🦴 Updated on July 20th, 2023
As a parent of not only a child but a Pitbull as well, I’ve become aware of the trials and tribulations of coming of age.
We’ve kind of known what to expect (as a parent or child) what happens when our teeth grow or even fall, however, I had no idea if I was to expect the same from Trevor (my pitbull).
To be honest, it kind of gets you worried at least for a little while. Our dogs show emotion, but not in the same way a human does. So, when it comes to their teeth, if you’re not an expert, you’re basically in no man’s land.
Although it is not that complicated, I learned that owning a Pitbull requires that you know detailed information concerning their health needs, particularly their teeth. Taking care of their teeth can keep your dog healthy and prevent injuries.
Furthermore, you should become familiar with any subtle or alarming signs that your Pitbull’s teeth are unhealthy.
Keep reading to learn all about taking proper care of your favorite pet (it better be).
Pitbull Dog Teeth: Phases
A Pitbull parent should know when their pup is teething and how to care for them during this process. Your companion will thrive and live a happier and healthier existence if their dental health is maintained.
Full-Grown Pitbull Teeth
Pitbulls have a teething phase that typically lasts five to six months, and during this stage, it’s essential to know how their teeth should be progressing. They’ll have full-grown Pitbull teeth by the time they’re eight months old.
To get a head start, taking your pup to visit a veterinarian for a complete check-up before their adult teeth grow in is a great idea. Since some pitbulls’ teeth grow improperly, vets will take the necessary measures to prevent your dog from developing an underbite or overbite.
It’s much easier to deal with the problem during its early stages, and it’s cheaper to do it this way instead of correcting it when they’re fully mature.
After your Pitbull’s teething process, your companion will have 42 teeth in total. Twenty-two of the teeth will appear in the bottom jaw, and the other 20 teeth will be in the top jaw.
The first dental visit should occur at four months and then again at the six-month mark. The six-month check-up ensures that all of the teeth are growing correctly.
When Do Pitbulls Stop Teething?
The teething phase for a pitbull puppy finishes at about the age of four to seven months. At about five to eight weeks of age, a Pitbull will begin teething, and their baby teeth will continue to fall out until they’re about three months old.
Pitbull’s teeth are the sharpest when they’re puppies; however, they fall out quickly.
The last teeth to fall out are usually the molars, and it’s a sign that your pup is in the final teething stages, which is at about three months; during this time, your dog will get all of its adult teeth.
Until your puppy is eight months, it can appear that they are inconsolable at times. Your puppy will probably increase their chewing responses or even cry. Your Pitbull’s teething process will be similar to an infant’s, but it will happen much faster.
Recognizing that your pitbull pup is teething can be difficult to discern as it is easy to sum it up to simply bizarre behavior.
For example, you may notice your dog will much rather bite than engage in any other activity when teething; don’t be alarmed; this is not a sign of aggression but a function of their innate idiosyncrasies.
Purchasing toys for your puppy to chew on will go a long way in helping with their teething process. Giving your dog toys to chew on will make it much less likely that they will chew your shoes, sofa, or even bite you.
The Toozey design is specifically tailored to help keep your pup's teeth clean and healthy - plus, they're just plain fun to play with.
It would be best if you had these toys on hand at all times in the instance that they become restless unexpectedly.
Why Do Pitbulls Nibble?
As a consequence of the myths concerning Pitbulls and being dangerous to others because of their unfounded ability to lock their jaws, it can be unnerving to observe your pitbull nibbling on objects and even yourself.
In most instances, this behavior is a soft nibbling that they perform with their front teeth. They usually nibble on blankets, toys, and owners. There are several reasons why Pitbulls choose to nibble: anxiety, affection, and to play.
Additionally, it could be to explore, groom themselves, out of habit (when done well into adult years), or health problems. Some pits may be nibbling to relieve the comfort of dental issues or if they have an injury, allergies to something, and so on.
Consult a veterinarian if the nibbling seems compulsory and if you think it could be a sign of a more significant problem.
Pitbull Puppy Teeth
Puppies have teeth like sharp razors, and in an attempt to relieve the pain associated with teething, your pup will chew on anything to soothe all of the pain and itching that happens when teeth begin to come through the gums.
The number one hazard to consider is that these razor-sharp teeth are a hazard to small children. Puppies are undiscerning about what they choose to chew on, including fingers, feet, or anything that they can get their mouths on.
Your dog isn’t trying to be overly playful or aggressive when biting; they’re more so searching for relief. It’s crucial to teach your puppy that biting is a no-no as soon as you start the training process.
You must be cautious at this time because of how sharp their teeth are; you don’t want to reinforce any negative behaviors surrounding them biting people or objects. Try redirecting your pup to bite and chew on a toy or a bone to get relief.
It’s better to be consistent and firm when you see your puppy deviate from the plan and turn to something other than his chew toys. Positive reinforcement is more effective than hitting them or yelling. Granted, it may take some time, but being aware of this tendency early on helps prevent problems down the line.
Additional Tips to Stop Biting
It’s best to wait until your dog is at least eight weeks old and has been with mom and siblings for a while before you take them to your home. If you get your puppy after eight weeks, they may already know how often and how hard to bite.
This concept is known as bite inhibition, and one of the primary ways they learn is through sibling interaction.
While playing with a sibling and he bites too hard, the other pup will whine or cry and then stop playing. That reinforces to your puppy that if they bite too hard, it’ll end all the fun. Also, if he gets bitten, he’ll find out that it hurts, which may deter him from biting.
How to Care for Pitbulls Teeth
Dental disease and other issues with teeth are common with dogs, and there are several reasons why. It could be poor oral hygiene, chewing on hard objects that cause cracked teeth, a poor diet, and accidents that can lead to dental injuries and compromised teeth.
Pitbulls are more prone to some dental problems that start with tartar building up, resulting in gum infection and issues with the roots and nerves in the teeth. Pet owners have to keep their pitbulls’ teeth clean from the moment they emerge until they have their adult teeth and beyond.
Three essential tips to encourage good dental hygiene and health are to brush his teeth regularly, offer dental chews, and provide high-quality dog food with plenty of nutrients.
Brushing Pitbull Teeth
Ensure that you brush your pit’s teeth at least three times every week. Even better would be to have him follow the same schedule that humans do, which is daily. Also, purchase toothpaste specially made for canines.
This toothpaste is flavored to make brushing your dog's teeth more enjoyable, and it also helps to freshen their breath. Plus, it comes in a convenient travel size so you can take it with you on the go!
Human toothpaste contains toxic ingredients that will harm your dog, specifically artificial sugars and xylitol. The toothbrush you use for them should have soft bristles so that you don’t irritate their gums.
Take caution not to miss any teeth when brushing. Please pay special attention to their molars, gently scrub gums, and maintain a smile and upbeat demeanor while brushing their teeth.
This method reinforces that this is a fun experience and something for your dog to look forward to each day. They’ll get used to it sooner if you start while he is a puppy. You may also offer a tasty treat at the end of each session.
Minties VetIQ treats contain a blend of natural ingredients that freshen breath and remove plaque and tartar.
Take a good look around every time you brush, inspect for signs of an infection or cracked teeth, bleeding gums, etc. If you think something looks off, or they seem to since when you touch certain areas of their mouth, contact your vet for further recommendations and a check-up.
Final Thoughts
It’s crucial to take good care of your Pitbulls teeth for a happy, healthy, and better quality of life. They should have their first dental check at four months old and another exam when they turn six months. The vet will make sure that it looks like their teeth are growing correctly.
It’s easy to neglect dental health, but be mindful that you are your dog’s advocate when something is wrong, and they can’t always adequately convey when or where the pain is.
For this reason, always check your dog’s teeth and schedule check-ups periodically just to have an expert look for anything you may have missed. Good oral hygiene is a must!
