The Whole Tooth and Nothing But – biting is undoubtedly the thing I have disliked most about my puppy. He is particularly keen on using his mouth quite hard at times which can quickly dispel the sweetness and light exterior that most people notice.
Re-directing him using a chew toy or playing with a long toy to keep hands away has only worked to a limited extent as he will jump and bite down hard on whatever part of me he can grab. Not fun.
This has diminished somewhat though, and today, three days after he reached 16 weeks, I noticed that he has lost his first deciduous tooth and that the corresponding tooth on the opposite site of his upper jaw is wobbly. Another big milestone. Hooray!
Deciduous and permanent tooth buds form at approximately the same time in the foetus and split off. (Dogs have no deciduous precursors to the first premolar or molar teeth). The 28 needle-like deciduous teeth erupt at about 3 weeks of age as the puppies start weaning and are usually all present by six weeks.
The 42 permanent teeth start erupting at about 4 months and should all be present by 6 months. The pressure of the new tooth on the old tooth loosens it and eventually causes it to drop out. Deciduous teeth are often swallowed (harmlessly), although I vividly remember seeing my brother’s puppy’s deciduous canine tooth sticking out of one of my favourite toys! Dental eruption is in fact a continuous process and stops only if the tooth is lost.
Teething should be monitored as sometimes the deciduous tooth is not shed (this is more common in smaller dogs) and it needs veterinary attention. Providing safe chew toys is particularly important at this stage of development, but chew toys should be provided throughout your dog’s life. Chewing releases endorphins and helps your dog to relax.
Travis got a teething ring that I had been saving for him to celebrate “first big tooth on the way day”. It’s not the only new thing I have in hand though: once his permanent teeth start erupting in earnest, I will begin to accustom him to having his teeth cleaned. Products that contain Ascophyllum nodosum, a marine alga, have also been proven to be effective in reducing plaque.
Next week: Pride And Groom
Meanwhile, why not check out R+Dog Training Puppy Start Right Courses, the Happy Vet Visits Course which can help with accustoming dogs to having their teeth cleaned, and register for the new Puppy Social Walk in Chiswick House grounds