The Teething Phase of Puppyhood

Just as with humans, puppies grow a first set of teeth, but then they lose those baby teeth to make way for their adult teeth. It is perhaps best that the teething cycles occur when a puppy is still small, and absolutely adorable. Puppy teeth hurt when they sink into your hand. They have also been known to rip through clothing, shoes, furniture, and more. However, as your puppy ages, and begins to develop adult teeth, he also develops a stronger jaw, making dog bites much more serious. It is important to pay attention to the teething phase of your puppy’s life, to instill proper behavior that will directly influence how your puppy acts as he or she grows into an adult dog.

Puppies are not born with teeth. Rather, they begin to develop their first set of teeth between four and six weeks of age. These are known as their baby teeth, and they are much smaller, and perhaps much sharper than the adult teeth. However, around three to four months of age, your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth as the adult teeth begin to push through the gums. The first adult teeth to come in are the front incisors. At six months of age, your puppy’s canine teeth will begin to come into his mouth. And, at five to seven months of age, the pre-molars and regular molars begin.

It is important to teach your puppy bite inhibition before the adult teeth are fully in his mouth. As his adult teeth come in, his mouth develops and he becomes much stronger. Teach him how to avoid using pressure with his mouth to keep yourself and others safe from dangerous dog bites. Additionally, your puppy will want to chew everything in site as he teethes. He will probably chew on you, on furniture, on your shoes, and other possessions. It is essential to provide him with plenty of chew toys to avoid risking destruction of your entire home. Whenever you see your puppy chewing on something inappropriate, direct his attention to a chew toy. As he bites on his toy, let him know you appreciate his behavior by telling him “good boy.”