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When should your puppy or kitten's baby teeth fall out?

Did the Tooth Fairy visit your puppy or kitten last night? Just like in children, puppies and kittens lose their baby (deciduous) teeth at a predetermined time.
 

Puppies have 28 baby teeth and later will have 42 adult teeth. Kittens on the other hand will have 26 baby teeth and later 30 adult teeth. So, when do these baby teeth fall out, how do baby teeth look different from adult teeth, and what steps should you take early in life to protect these pearly whites life long?

If you bring a new puppy or kitten home around 8 weeks of age, more than likely most if not all of the baby teeth have erupted and are visible in their mouth.
Some really small breed dogs will have a little later eruption of some teeth, but as a general rule, these teeth will be in place around 2 months of age or earlier. Many clients come to me asking when they can expect these teeth to fall out….not only because it is exciting, but because they are sharp! I’m the first one to agree that these temporary teeth are like little needles! And, with the amount that little puppies or kittens like to play-bite as they are learning what is acceptable and not-acceptable behavior, you tend to feel these teeth often. 

The baby teeth usually start falling out around 4 months of age. The incisors (little teeth up front) fall out first starting at the center then working their way out toward the big canine teeth. Next to fall out around 5 months will be the premolars along the sides of the mouth, behind those big canine teeth. Lastly, the canine teeth will fall out at about 6 months of age. The baby teeth are pushed out of position by the incoming adult teeth, just like in children. All of the puppy or kitten’s adult teeth should be in place by 6 months of age. An exception to this rule is once again those really small breeds (Chihuahuas, Maltese, Bichons, etc). The entire schedule of teeth falling out may be delayed by 2-4 weeks, with the baby canines possibly not falling out until closer to 7 months. It is very important to check that these baby canines have fallen out at the time of spay or neuter, otherwise they may cause crowding, calculus build up, and require a second anesthetic procedure in the near future. You can read my posts on spaying your female pet and neutering your male pet here.

Will you notice these teeth falling out? Maybe. Sometimes the only hint will be a small amount of blood on a toy they are chewing on. While it can be uncomfortable to lose these teeth, puppies and kittens often continue eating and playing like normal. You may find an occasional tooth on the floor, but it is more common to not see them, as they are often swallowed by your dog or cat.

In the following pictures you will notice some differences in the appearance of baby teeth versus adult teeth. The first two pictures are of dogs. Notice how the puppy teeth are spaced further apart, and have a more pointed appearance.


When the adult teeth come in, they will be wider and closer together.


The same is true for those cute little kitten teeth. Look how small (yet incredibly sharp) these are!


And, the final picture shows adult cat teeth once erupted.


Let’s say that you have a smaller breed dog that does have some trouble losing those baby teeth. The following image will show what A LOT of retained deciduous teeth looks like. It is very important that these teeth be removed under anesthesia by your Veterinarian to prevent future dental disease.  Dr. Brittany White removed 17 teeth from this 4lb Pomeranian!


Ok, your puppy or kitten has lost all of their baby teeth and have been visited by the tooth fairy on multiple occasions. Now what?  Time to start brushing if you haven’t already! This is much easier in dogs than cats usually, but I still encourage you to try brushing your cat’s teeth as well. See my corresponding post on brushing your pet’s teeth. If you start this valuable habit when your pet is young, and continue brushing their teeth numerous times weekly, life long, you will greatly improve not only their overall health, but also the longevity of their teeth as well.

Now, remember, if you are lucky enough to find a puppy or kitten baby tooth on the floor, put it under their pillow at night!

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