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GROTON CITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

"Caring For Pets And Their People"
Providing Care For Horses, Alpacas, Llamas, Goats, Sheep, Dogs, Cats & Pocket Pets

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Your puppy will start to lose deciduous (baby) teeth some time around 4 months of age and finish losing them around 6 months of age. Usually puppies eat their baby teeth with their food. On occasion you may find one around the house. Adult teeth usually appear at the same time. Occasionally a few baby teeth will not fall out and the puppy will have two teeth in the same position. Any retained deciduous teeth need to be removed by your veterinarian to prevent serious dental disease. This procedure can be done at the same time of the spaying, neutering or after your pet's first birthday.
It is just as important to practice good dental habits with our pets as it is with our own mouths. Starting when puppies are young will help to make it more acceptable to them. Start gradually. The first week start by picking up the lip fold. It is important to do this at the same time each day to develop a routine. The second week lift the lip and rub your finger or toothbrush (soft human toothbrush, or one specifically designed for pets) gently over the teeth. The third week introduce toothpaste. Use toothpaste specifically for pets, human toothpaste can cause stomach upset if swallowed. Start by using a small amount of pet toothpaste on the brush and gently rub it across the teeth. Brush your pet's teeth once a day. Even with daily brushing some tartar buildup will occur. This will require periodic teeth cleaning and polishing at the hospital.