Contents
Introduction
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is always an exciting experience. But as a new pet parent, there are many things you need to learn about your furry friend, including their age. While some puppies come with a birth certificate, others don’t, making it difficult to determine their age. However, with the help of their teeth, you can tell how old your puppy is. In this article, we’ll show you how to use puppy teeth pictures to determine your pup’s age.
The Basics of Puppy Teeth
Like humans, puppies have two sets of teeth: baby teeth and adult teeth. Puppies start growing their baby teeth at around 2 to 4 weeks, and by the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old, they should have a full set of 28 baby teeth. These teeth are smaller and whiter than adult teeth and are not as strong. At around 3 to 4 months old, puppies begin to lose their baby teeth, and their adult teeth begin to grow. This process can take several months, and by the time they are 6 to 8 months old, they should have a full set of 42 adult teeth. Adult teeth are larger and stronger than baby teeth and are more yellowish in color.
How to Use Puppy Teeth Pictures to Determine Age
To determine your puppy’s age, you need to examine their teeth carefully. Here’s how: 1. Look at the incisors: The small teeth at the front of your puppy’s mouth are called incisors. At around 6 weeks old, puppies should have a full set of incisors. 2. Check the canine teeth: The sharp, pointy teeth next to the incisors are called canine teeth. These teeth grow in at around 3 to 4 weeks old and should be fully grown by the time your puppy is 5 months old. 3. Examine the premolars: The flat teeth next to the canine teeth are called premolars. Puppies begin to grow these teeth at around 4 to 6 weeks old and should have a full set by the time they are 5 to 7 months old. 4. Look at the molars: The large, flat teeth at the back of your puppy’s mouth are called molars. These teeth are the last to grow in and should be fully grown by the time your puppy is 7 months old.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that you can tell a puppy’s age by the number of teeth they have. However, this is not entirely true. Puppies can have missing or extra teeth, which can make it difficult to determine their age accurately. Additionally, the rate at which puppies grow their teeth can vary from one breed to another, so you need to take this into consideration when using puppy teeth pictures to determine age.
Conclusion
Determining your puppy’s age is essential for providing them with the right care, training, and nutrition. While it can be challenging to tell a puppy’s age accurately, examining their teeth can give you a good idea. By using the tips in this article, you should be able to determine your puppy’s age with ease. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your puppy’s teeth or overall health.