Teething Process Time Pattern
Dog teething follows the pattern of 'incisors first, then canines, finally molars': At 4-5 months old, incisors (6 each top and bottom) begin to fall out, permanent teeth grow in original positions; At 5-6 months old, canines (2 each top and bottom, sharp 'fangs') fall out and replace, dogs may refuse hard food due to gum pain; At 6-8 months old, molars (back teeth for chewing) complete replacement, entire teething period ends, adult dogs have 42 teeth total.
"Teething period is an important stage in puppy growth. Correct care can ensure healthy tooth development." - Pet Dental Expert
Typical Teething Symptoms
Typical teething symptoms include: increased saliva secretion (50% more than usual), increased chewing frequency (over 2 hours daily chewing time), red and swollen gums (especially canine roots will be pink swollen).
Address 'destructive chewing' with graded approach: Mild chewing (chewing slippers, socks) can provide rubber chew bones (hardness similar to pencil eraser); Moderate chewing (chewing furniture corners) need nylon rope knot toys (moderate hardness, can satisfy chewing needs); Severe chewing (chewing walls, wires) need to use Kevlar anti-chew toys, and spray bitter agent (like diluted apple cider vinegar) on forbidden items.
Double Row Teeth Problem Handling
'Double row teeth' is the most common teething problem (about 20% occurrence rate), judgment standard is: permanent teeth have grown but corresponding baby teeth haven't fallen out, and spacing between them is less than 2mm. If baby teeth remain over 1 week need extraction, otherwise will cause 'plaque accumulation speed 3 times faster', may lead to periodontitis in 2-3 years.
Tooth extraction needs to be done under general anesthesia, best time for puppy extraction is 6-7 months old (when baby tooth roots have started absorbing, extraction difficulty is low). Teething period oral cleaning can be done in three steps: first gently massage gums with fingers (once daily, let dogs adapt to oral contact); after 1 week use finger toothbrush dipped in warm water to wipe (focus on cleaning canines and molars); finally can try pet-specific toothpaste (chicken flavor most popular), 2-3 times weekly is sufficient.
Diet Adjustment Recommendations
For diet, teething puppy food hardness needs 'gradual progression': 4-5 months old (incisor stage) can soak puppy food with warm water to 'crush without hard core'; 5-6 months old (canine stage) switch to semi-dry puppy food (soak 3 minutes); 6-8 months old (molar stage) feed dry dog food directly, naturally clean teeth through chewing.
If dogs refuse food due to gum pain, can cook chicken breast and tear into fine strips (temperature not exceeding 40°C), daily feeding amount not exceeding 1% of body weight, avoid malnutrition. After teething period ends, check if tooth count is complete (adult dogs 42: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, 10 molars), if missing need X-ray to confirm if 'impacted teeth' (teeth that haven't grown out).