Dogs have some of the most evolved teeth in the animal kingdom, to help them eat, groom, and defend themselves. But how does the number of teeth a dog have compare to the number that humans have? Do dogs have more or less teeth than a human?
And do dogs lose their teeth like humans do? These are all valid questions about dogs, especially if you think your dog is losing teeth. So let's learn more about a dog's teeth to help you understand your furry friend better and know if their teeth are healthy.
How many teeth do puppies have?
Just like human babies, puppies are born without any teeth. When they are around 3 weeks old, their baby teeth start to come through and continue to come through until they are around 3 to 5 months old. When all of their baby teeth come in, they should have 28, just like human babies!
A puppy should have 14 teeth on top and 14 on bottom. This includes 12 incisors, 4 canine teeth, and 12 premolars. Puppies don't have molars.
How many teeth do adult dogs have?
A dog starts to get their permanent teeth when they are between 3 to 7 months old. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. This is 10 more teeth than an adult human. Dogs have 20 teeth in their maxilla (upper jaw) and 22 teeth in their mandible (lower jaw).
Dogs have 12 incisors, 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom, which they use for grasping objects such as their toys. They also have 4 canine teeth, 2 on top and 2 on bottom, that they use for tearing their food and toys. There are 8 premolars and 4 molars on top, and 8 premolars and 6 molars on bottom, all of which they use for chewing.
Do dogs lose their teeth?
Just like humans lose their baby teeth and grow in adult ones, so do puppies. It's normal for a puppy to lose teeth. Although it usually starts to happen when they are around 3-4 months old, when a puppy loses their baby teeth varies from dog to dog and from breed to breed.
Senior dogs may also lose their permanent teeth when they age as their bones start to weaken. But an otherwise healthy adult dog shouldn't be losing teeth.
If your adult dog is losing teeth, there's likely an underlying cause. Some issues that could cause your dog to lose teeth include:
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth decay
- Trauma
Once a dog loses their permanent teeth, they don't grow back, which can make it difficult for them to eat if they lose too many. Regular veterinary checkups and teeth cleaning can help ensure your dog's teeth are healthy and get ahead of any problems before they arise.
You can also brush your dog's teeth at home and provide dental treats to help keep their teeth clean and healthy. Avoid playing with toys too roughly to prevent accidentally pulling out one of your dog's teeth.
Always ask your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's teeth. But if your dog is still a puppy and is losing teeth, it's likely normal.