If you've ever rescued or found a puppy, you may not know how old the cute animal is. A puppy's age can be roughly guessed by their size, but each dog breed has a different growth rate. The easiest way to determine a puppy's age is to look at his teeth, watch his behavior, and take him to the vet.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Checking the Puppy's Teeth
Step 1. Check for the presence of teeth
A puppy without teeth is a newborn. This animal may also not have opened its eyes and still spend all of its time with its mother. If the puppy has no teeth, it is usually no more than 3 weeks old.
Step 2. Observe the fangs (canine)
Dogs have four pointed canines. Two of the teeth are on the top and the other two are on the bottom. These teeth are the first to appear. Dog teeth will begin to grow between three to four weeks of age.
Step 3. Look at the first set of incisors
The incisors are the small teeth at the front of the mouth that are between the canines. Two sets of incisors will grow after the canines. These teeth usually erupt when the dog is four to five weeks old.
Step 4. Observe the first set of premolars
Premolars are teeth that are next to the canines. By the time a puppy is four to six weeks old, the first set of premolars will grow in his mouth.
Step 5. Look at the final set of incisors and premolars
The last set of teeth will appear a few weeks after the first set. The final set of incisors will appear when the dog is five to six weeks old, while the last four premolars will appear after six to eight weeks.
Step 6. Notice if the puppy has a complete set of teeth
Within eight weeks, the puppy will have a complete set of teeth. These teeth are very sharp. As he passes eight to sixteen weeks of age, his head and jaw will grow so that his teeth are spaced apart. The teeth will also appear too big for the puppy's mouth.
Step 7. Watch for the appearance of permanent teeth
Between six and eight months, a puppy's baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. This change will start from the front incisors. The teeth will change sequentially in the mouth. The older your puppy, the deeper the transition between baby teeth and permanent teeth will be.
Most baby teeth in dogs will disappear within five months, while adult dog teeth will begin to appear within eight to twelve months
Method 2 of 2: Checking the Dog's Body and Behavior
Step 1. Notice if the puppy's eyes are still closed
Puppies less than two weeks old are very small. This animal hasn't even opened its eyes yet. Puppies will not move around very often and will spend all their time near their mother. This cute creature is usually just silent, suckling from its mother, and sleeping.
Step 2. Notice if the puppy begins to learn to walk
Puppies will open their eyes after two to three weeks. They will start walking and wandering out of place at this age. The animal will begin to understand its environment and explore on its own. This is characteristic of a five to six week old puppy.
Step 3. Check if the puppy is eating solid food
Puppies generally get food from their mother until they are five to seven weeks old. Puppies who begin to eat solid food and are no longer dependent on their mother may be between six and eight weeks of age.
Step 4. Pay attention to the puppy's chewing and playing habits
As the puppy grows, he will appear to be more active. Within eight weeks, this cute animal will act like a puppy you see often. Since his teeth are starting to grow, he will be happy to chew anything. He will also start playing with full energy and exploring everything around him.
- Puppies may also appear restless or whine a lot because of their teething.
- Puppies will spend most of their time sleeping when they are not playing or chewing something.
Step 5. Monitor the puppy's development
Puppies will experience a growth spurt between eight and sixteen weeks of age, then continue to grow for several months.
Step 6. Notice the change in the fur
As they get older, puppies will lose their fur and acquire the coat typical of an adult dog. Puppies' coat is very soft, while adult dog's coat is denser and thicker.
Step 7. Monitor his behavior
Puppies between the ages of six and twelve months will begin to figure out the boundaries around them. He will feel very energized and his attention very easily distracted. He will probably munch on everything in the house, enjoy exploring, and wandering around.
At this age, your puppy may ignore you and forget the good manners you were taught
Step 8. Determine if your puppy's growth and development has slowed down
Most puppies are fully grown between eight and twelve months of age. Large dog breeds will continue to grow for two years. Dogs under the age of two are still considered "young dogs". They behave like puppies, for example, like to chew and have a lot of energy, but their behavior has calmed down a bit.
Step 9. Observe if the female puppy has reached the mating phase
Female dogs that are not neutered usually go through the first mating-ready phase when they are 6-24 months old. You can tell when a female dog is ready to mate by her behavior that seems nervous, alert, and easily distracted. She may also experience swelling in the vulvar area or discharge blood-colored or pale pus from the vagina.
Step 10. Examine the male puppy's genitals to estimate his age
A male puppy's testicles should appear to "drop" down to the scrotum by 7 weeks of age. You can definitely observe it because the dog's testicles will be more prominent at this age.
Step 11. Take your puppy to the vet
If you can't tell how old your puppy is based on his teeth or developmental level, take the cute animal to the vet. The doctor can analyze the dog's body size and breed, then examine its teeth to get an accurate age estimate.
