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Canine
Dental Growth
When the "puppy teeth"
start to come in, it is nature's
way of saying it is now time to
start eating solid food. From
approximately two to five months
of age, the puppy teeth are sharp,
narrow teeth used to consume solid
food and for play. Starting at
approximately two months of age,
the puppy teeth begin to be replaced
with "adult teeth."
It starts with the incisors (middle
upper and lower teeth), then replacement
moves back towards the canines,
premolars, and the molars. The
puppy teeth are completely replaced
and the adult teeth are grown
in by about nine to ten months
of age.
Chewing
as a Result of Teething
During puppy teething, it is normal
for dogs to increase their chewing.
This is a good thing because it
helps the teeth become solid in
the mouth as it exercises the
connection between the bone and
the teeth. However, since chewing
seems to reduce teething discomfort,
it is common for dogs to begin
to chew inappropriate items during
this period and then continue
the habit throughout life. Using
the following methods helps prevent
this:
| 1) Maintain
careful supervision of the
puppy during the teething
period. |
| 2) Provide the
puppy with many appropriate
chew toys - especially hard
consumable chews. |
| 3) Look for
toys that allow some tooth
penetration, like dental ropes
and hard rubber toys. |
| 4) If you find
an inappropriately chewed
object, either prevent access
to it or make the target taste
bad to the dog. |
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- A home remedy
for a taste deterrent is underarm
antiperspirant. Pet stores
sell many excellent taste
repellants, as well. |
| 5) Praise the
puppy VERBALLY for chewing
on appropriate objects. |
Additional
References
Refer to the following topics
for additional information that
may be helpful with puppy teething:
"Introducing Playful
Toys"
"Nipping/Play Biting"
"Teaching Positive Chewing" |
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