Welcome to the guide on how to determine a puppy’s age by examining their teeth. In this article, I’ll show you how to tell how old a puppy is by looking at their dental development.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of “Puppies age by teeth” and be able to estimate a puppy’s age range based on their teeth.
Let’s get started!
How to Determine a Puppy’s Age
If you want to know the age of a puppy, don’t worry, there are several ways to do it. Let me tell you about them:
- Look at their teeth: The easiest way to determine a puppy’s age is by examining their teeth. Puppies ‘ baby teeth should start erupting between 3 and 6 weeks of age, and their adult teeth should appear between 12 and 24 weeks of age. As puppies age, their teeth will change, and you can use this information to estimate their age.
- Check their size and weight: Puppies grow rapidly in the first few weeks of life, and their size and weight can give you an idea of their age. For example, a 6-week-old puppy should weigh around 6 to 8 pounds , while a 12-week-old puppy should weigh around 15 to 20 pounds.
- Observe their behavior: Puppies develop certain behaviors as they age, such as becoming more independent and exploring their surroundings. By observing a puppy’s behavior, you can get a sense of their age.
- Consult with a veterinarian: If you’re unsure about a puppy ‘s age, a veterinarian can provide a more accurate estimate based on their overall health and development. They may also be able to identify any health issues that could impact the puppy’s age estimation.
These methods are great, but if you want an even more reliable way to find out the approximate age of a dog, you can try the Embark Dog Age Test. This test estimates a dog’s calendar age by measuring DNA methylation. With this information, you can provide age-appropriate care for your dog and celebrate their birthday with confidence.
Stages of Puppy Teething Table and Chart
How old is my puppy in weeks? Good question!
Below is a table detailing the stages of puppy teething and the timeline of tooth development to help you estimate the age of your furry friend and provide appropriate care accordingly.
| Stage | Type of Teeth | Age of Puppy | Number of Teeth | Features |
| Stage 1 | None | 0-2 weeks | 0 | Puppies are born without teeth. |
| Stage 2 | Deciduous Incisors | 3-4 weeks | 12 (6 upper, 6 lower) | Smaller teeth, present between canines, make up the front boundary. These teeth help the puppy to grip and nurse from its mother. |
| Stage 3 | Deciduous Canines | 3-5 weeks | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | Larger, pointy teeth, present just behind the incisors. These teeth are used for grasping and tearing food. |
| Stage 4 | Deciduous Premolars | 4-6 weeks | 12 (6 upper, 6 lower) | Broader teeth, present right behind the canines. These teeth are used for crushing and grinding food. |
| Stage 5 | Deciduous Molars and Adult Incisors | 12-16 weeks | 28 (14 upper, 14 lower) | The final baby molars emerge, and the adult incisors finish coming in. The adult incisors are larger than the baby incisors and have a more pointed shape. They are used for biting and scraping food. |
| Stage 6 | Adult Canines and Premolars | 4-6 months | 28 (14 upper, 14 lower) | The adult canines and premolars finish coming in. The adult canines are larger and stronger than the baby canines and are used for tearing food. The adult premolars are larger and flatter than the baby premolars and are used for grinding food. |
| Stage 7 | Adult Molars | 6-8 months | 42 (20 upper, 22 lower) | The final adult molars come in. These teeth are located at the back of the mouth and are used for grinding and crushing food. |
1. Baby Teeth
Baby teeth start to erupt after 3-4 weeks of the puppy’s birth. These are further categorized into incisors, canines, and premolars.
Deciduous Incisors in Puppies
Deciduous incisors are smaller teeth that are present between canine teeth and make up the front boundary. These teeth erupt when your puppy is of age between 3-4 weeks. They are 12 in number and present as 3 pairs in the upper jaw and 3 pairs in the lower one.
Deciduous Canines in Puppies
Deciduous canines are much larger and pointy structures teeth present just behind the incisors in pair form. One pair is on the top while the other one is on the bottom. These teeth erupt at the age of 3-5 weeks.
Deciduous Premolars in Puppies
Deciduous premolars are comparatively broader teeth that are present right behind the canines. They start to erupt at the age of 4-6 weeks and are 12 in number – three on top and three on bottom of both sides.
2. Adult Teeth
When your puppy advances in age, baby teeth gradually fall and are replaced by adult or permanent teeth. Unlike baby teeth, there is an addition of molars.
Permanent Incisors in Adult Dogs
Typically, permanent incisors start to come when your puppy turns three months old. Moreover, they are present in pairs from – three pairs per jaw, and in this way, the total number of permanent incisors in your puppy mouth will be 12.
Permanent Canines in Adult Dogs
Just like deciduous canines, permanent canines are also pointy teeth and start to erupt after 4 to 6 months of your puppy’s age. Their total number is four that means each jaw contains two permanent canines.
Permanent Premolars in Adult Dogs
Permanent premolars start to erupt between 4-6 months of your furry fellow’s age and are present just before permanent molars. Moreover, two pairs on the right upper and two pairs on the right lower jaw and the same pattern on the left side of a puppy are evident.
Permanent Molars in Adult Dogs
A puppy of age between 4-7 months will experience the eruption of permanent molars. However, molars don’t belong to baby teeth or temporary teeth of a puppy.
There are a total of 10 molars in an adult dog, with two molars on the maxilla and three on the mandible on both sides.
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Dog Teeth Age Table and Chart
If you want to know how old a puppy is by just looking at the teeth, the following puppy teeth age table will help you make a rough estimation.
| Estimated Dog’s Age | Teeth Status |
| 2-4 weeks | Toothless puppy |
| 3-4 weeks | Eruption of deciduous canines |
| 4-6 weeks | Eruption of deciduous incisors and premolars |
| 8 weeks | All baby teeth are visible |
| 3-4 months | Permanent teeth are not notified yet |
| 4-5 months | Eruption of permanent incisors along with slight growth of premolars and molars |
| 5-7 months | Fully grown permanent teeth including canines, premolars, and molars up to 7 months |
| 1 year | Clean and white teeth |
| 1-2 years | Dull appearing teeth with tartar in certain cases |
| 3-5 years | More evidence of tartar formation, along with some wearing |
| 5-10 years | Increased wearing and dental issues are common |
| 10-15 years | Some teeth may be missing, heavy tartar, worn teeth |
This puppy teeth chart will help you out to make an exact estimate.
Estimating a Dog’s Age by Teeth: How Old Is My Puppy
The development of teeth is a reliable indicator of a dog’s age. Dogs have two sets of teeth, deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth, just like humans. By observing the timing of tooth eruption and replacement, you can estimate a dog’s age with reasonable accuracy.
Estimating a Puppy’s Age by Teeth up to 2 Weeks Old
A newborn puppy up to 2 weeks old has no teeth and closed eyes. During this period, puppies spend most of their time suckling, rooting, and sleeping.
Estimating a Puppy’s Age by Teeth From 2-5 Weeks
Between 2-3 weeks, a puppy’s eyes open, but vision is still poor. Baby teeth start to erupt as weeks pass, but they are not yet fully formed.
Estimating a Puppy’s Age by Teeth From 5-8 Weeks
By 5-6 weeks, a puppy’s deciduous incisors and canines have erupted, and premolars and molars follow soon after. Compared to permanent teeth, deciduous teeth are sharper and smaller. Puppies at this age tend to play, chew, explore, and sleep for long periods.
Chewing is essential for dental stimulation, and pet parents should provide quality chew toys to satisfy their puppies’ urge to chew.
Remember that chewing is very important for the dental stimulation of your puppy, so choose the best quality chew toys! I recommend the multi-textured powerful chew toy:
This bone was made in the USA from tough and durable nylon material. It has multiple textures for increased tactile appeal as well as nub and crest designs that provide dental stimulation and chewing satisfaction. Chicken flavored chew for powerful chewers.
- Aids in maintaining teeth, gums and control of plaque and tartar build-up
- Helps satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew
- Helps clean teeth and control plaque and tartar build-up
Puppies Age by Teeth From 8-16 Weeks
Between 8-16 weeks, a puppy’s face and jaw grow rapidly, causing space between the baby teeth. However, the baby teeth remain the same size. Puppies at this age are active, curious, and learn quickly.
Puppies Age by Teeth From 16 Weeks – 8 Months
At 16 weeks, a puppy ‘s baby teeth begin to fall out, and permanent teeth start to emerge. This process starts with the incisors and canines and progresses gradually backward. By five months, most of the baby teeth have fallen out , and the permanent teeth are fully formed by 8-12 months. The replacement of teeth occurs in a symmetrical fashion and may cause bleeding and a bloody smell from the mouth.
Puppies Age by Teeth From 8 Months – 2 Years
At 8 months, dogs are considered adolescents and have all theeir permanent teeth. The teeth may appear duller and may have some yellowing due to tartar buildup. It is important to maintain good dental hygiene at this age to prevent dental problems such as periodontal disease , fractured teeth, and retained baby teeth.
Adult Dog Teeth
By the time a dog is 2-3 years old, their teeth are fully mature and should have a healthy white appearance. Adult dogs should have 42 teeth, which include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. These teeth are designed to handle different types of food and can withstand the force required for chewing and biting.
However, it’s important to note that dental problems such as tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay can still occur in adult dogs. Therefore, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are recommended to maintain optimal dental health.
Senior Dog Teeth
As a dog reaches their senior years, typically around the age of 7-8 years and older, their teeth can start to show signs of wear and tear. The teeth may become more yellow, and there may be signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or even missing teeth.
Senior dogs may also experience a decrease in their appetite, which can affect their dental health. It’s important to monitor your senior dog’s teeth and provide appropriate dental care to prevent any dental issues from developing or worsening.
In conclusion, understanding the different stages of a dog’s teeth development can help you estimate their age more accurately. Additionally, proper dental care throughout a dog’s life is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being.
Other Ways to Estimate Your New Puppy’s Age
In addition to teeth, several other parameters can help estimate a puppy’s age. The age of a dog significantly affects its activity level, general health, breed, and size. Keeping these factors in mind, you can estimate the longevity of your furry friend.
Here are some ways to estimate the age of your new puppy and that can help you answer the question “how old is my puppy“:
Appearance
As a dog ages, several signs of aging become more prevalent, indicating their seniority. According to experts, gray fur is a clear indication of aging in dogs. Whitening or graying of the muzzle, chest, and haunches is also a sign of aging. However, gray appearance can also result from stress and anxiety in the early stages of a dog’s life.
Observing such aging signs confirms that your dog is above seven years old and needs special care for their joints.
Behavior
Observing the behavioral patterns of your best friend can help you estimate their age. Younger dogs move energetically because of their strong joints and muscles. Puppies between the ages of 3 and 5 weeks start developing interactions with their mother and littermates. You can encourage your puppy between the ages of 3 and 7 weeks as they start wagging, walking, barking, and growling with a pretty active nature.
Furthermore, at 16 weeks of age or older, you may notice stubbornness and independence in your puppy’s behavior. This phenomenon is quite ordinary, and they may start ignoring you.
Eyes
Puppies can’t see your gestures until they are at least two weeks old. The tightly closing of canine eyes at birth requires protection, and they are still developing. After two weeks, the puppy gradually gains vision powder to explore their surroundings. The hearing of a puppy becomes functional at the age of 2-4 weeks. Before this stage, ear canals were closed.
Therefore, you can quickly evaluate the age of your new puppy using their natural responses.
Level of Activity and Mobility
A young dog will exhibit more enthusiasm by moving around and chasing eagerly with active participation in play. On the other hand, old dogs may manifest a lack of interest while going up or downstairs, running, or jumping. Therefore, always remember to entertain your old dog friend. If they don’t show interest in common toys, try using squeaking ones to capture their attention.
Sometimes, people may get confused over their dog’s size due to a lack of knowledge. They think that a small dog is young, while a larger and bulky one is senior. There are certain breeds whose senior dogs still look like puppies, while others with giant size are still juvenile.
Genetics
Keep in mind that all dogs do not necessarily show the same aging signs. Factors like breed, genetics, diet, medical history, and activity level directly influence how your dog ages. Therefore, make sure to talk to your veterinarian to understand your best friend’s physical condition and how you can ensure their graceful aging.
Moreover, our dog age calculator may lend a helping hand to satisfy your curiosity about your puppy’s age in human years.
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How Do Veterinarians Determine a Puppy’s Age?
A veterinarian is better equipped to determine a puppy’s age and physical health status than you are. Therefore, you can take your new puppy to a vet to get a more accurate age estimate.
Here are the various methods veterinarians use to determine a puppy’s age:
Physical Appearance
One of the most obvious indicators of a puppy’s age is its physical appearance. As puppies grow, their physical features change, allowing veterinarians to make an educated guess about their age. The following characteristics are often used to estimate a puppy’s age:
- Eyes: Puppies are born with closed eyes that gradually open when they are between 10 and 14 days old. The eyes will begin to change color at around 6 to 8 weeks of age.
- Coat: A puppy’s coat can also be an indicator of their age. Newborn puppies have a soft, fluffy coat that will begin to change around 3 to 4 weeks of age.
- Ears: Puppies’ ears will begin to stand up at around 4 to 5 weeks of age. Floppy ears may take longer to stand up.
- Teeth: A puppy’s teeth will start coming in at around 2 to 3 weeks of age. By 6 to 8 weeks, they should have a full set of baby teeth.
Dental Development
Another way veterinarians determine a puppy’s age is by examining their teeth. As mentioned earlier, a puppy’s baby teeth will start coming in at around 2 to 3 weeks of age. By the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old, they should have a full set of baby teeth. As they grow older, their baby teeth will fall out, and their adult teeth will start to come in. Here are some general guidelines for dental development in puppies:
- 8 weeks old: All baby teeth are present.
- 12 weeks old: Baby teeth start to fall out, and adult teeth begin to emerge.
- 16 weeks old: Adult teeth start to replace baby teeth.
Breed Characteristics
Certain breeds of dogs have distinct physical characteristics that can help veterinarians determine their age. For example, small breeds tend to mature faster than larger breeds, and some breeds have specific coat colors or patterns that only appear at certain ages. Knowing your puppy’s breed can be helpful when estimating their age.
Weight and Growth Rate:
Puppies grow at an astonishing rate, and their weight can be a helpful indicator of their age. By monitoring a puppy’s weight and growth rate, veterinarians can estimate their age accurately. Here are some general guidelines for a puppy’s weight and growth rate:
- 8 weeks old: Puppies usually weigh between 3 and 5 pounds.
- 16 weeks old: Puppies usually weigh between 10 and 20 pounds.
- 6 months old: Puppies usually weigh between 25 and 50 pounds.
- 1 year old: Puppies have typically reached their full adult weight.
Microchip Information
If your puppy has a microchip, the information associated with it can provide valuable insight into their age. The microchip company may have recorded your puppy’s birthdate or approximate age when they were implanted with their microchip. Be sure to keep this information updated and accurate to ensure your pet receives proper veterinary care.
FAQs About How to Determine a Dog’s Age
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s fascinating to learn about how puppies age by teeth. Knowing how to tell how old a puppy is by their dental development can be a useful tool for pet owners and veterinarians alike. However, while it can provide a rough estimate of a puppy’s age, it is not always entirely accurate.
Luckily, advances in science have led to new and more precise methods of determining a dog ‘s age. The Embark Dog Age Test, for instance, uses DNA methylation to provide an accurate estimate of a dog ‘s calendar age. This test can give pet owners a better understanding of their furry friend’s age and help them provide the best possible care.
If you’re a dog owner who ‘s curious about how old your furry friend is, I highly recommend checking out the Embark Dog Age Test. It’s a quick and easy way to learn more about your pup’s age, and it can provide you with valuable insights into their health and wellbeing. So why not give it a try and see what you discover? Your pup will thank you!
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