Dogs change teeth as puppies, typically during the period from around three to seven months of age. The small, pointed milk teeth loosen and fall out while the permanent teeth push through, and by about six to seven months most puppies have a full set of adult teeth. It is a completely natural part of puppy life, but it can be noticeable in both mood and the urge to chew, and as an owner it is good to know what is normal and when something calls for a look from the vet.

How the change from milk teeth to permanent teeth unfolds

A puppy is born without teeth. The first small milk teeth break through during the first weeks, and by around six to eight weeks the puppy usually has its full set of 28 milk teeth. These teeth are thin, needle-sharp and built for a small mouth that does not yet have to chew through anything hard.

The tooth change itself typically begins around twelve to sixteen weeks of age. The incisors often change first, then the canines and finally the larger molars. Throughout the whole process the permanent teeth work their way up from below and press the roots of the milk teeth to break down, so the tooth loosens and falls out. When the change is complete, the adult dog has around 42 permanent teeth, that is more than in the milk-tooth set, because true molars come in. For most breeds the whole process is over by six to seven months, while some larger breeds may take a little longer.

Signs that your puppy is in the process of changing teeth

You rarely notice that a tooth has fallen out, because the puppy often swallows the tiny milk teeth while eating or playing. This is completely harmless. On the other hand, you may notice other signs: an increased urge to gnaw and chew on everything from furniture legs to shoes, a little blood on a piece of toy, mildly swollen gums or small white teeth you find on the floor or in the bed. Some puppies also become a little more whiny or eat a bit more slowly on the days when the gums are sore.

The urge to gnaw is the body's own way of easing the discomfort, and it should have a healthy outlet. Firm, cool chews help the puppy massage the gums and get the loose milk teeth to let go. Dried fish treats such as SMALL COD FISH DELIGHTS give something to bite into without becoming too hard for a young mouth, and they can be used both as an activity and as a small reward along the way during training.

Meals that suit a mouth in transition

While the gums are sore, many puppies appreciate meals that are gentle to chew and easy to get down. That is exactly why the puppy's daily food is worth thinking through during this period. The BEGINNING series is created for the finest beginning with luxurious, grain-free puppy meals composed of fresh ingredients, human-grade ingredients and carefully selected local and regional delicacies, entirely without grain and unnecessary fillers. For the small breed, the kibble in the Beginning - size - small kibble is kept at a suitable size for a smaller mouth, and for the larger puppies there is the Beginning - size - large kibble.

If the puppy has particularly sore gums during the most intense days, a soft meal can be a welcome change. THE BEGINNING PÂTÉ, 400G is prepared as a soft puppy meal that is easy to chew and to eat, and which can be served on its own or mixed into the dry kibble to make the meal more inviting. You will find the entire puppy range gathered in BEGINNING MEALS, where the meals are designed for exactly this stage of life.

Why the right treats make a difference during the tooth change

When the urge to gnaw peaks, it is an advantage to channel it onto something the puppy is actually allowed to chew. This saves both shoes and table legs and gives the puppy a healthy outlet. Soft, meaty treats such as DUCK MINI DELIGHTS or SALMON MINI DELIGHTS are easy to divide and well suited to the many small rewards that puppy training requires, without becoming too hard for a sore mouth. You will find a wider selection of small treats in mini Delights treats, and you can read more about what puppies may have as treats in general in the guide what puppies may have as treats.

Avoid very hard chews while the teeth are changing, since the permanent teeth are still settling into the jaw. Instead, choose things with a certain give, so the puppy can gnaw without biting into something completely unyielding.

How to get the puppy used to dental care while it is young

The tooth change is a good time to begin daily oral care, not by brushing the loose milk teeth hard, but by getting the puppy used to you touching its mouth and lifting its lips. Once the permanent teeth have come through, you can gradually introduce actual tooth brushing, so it becomes a natural part of everyday life. A good habit from puppyhood keeps the teeth clean and the breath fresh for the rest of life, and you can read more about how diet and oral hygiene are connected in the guide what is good dog food.

When you should contact the vet about the teeth

Most puppies get through the tooth change completely without problems, but in some cases a milk tooth does not fall out even though the permanent tooth has broken through beside it. If two teeth are in the same place as the puppy approaches seven months, it is a good idea to have it checked by a vet. The same applies if the puppy will not eat over an extended period, seems clearly in pain, or if you see persistent bleeding or swelling. If you are in doubt about anything health-related concerning the mouth, the vet is always the right place to start.

If, on the other hand, you have questions about the feeding itself, that is how best to compose the puppy's meals through the tooth change and the rest of its upbringing, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready by phone, chat and email to help you further. You will also find our entire well-considered puppy universe, where the advice comes directly from us, and where meals, treats and good advice for puppy life are gathered in one place.

The tooth change only lasts a few months, but it is a period that sets the tone for the puppy's relationship with oral care and with chewing on the right things. With gentle meals, the right chews and a calm hand around the mouth, you help your puppy through it well, so it comes out the other side with a healthy, permanent set of teeth and good habits that last a lifetime.