Ness Lake Retrievers Newsletter February 2010
Many of you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of your new family member. I thought this may be a good time to review what you will need to have ready and information you may want to read. Inform yourselves on the methods of training that will be suitable for your and your family. Our recommended reading is
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Behavior 7 - 12 Weeks
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Puppy’s Teeth
During puppy hood, dogs grow 28 puppy teeth. These teeth arrive between their sixth and eighth week of life. At that age, they do not need teeth for grinding or tearing. These larger teeth arrive later in their first year. Puppy teeth fall out and larger adult teeth replace them. This process is extremely uncomfortable for the puppy. During this time, puppies chew everything they can to push the teeth through the gums quickly. Keep your pet from damaging furniture and personal belongings by providing plenty of durable chew toys. It is common for puppies to swallow their teeth. Consult a veterinarian if the puppy tooth does not completely fall out. Some teeth catch between adult teeth. A veterinarian will safely remove the baby tooth.
Incisors ~ The first teeth to fall out are the incisors. Incisors start falling out around the puppy's third or fourth month Canines ~ Canines, or fang teeth, fall out around the fourth month. Molars ~ Premolars begin to fall out around the sixth month. During this time, the adult molars arrive. Adult molars finish the teething process.
Within eight months, your puppy's teeth now include 42 adult teeth. The breed of dog determines the speed at which teeth fall out. Larger breeds grow their full set of adult teeth before a toy breed.
How to brush your dog's teeth
Start by rubbing and handling the outside of your dog's muzzle with your fingers. Then, insert your fingers into the dog's mouth and rub along the outside of the teeth.
After a few days, when your dog is used to this, introduce some veterinary approved toothpaste. Many pet toothpaste’s come in flavors dogs love such as poultry, beef, tuna.
Let the dog lick the toothpaste off your fingers, then gently insert your fingers with the paste into his mouth.
After a few days of practice, apply the toothpaste to a special finger brush or a regular toothbrush for pets
Puppy Month