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How many teeth does a puppy have?

Dogs and puppies are cute and cuddly. They are also omnivores which means they eat meat and can eat plant matter too (although are are fine just eating meat). Even the cutest pup has a strong set of teeth.

But how many teeth does a puppy have?

Puppies should have 28 puppy (or baby) teeth. They then get 42 permanent teeth as an adult.

Just like humans Puppies are prone to decay or gum disease. They can get gum abscesses and can get ill from their teeth.

Like humans, dogs need a healthy mouth to maintain their general health. I asked an dog writer for advice for ensuring a healthy set of teeth. 

Chris the dog expert from Oodle Life writes about crossbreed dogs like the Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle or Labradoodle. They have written an extensive article about Labradoodle puppies and their teeth. 

Turns out just like humans, puppies have baby teeth! These puppy teeth should apparently all be lost by around six months.

Puppies should have 28 puppy (or baby) teeth. They then get 42 permanent teeth as an adult.

Five fast facts about Puppy teeth by dog expert Chris

  • Puppies have twenty eight teeth
  • All teeth are typically lost by age 6 months
  • Puppies chew ALOT when they teeth and lose their baby teeth
  • Adult dogs like the Labradoodle have around 42 permanent adult dog teeth
  • Puppies are born without ANY teeth and they grow in just like humans 

To keep puppy and dog teeth healthy, nothing beats a balanced diet and some at home care.

Vets or Dog Dentists can scale teeth if necessary but this has to be done under General Anaesthetic whole the dog is asleep.

At home care to look after your pets teeth is a much safer, more cost effective and happier way to avoid trouble.

So besides diet what kind of at home care is recommended? Well for many dogs it’s toothbrushing!

Chris the dog writer also shared three tips to get your puppy used to tooth brushing 

  • Start without toothpaste – slowly introduce small amounts as compliance improves 
  • Have plenty of treats and rewards ready for after 
  • Persistence is key! Your dog may never love brushing, but with patience you can get them to tolerate it (just)

Sounds pretty similar to teaching kids to brush! 

Just a final note from us human dentists – do not to use human toothpaste for dogs, as it’s not designed for their bodies.

Some flavoured toothpaste actually use xylitol also which is an artificial sweetener. Xylitol is very toxic to dogs when consumed. So don’t risk it and stick with dog toothpaste.

Thanks to Chris from Oodle Life! You can check out the 35 best indoor dog games and activities to play with your puppy on his site.

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