Tips for dog/cat teething stages

Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your family is very exciting, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges — one of which is teething. Just like human babies do, puppies and kittens go through the process of teething. However, this can be difficult for dogs and cats alike, and sometimes, it’s difficult even for their pet parents to cope. Knowing how to manage the dog and cat teething stages will make this phase much smoother.

Puppy Teething Stages

Puppies are born without teeth since they initially rely on their mother’s milk for nourishment. However, their baby and adult teeth are already forming within their jaws even before birth. Here’s a breakdown of the puppy teething timeline:

Baby Teeth Eruption: Puppy, deciduous baby teeth emerge at around three weeks. This is also when puppies can start transitioning to solid food alongside nursing. The incisors and canines are the first to come in, followed by premolars. By 6-8 weeks, a puppy’s mouth is filled with 28 baby teeth.
The Transition: Most puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 3.5 months old, but the process can extend to 4 or 5 months, especially for larger breeds. The incisors are the first to fall out, making way for adult teeth. Finding a tiny white tooth on your floor is expected, although it is often swallowed.
Completion of Teething: The process continues until puppies are approximately six months old. Incisors and canines emerge between 3-5 months, premolars appear at 4-6 months, and the adult molars complete the transition at around 5-7 months. In total, adult dogs have 42 teeth.

Kitten Teething Stages of Growth

Kittens, like puppies, go through teething phases: first, when their baby teeth emerge, and second, when permanent ones replace these baby teeth. However, as they grow, they develop a set of baby teeth. The kitten teething timeline is as follows:

Birth to 2-4 weeks: A kitten’s incisors, tiny teeth at the front of the upper and lower jaws, emerge. There are typically six on the top and six on the bottom.
3-4 weeks: Canines, the long teeth just outside the incisors, come in. Kittens have four canines—two on the top and two on the bottom.
4-6 weeks: Premolars, used for grinding food, are the last baby teeth to appear. Kittens have three premolars on each side of their upper jaw and two on each side of their lower jaw.
Eight weeks: By eight weeks, kittens usually have all 26 baby teeth.

Transition to Adult Cat Teeth

After their baby teeth have come in, kittens will eventually transition to a complete set of adult cat teeth, which total 30. This process typically occurs as follows:

3 ½ to 4 months: Baby incisors begin to fall out and are replaced by adult incisors.
4 to 5 months: Baby canines and premolars begin to fall out, and adult canines, premolars, and one molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws emerge.
5 to 7 months: By around six months of age, kittens usually have their complete set of 30 adult teeth.

Signs of Teething in Dogs and Cats

During teething, puppies and kittens may display various symptoms, such as:

Discomfort
Difficulty Eating
Drooling
Bad Breath
Chewing
Increased Mouthiness in Puppies
Destructive Behavior

How to Help a Teething Kitten and Puppies

Provide proper chew toys for teething kittens and puppies to soothe their gums and encourage healthy dental development. Make sure the toys are specifically designed for pets and will not splinter. You can try freezing a damp washcloth or a toy to offer a soothing sensation. Gently massaging their gums might help relieve discomfort as well. If there is severe pain, seek guidance from a veterinarian for proper action. Monitoring habits of chewing and the environment is necessary during this stage.

Conclusion

The teething periods in puppies and kittens are critical phases of the overall growth and development process. Knowing when these occur and recognizing their signs is essential for good pet ownership. Proper care and support during teething ensures your furry friends become healthy and happy adult pets.