Puppies, just like adults during growth, go through physical changes such as hair growth and the most important tooth change. This phase results in various problems for the puppy that we can alleviate with attention and care, but also by contacting a veterinarian.
When the teeth change
The teething stage of the dog has similarities with humans. In fact, furry animals are born without teeth. Only after 2-3 weeks the first milk teeth appear (28 in total) and the phase is called deciduous dentition. The white color is bluish white, they are much thinner than the permanent ones and have a crown similar to the shape of a lily.
Each specimen develops its teeth and changes according to its own time, different and size but in general this process takes place between 3-7 and 8 months. which are driven by the permanent ones, are the canines and incisors. followed by others to form a set of 42 teeth.
Symptoms to consider
Changing teeth is not a simple situation for dogs with some symptoms that are very similar to newborns. The most acute is the feeling of pressure in the gums, difficulty eating, increased chewing and disturbed sleep.
In more severe cases, the gums can become inflamed, a discomfort that can cause diarrhea, fever and weakness. Monitoring the symptoms is a fundamental element because it allows us to understand the health status of the dog and whether it is appropriate to contact a veterinarian.
How to relieve the discomfort of the puppy
Puppies tend to be restless, irritable and comfort seeking. You may see them chewing on cold or hard objects such as branches or irons to relieve their pain.
To help them we can give them soft and chewy chew toys to reduce gum discomfort. For added comfort we can also put the toys in the fridge or freezer to keep them cooler.
Usually during the teething phase dogs find it difficult to chew their food, at this time wet food is better than dry food or above all it should be wet to make it easier to chew.
The food must be approved by the veterinarian, because it must be balanced and rich in calcium.
In addition to nutrition, oral hygiene is very important at this stage. We should always brush our teeth with a specific toothpaste and toothbrush to remove food residues and prevent the formation of plaque.
Finally, at each stage of teething it is always better to consult a specialist who can evaluate the situation and act appropriately. In fact, once all the teeth have been replaced, the dog must be visited by a veterinarian to prevent malocclusions or jaw misalignments that can be more effectively resolved if caught at the right time.