Dog Teething At 1 Year — Tips

Introduction to Dog Teething

Dog teething, often referred to as puppy teething, is a natural developmental stage where puppies grow and replace their teeth. Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth and begin to develop their first set of baby teeth within the first few weeks of age. As puppies teethe, they experience discomfort and increased chewing as their new teeth push through the gums. This is a normal part of growing up for every puppy, and understanding the puppy teething timeline can help pet parents know what to expect. Typically, puppies start to lose their baby teeth around 12-16 weeks of age, making way for their adult teeth. By being aware of the signs and providing the right support, pet parents can help their puppy navigate this important phase with less stress and more comfort.

Key Takeaways

Most dogs complete the teething process by 8 months, but some larger breeds may continue until 12 months of age

Persistent teething symptoms at 1 year often indicate retained baby teeth or other dental issues requiring veterinary attention

Chewing behavior in 1-year-old dogs is typically behavioral rather than teething-related once adult teeth are established

Proper dental care becomes essential once your dog’s permanent teeth are fully developed

Early intervention for dental problems prevents long-term complications and maintains your furry friend’s oral health

Is My 1-Year-Old Dog Still Teething?

If your dog is showing signs of teething at 1 year old, you’re likely wondering if this is normal or cause for concern. The truth is, most dogs finish their teething process well before reaching their first birthday. By 6-8 months of age, most puppies have shed all their baby teeth and developed their complete set of 42 adult teeth. A puppy begins teething at around 3 weeks old, when their baby teeth start to emerge.

However, some individual dogs and certain larger breeds may experience extended teething that continues until 10-12 months of age. This variation depends on several factors including breed size, genetics, and individual development patterns. German Shepherds, Great Danes, and other large breeds sometimes follow a slightly delayed timeline compared to smaller dogs. Most puppies stop teething by 10-12 months of age, although some may finish a bit earlier or later depending on their unique development.

The key is distinguishing between actual teething and behavioral chewing. True teething involves physical discomfort from emerging teeth, swollen gums, and the natural urge to relieve pressure through chewing. In contrast, behavioral chewing at 1 year typically stems from boredom, anxiety, or simply learned habits rather than dental development.

Common puppy teething symptoms and other puppy teething symptoms to watch for include visible baby teeth that haven’t fallen out, swollen or bleeding gums, excessive drooling, and obvious discomfort when eating. If these symptoms persist at 1 year, it’s time for a veterinary evaluation. It is also common for puppies to harmlessly swallow their baby teeth during the teething process, especially while eating.

The transition to adult teeth begins around 4-5 months when puppies start teething in earnest. During this phase, baby teeth fall out as permanent teeth push through the gums. The development of canine teeth during this stage is crucial, as these teeth play a significant role in a puppy’s growth and jaw strength. This process usually completes by 6-8 months for approximately 90-95% of dogs.

Age Range	Normal Development	Late Teething Concerns
3-4 weeks	First baby teeth emerge	Delayed emergence past 6 weeks
8 weeks	All 28 baby teeth present	Missing multiple baby teeth
4-5 months	Adult teeth begin emerging	No adult teeth visible
6-8 months	Teething process complete	Retained baby teeth present
12 months	All adult teeth established	Any baby teeth remaining

Age Range

Normal Development

Late Teething Concerns

3-4 weeks

First baby teeth emerge

Delayed emergence past 6 weeks

8 weeks

All 28 baby teeth present

Missing multiple baby teeth

4-5 months

Adult teeth begin emerging

No adult teeth visible

6-8 months

Teething process complete

Retained baby teeth present

12 months

All adult teeth established

Any baby teeth remaining

Large breed dogs like German Shepherds and Great Danes may experience slightly extended timelines, with some individuals completing the teething process as late as 10-12 months. However, any dog retaining baby teeth or showing active teething symptoms beyond 12 months requires professional evaluation.

Factors affecting teething duration include breed size, with toy breeds sometimes experiencing delayed shedding of deciduous teeth, and individual genetics that influence developmental timing. Most dogs reach their adult weight and skeletal maturity around the same time their permanent teeth fully establish. It is important to monitor your puppy’s dental health from a young age to ensure proper development and prevent future dental issues.

Puppy Teeth Vs. Adult Teeth

Puppy teeth, also known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth, are the first set of teeth that puppies develop. These 28 baby teeth are smaller, sharper, and more delicate than adult teeth, making them perfect for a young puppy’s early needs but not strong enough for the demands of adulthood. As puppies grow, their baby teeth begin to fall out and are gradually replaced by 42 adult teeth, which are larger, stronger, and designed for effective chewing and biting. The teething process, which usually starts around 3-4 months of age, involves the gradual loss of puppy teeth and the emergence of permanent teeth. By the time puppies stop teething, they have a full set of adult teeth, which are essential for their long-term health, proper chewing, and overall well-being.

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

Understanding how many teeth dogs have is important for monitoring your pet’s dental health. Puppies are born with 28 baby teeth, which start to fall out as they reach 3-4 months of age. As the teething process continues, these baby teeth are replaced by a total of 42 adult teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth plays a specific role in helping dogs chew and process their food efficiently. For pet owners, knowing the normal number of teeth and their development can help identify any dental issues early, ensuring your puppy or adult dog maintains a healthy mouth and a strong ability to chew throughout their life.

Common Issues at 1 Year of Age

Several dental complications can occur when dogs reach 1 year of age, particularly if the teething process hasn’t proceeded normally. The most frequent issue involves retained baby teeth that fail to fall out naturally, creating a “double teeth” appearance when adult teeth emerge alongside deciduous teeth. It is important to monitor your puppy's teeth for abnormalities during this stage to ensure healthy dental development.

This overcrowding leads to several problems including increased plaque buildup, gum irritation, and potential misalignment of the permanent teeth. Food particles easily become trapped between the extra teeth, accelerating bacterial growth and increasing the risk of dental problems. Caring for your dog's teeth with regular brushing and appropriate dental hygiene products is essential to prevent these issues.

Delayed eruption of adult molars represents another concern, especially in larger breeds where the back teeth may emerge later than expected. While this can be normal variation, persistent gaps or missing adult teeth at 1 year warrant veterinary assessment.

Misaligned teeth due to overcrowding or genetic factors become apparent once all adult teeth should be established. These malocclusions can interfere with proper chewing, increase wear on certain teeth, and create areas where bacteria accumulate more readily. Certain activities, such as tug-of-war, can cause further pain to dogs experiencing dental discomfort, so it is important to monitor their behavior and provide appropriate chew toys.

Retained Baby Teeth Problems

Retained baby teeth, also called persistent deciduous teeth, occur when puppy teeth fail to fall out naturally as adult teeth emerge. This condition is most easily identified by observing two teeth occupying the same position - typically a smaller, sharper baby tooth alongside the larger permanent tooth.

The health complications extend beyond simple overcrowding. The tight spaces between retained and permanent teeth create ideal conditions for plaque accumulation and bacterial growth. Without intervention, this leads to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and potential tooth loss of the permanent teeth.

Certain breeds face higher risk for retained baby teeth, particularly toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Chihuahuas. Short nosed breeds also experience increased incidence due to their compressed jaw structure and limited space for proper tooth positioning.

Treatment typically involves surgical extraction of the retained baby teeth under anesthesia. This procedure should be performed as soon as the condition is identified to prevent permanent damage to the adult teeth and surrounding tissues. Most dogs recover quickly from these extractions and experience immediate improvement in dental alignment.

Behavioral chewing, in contrast, often focuses on specific textures or objects and may intensify during times of boredom, anxiety, or insufficient exercise. Dogs tend to develop preferences for certain materials like leather, wood, or fabric based on past experiences rather than dental discomfort. If not provided with suitable alternatives, dogs may chew on other objects around the house, which can lead to damage or potential health risks.

Young adult dogs from high-energy breeds frequently exhibit persistent chewing as an outlet for mental and physical stimulation needs. Working breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers may continue intensive chewing well into adulthood as part of their natural behavioral repertoire.

Environmental factors significantly influence chewing behaviors at 1 year. Insufficient exercise, lack of mental stimulation, separation anxiety, and inadequate training all contribute to destructive chewing that owners may mistakenly attribute to prolonged teething.

Management strategies for ongoing chewing behaviors focus on providing appropriate outlets through durable chew toys, increased exercise, mental enrichment activities, and consistent training. After introducing chew toys, it is important to select safe, age-appropriate dog toys for pets, especially during and after the teething phase, to aid dental health and prevent injuries. Unlike teething, behavioral chewing requires long-term management rather than waiting for a developmental phase to end.

Chewing behaviors are a common concern for pet owners, and these strategies can help ensure the well-being of all pets during and after the teething stage.

Teething and Diet

The teething process can make eating uncomfortable for puppies, often leading to changes in their appetite or eating habits. Sore gums may cause some puppies to lose interest in their regular food or have difficulty chewing. To help soothe their discomfort, pet parents can offer cold, soft foods or frozen treats, which can provide relief for sore gums while still delivering essential nutrients. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet during this stage is crucial for your puppy’s growth and development. If you notice significant changes in your puppy’s eating habits or are unsure about the best diet during teething, consult your regular veterinarian for personalized advice and support.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

Several warning signs indicate that your 1-year-old dog’s dental situation requires professional attention. Excessive drooling that persists beyond the normal teething period, difficulty eating or obvious pain while chewing, and visibly swollen or bleeding gums all warrant immediate veterinary evaluation.

The presence of any baby teeth at 1 year represents the most clear-cut indication for professional intervention. These retained deciduous teeth rarely resolve on their own and typically require extraction to prevent complications.

A recommended dental examination schedule for 1-year-old dogs includes a comprehensive oral evaluation as part of their annual wellness visit. This examination allows veterinarians to assess tooth alignment, identify retained teeth, evaluate gum health, and establish a baseline for future dental care.

Professional cleaning considerations for young adult dogs depend on individual circumstances. Dogs with retained teeth, significant plaque buildup, or early signs of dental disease may benefit from professional cleaning even at 1 year. Your regular veterinarian can assess whether your pet needs immediate intervention or can wait until the traditional cleaning age of 2-3 years.

Orthodontic interventions for misaligned teeth are most effective when performed early, ideally soon after the problem is identified. Severe malocclusions that interfere with eating, cause trauma to oral tissues, or significantly impact quality of life may require specialized treatment from a veterinary dentist.

Daily brushing represents the gold standard for canine dental hygiene, and 1 year old provides an ideal time to establish this routine. Dogs with fully erupted adult teeth can handle more thorough cleaning than teething puppies, making this an opportune moment to introduce systematic oral care. In addition to brushing, some home remedies—like using coconut oil or baking soda (with veterinary guidance)—can help maintain your dog's dental health.

The selection of appropriate dental chews and toys changes significantly once adult teeth are fully developed. Adult dogs require more durable options that can withstand the increased bite force of permanent teeth while still providing beneficial cleaning action. For soothing any lingering discomfort in your puppy's mouth, you can offer ice cubes or frozen treats, but always supervise to prevent any risk of tooth damage.

Diet considerations for optimal dental health include choosing kibble sizes and textures that promote natural cleaning action, avoiding overly hard treats that could fracture teeth, and ensuring adequate nutrition to support ongoing dental health throughout your pet’s life.

Establishing Proper Dental Hygiene

Starting a tooth brushing routine requires patience and positive reinforcement to create pleasant associations with oral care. Begin by allowing your dog to investigate and lick dog-specific toothpaste, which comes in appealing flavors like poultry or peanut butter.

The step-by-step approach involves first touching your dog’s lips and teeth with your finger, then introducing a finger brush or soft-bristled toothbrush. Gradually increase the duration and thoroughness of brushing sessions, always ending on a positive note with praise and treats.

Recommended products include enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs, which helps break down bacteria and plaque. Finger brushes work well for initial training, while small-headed toothbrushes provide more thorough cleaning once your dog accepts the routine.

Frequency guidelines suggest daily brushing for optimal results, though even three times per week provides significant benefits. Weekly dental treats or chews can supplement regular brushing but should not replace it entirely.

Alternative dental care options for resistant dogs include dental wipes, water additives, and specialized dental diets. While these methods are less effective than brushing, they offer better protection than no dental care at all.

Managing Continued Chewing Behavior

Selecting appropriate chew toys for 1-year-old dogs with adult teeth requires understanding the increased durability needs of permanent teeth. Adult dogs can safely use harder chews like bully sticks, antlers, and frozen treats that would have been inappropriate during the sensitive teething period. Managing chewing behavior is especially important in a new puppy, as teething can lead to increased interest in inappropriate objects.

The best teething toys for this age group include rope toys for interactive play, rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats for mental stimulation, and natural chews that satisfy the instinctual need to gnaw while promoting dental health.

Training techniques to redirect destructive chewing focus on teaching “leave it” and “take it” commands that allow you to guide your dog toward appropriate objects. Consistency in these commands helps establish clear boundaries about acceptable chewing targets.

When you notice your pup chewing inappropriate items, calmly redirect them to an approved chew toy and offer praise when they make the switch. Avoid punishment, which can increase anxiety and worsen chewing behaviors.

Exercise and mental stimulation play crucial roles in reducing inappropriate chewing urges. Most dogs benefit from 45-60 minutes of daily physical activity combined with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games that tire both body and mind.

Long-term management strategies for persistent chewers include puppy proof your home by removing tempting objects, providing multiple appropriate chewing options throughout your living space, and maintaining consistent training that reinforces good choices. Be sure to secure or hide electrical cords to prevent your dog from chewing on them and avoid potential accidents.

FAQ

---

Should I be worried if my 1-year-old dog is still losing teeth?

Losing teeth at 1 year is concerning and requires veterinary evaluation. While most dogs complete teething by 8 months, any tooth loss after this period could indicate retained baby teeth finally falling out, trauma to adult teeth, or early dental disease. If you notice teeth on the floor or your dog’s mouth shows gaps where teeth should be, schedule a dental examination promptly.

Can I give my 1-year-old dog the same chew toys I used during puppyhood?

No, dogs with fully developed adult teeth need more durable chew toys than those used during the teething process. Puppy teething toys are designed to be gentler on developing teeth and sore gums, while adult dogs require harder materials that can withstand increased bite force. Upgrade to bully sticks, rope toys, and rubber toys specifically designed for adult dogs to prevent choking hazards and provide appropriate dental benefits.

How do I know if my dog’s chewing is due to teething or behavioral issues?

Teething-related chewing typically involves visible signs like swollen gums, excessive drooling, preference for cool objects, and obvious discomfort when eating. Behavioral chewing, more common at 1 year, focuses on specific textures or occurs during particular situations like when left alone. If your dog shows no physical signs of dental discomfort but continues destructive chewing, it’s likely behavioral and requires training and environmental management rather than waiting for teething to end.

What should I do if my 1-year-old dog has double teeth?

Double teeth, where baby teeth remain alongside adult teeth, require prompt veterinary attention. This condition, called retained deciduous teeth, won’t resolve on its own and leads to overcrowding, plaque buildup, and potential dental disease. Most veterinarians recommend surgical extraction of the retained baby teeth under anesthesia to prevent complications and allow proper alignment of the permanent teeth.

Is it too late to start dental care if my dog is already 1 year old?

It’s never too late to begin proper dental care, and 1 year is actually an ideal time to establish good oral hygiene habits. With all adult teeth in place, you can implement a comprehensive dental care routine including daily brushing, appropriate chew toys, and regular veterinary dental examinations. Starting dental care at 1 year helps prevent future problems and can reverse early signs of dental disease before they become serious health issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, puppy teething is a natural and essential part of your puppy’s development. By understanding the puppy teething timeline, recognizing teething symptoms, and providing the right care, pet parents can help their furry friend through this sometimes challenging phase. Make sure to offer plenty of chew toys, puppy proof your home to prevent accidents, and use frozen treats to ease sore gums. With patience, positive reinforcement, and proper dental care, your puppy will develop strong adult teeth and a healthy mouth for life. If you have any concerns about your puppy’s teething or dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for expert guidance and peace of mind.