppy parent, it's important to keep an eye on the progress of his teeth. Chances are his teeth will fall out normally without any help from you, but sometimes a baby tooth won't fall out while an adult tooth is trying to emerge. This can force the adult tooth out of alignment and permanently leave it crooked or impacting other adult teeth. If you notice an adult tooth emerging while a baby tooth is still present, get your dog to a pet dentist, such as Kenmore Veterinary Hospital, immediately.
Dental Disease Can Lead To Heart Problems
Taking proper care of your puppy's dental hygiene from an early age may protect him from serious health problems later on. Experts estimate that 85% of dogs have gum disease by age 4, which can make your dog lose his teeth, experience serious pain, and even develop heart disease.
To help protect your dog from these ailments, start brushing his teeth now and make sure to take him to a pet dentist regularly for deep cleanings.
Never Ignore A Problem That Seems To Disappear
Dogs may show signs of distress if they're experiencing oral pain, like pawing at their mouths, crying while eating, or being reluctant to carry toys in their mouths. However, if you notice your puppy showing these signs and then they suddenly stop and act normally again, that doesn't mean that the problem has resolved itself.
Dental decay can hurt your dog's mouth badly, but once the decay progresses far enough, the nerve of the tooth will begin to decay. The nerve is what sends the pain signal to your dog's brain, so once the nerve is destroyed, he won't feel pain anymore. Once your dog is at this stage, he'll need medical attention to repair the damage and prevent severe infections.
With these tips, you can help to keep your puppy's teeth and overall health safe in the years to come. Make sure to ask about your puppy's current oral health during his initial vet checkup and to schedule future cleanings.
Share24 February 2015
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