Puppies will lose their teeth when they are six months or older. Puppy-losing teeth are a process that puppies go through to grow healthy adult teeth. The chewing and difficulty swallowing food will become more apparent, and a vet can help you decide when to treat your pup for puppy teething symptoms.
Reasons Why Dogs Lose Teeth
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the gums and bones around your dog’s chewing muscles and can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. If left untreated, this condition may require a veterinarian’s removal of your dog’s teeth.
Suppose you’re noticing that your dog has trouble eating or is showing signs such as toothaches. In that case, it’s always best to take them straight away for an examination by a vet to get diagnosed and treated appropriately.
Trauma
Teeth are lost due to various traumas, such as being bitten, kicked, or when playing. Puppies usually lose their teeth between six and eight weeks old. If your dog doesn’t lose its teeth by around 12 months old, it may need to be examined by a vet to rule out any medical issues like infection or tooth decay.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a severe problem that both natural and artificial causes can cause. It’s one of the most common health problems in dogs. Various factors can lead to tooth decay, depending on the breed of dog – for example; whippets usually lose teeth earlier than other breeds because they eat more hard foods.
You can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy by providing good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing regularly), avoiding food high in sugar or starch, and arranging regular dental checkups with the vet. If you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as chewing on his teeth or bad breath, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine if anything needs to be done.
Ways to Keep Your Whippets Teeth Nice and Healthy
Brushing
Brushing your whippet puppies’ teeth from the day they are born is one of the best things you can do for their dental health. Always use a soft toothbrush and plenty of water to get down to the tooth surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives on their teeth – this can damage them over time. Regular checkups will help you keep your teeth nice and healthy!
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Puppies need regular teeth cleanings – even before they lose their baby teeth. A professional cleaner will check to see if any dental issues need fixing. If your puppy has regular dental checks, you can also take advantage of this home service! Teeth cleaning is essential in keeping your pup healthy and happy – ensure you get them done regularly!
Dog Dental Wipes
Dogs are often seen as man’s best friend, but it’s important to remember that they need the same care and hygiene for their teeth as we do. Giving them tooth wipes after meals is a great way to keep them healthy and clean – not to mention it makes feeding time much more enjoyable for both of you! Use a toothbrush if you want to get into the nooks and crannies (and who wouldn’t!).
However, if doing so isn’t practical or if your dog hates having anything touching their teeth, then using wipes is just as effective. So make sure to change the wipes daily or sooner, depending on how smelly they become. And lastly, always make sure your dog has good dental health by brushing their teeth regularly!
Dental Sticks
Dental sticks are a great way to keep your whippet puppies’ teeth clean and healthy. They come in different flavors, can be used wet and dry, and are just placed in their water dish. The puppies will automatically start cleaning their teeth! You may also want to reward them with the dental stick for good behavior. Make sure to replace the dental sticks every few weeks so that they always have fresh ones available!
Dog Food
Feeding your whippet puppy food high in calcium and other essential nutrients for healthy teeth development is significant. Make sure to clean their teeth regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste, as bad breath can indicate a more severe problem. If they start chewing on things or eating dirt excessively, it might be time to take them to the vet for further inspection.
Types of Adult Dog Teeth
Lower Teeth
It is usual for whippet puppies to lose their lower teeth as they grow older. This process usually starts around six to eight weeks and will continue until the puppy reaches six months old.
Occasionally, a pup may try to eat something too hard or crunchy, which can cause its teeth to come out prematurely. If this happens, you should take them immediately to the veterinarian for an examination and possible treatment.
Incisors
Incisors are the teeth at the front of your dog’s mouth. They grow and develop gradually over time but typically appear around 8-12 weeks old and will be fully developed by 12 months old.
By then, they’ll have started chewing on softer materials – as teething puppies do! So if your puppy is chewing on complex objects (or anything else), it’s essential to take him to a vet for a checkup. There might be some underlying issues that need to be addressed right away!
Canines
After whippet puppies lose their teeth, they will grow four canine teeth, two in the front and two in the back. The last set of teeth to come in are called milk teeth, and they will fall out at around 8-10 months old. Puppies that have lost all their baby teeth will probably not be able to eat solid food until they are about six months old due to a lack of jaw development.
Premolars
Premolars are the first teeth to fall out in puppies, usually around 8-12 weeks of age. They will start chewing on things more often at this time – including toys, bones, and other objects.
If your puppy is chewing excessively or on the wrong items, take them to the vet for an inspection. In some cases, premolar teeth can become stuck between the jawbone (maxilla) and tongue (pharynx), which can cause problems such as choking or obstruction of food or air intake.
Molars
After losing molars, they will chew on things to try and get to the teeth so they can eat, leading to dental problems down the track. If you notice that one or more of their molars is missing, take them straight to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible.
