# Teeth Eruption Chart: Dogs, Cats, and Common Animals A teeth eruption chart maps the age at which each deciduous (baby) and permanent (adult) tooth breaks through the gum. In dogs, deciduous incisors erupt at roughly 3 to 4 weeks and permanent incisors at 3 to 5 months, while cats complete most of their permanent dentition between 3 and 6 months. ## Why Eruption Timing Matters in Veterinary Practice Tooth eruption is one of the most reliable developmental clocks a veterinarian has. A puppy's mouth tells you its approximate age, whether its growth is on schedule, and whether something is going wrong with the developing jaws. The same is true in kittens, calves, and foals. Eruption timing also has direct legal and welfare implications. In the European Union, puppies traded across borders must have reached a minimum age of 15 weeks, and researchers have tested whether permanent tooth emergence can serve as an objective marker for that threshold. A longitudinal study of 440 puppies from 82 breeds found that breed size and skull type significantly affect eruption timing, with small, toy, and brachycephalic breeds erupting considerably later than large breeds [1]. Age estimation from dentition therefore has to be breed-aware, not just species-aware. For owners, the practical value is simpler. Knowing what should be in the mouth at 4 weeks, 4 months, and 7 months lets you spot retained baby teeth, missing teeth, or an abnormal bite early, when intervention is easiest and least traumatic. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Core Terminology for Dental Eruption Before the charts, a few definitions. **Deciduous teeth** are the first set, often called baby teeth or milk teeth. They are shed as the permanent teeth push through. **Permanent teeth** are the adult set that must last the animal's lifetime. **Eruption** is the movement of a tooth through the gum into the mouth. It is distinct from **mineralization**, which is when the crown hardens inside the jaw, and from **exfoliation**, which is the shedding of a deciduous tooth. **Dental formula** is shorthand for the number of each tooth type in one half of the upper jaw and one half of the lower jaw. The format is incisors (I), canines (C), premolars (P), and molars (M), written as upper over lower. **Malocclusion** means the upper and lower teeth do not meet in a normal biting position. **Linguoversion** describes a tooth that tilts toward the tongue. **Distoclusion** means the lower jaw sits too far back relative to the upper jaw. **Retained deciduous teeth** are baby teeth that stay in place after the permanent tooth has erupted beside or behind them. ## The Dog Teeth Eruption Chart Dogs have a deciduous dental formula of 2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/3) for 28 baby teeth, and a permanent formula of 2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/4, M 2/3) for 42 adult teeth. Note that dogs have no deciduous molars. The molars appear only in the permanent set. ### Deciduous (Baby) Teeth in Dogs | Tooth type | Eruption window | |--|--| | Incisors | 3 to 4 weeks | | Canines | 3 to 5 weeks | | Premolars | 4 to 6 weeks | All 28 deciduous teeth are typically present by 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is the window when breeders and veterinarians first assess bite and oral anatomy. ### Permanent Teeth in Dogs | Tooth type | Eruption window | |--|--| | Incisors | 3 to 5 months | | Canines | 4 to 6 months | | Premolars | 4 to 6 months | | Molars | 4 to 7 months | The permanent tooth usually emerges within about 3 days before or after its deciduous precursor is shed. Canines are the exception, with a wider interval between shedding and replacement [1]. ### Sequencing and Breed Effects The first permanent teeth to appear are typically the maxillary first premolars, the first incisors, or the mandibular first incisors. The sequence varies little between the left and right sides of the mouth, between males and females, or between the upper and lower quadrants [1]. Breed size matters a great deal. Small and toy breeds, and brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs, erupt both deciduous and permanent teeth later than large breeds [1]. A Chihuahua at 6 months may look very different from a Labrador at 6 months, and both can be normal. ## The Cat Teeth Eruption Chart Cats have a deciduous dental formula of 2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2) for 26 baby teeth, and a permanent formula of 2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 1/1) for 30 adult teeth. Cats are missing the first maxillary premolar and the second mandibular premolar compared with dogs, and they have only one molar per quadrant. ### Deciduous (Baby) Teeth in Cats | Stage | Timing | |--|--| | First deciduous teeth | 2 to 4 weeks | | Full deciduous set | by 6 to 8 weeks | ### Permanent Teeth in Cats | Stage | Timing | |--|--| | Incisors | 3 to 4 months | | Canines | 4 to 5 months | | Premolars | 4 to 6 months | | Molars | 4 to 5 months | | Full permanent set | by 6 months | The cat timeline is compressed compared with the dog. Most kittens have a complete adult dentition by 6 months of age, which is why the standard neuter timing often coincides with the final dental check. ### When Teeth Do Not Appear Congenital absence of teeth is rare but documented. One case report described a cat with congenital oligodontia (fewer teeth than normal) of the deciduous teeth and complete anodontia (absence) of the permanent teeth. The cat had only two deciduous upper canines, and no permanent teeth ever erupted. Post-mortem examination found no odontogenic epithelium and no inflammatory or resorptive lesions, confirming a developmental failure rather than disease-related tooth loss [2]. This is an extreme example, but it illustrates that absence of eruption is not always a mechanical problem. ## The Cattle Teeth Eruption Chart Cattle are important because their eruption pattern is used for age estimation in production and regulatory settings. The permanent dental formula is 2 x (I 0/3, C 0/1, P 3/3, M 3/3) for 32 teeth. The upper incisors are replaced by a dental pad, and the lower incisors and canines function as a cropping surface. ### Deciduous Teeth in Calves | Tooth type | Eruption window | |--|--| | Lower incisors | Birth to 2 weeks | | Premolars | Birth to 4 weeks | Calves are born with or rapidly develop their deciduous incisors, which supports early nursing and grazing. ### Permanent Teeth in Cattle | Tooth type | Eruption window | |--|--| | First incisor pair | 1.5 to 2 years | | Second incisor pair | 2 to 2.5 years | | Third incisor pair | 3 years | | Fourth incisor pair (canine) | 3.5 to 4 years | | Premolars | 2 to 3 years | | Molars | 6 months to 3.5 years | The progressive replacement of the lower incisor pairs is the basis of the classic "mouthing" age assessment in cattle. Each pair is replaced roughly 6 to 12 months after the previous one, and the pattern is used to estimate age up to about 5 years. ## The Horse Teeth Eruption Chart Horses have a permanent dental formula of 2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/3 or 4/4, M 3/3), with the canine teeth often absent or vestigial in mares. The total is typically 36 to 44 teeth depending on canine and wolf tooth presence. ### Deciduous Teeth in Foals | Tooth type | Eruption window | |--|--| | Incisors | Birth to 2 weeks | | Premolars | Birth to 2 weeks | Foals are born with central incisors either present or erupting within days. The first deciduous premolars appear shortly after birth. ### Permanent Teeth in Horses | Tooth type | Eruption window | |--|--| | First incisor pair | 2.5 years | | Second incisor pair | 3.5 years | | Third incisor pair | 4.5 years | | Canines | 4 to 5 years | | Premolars | 2.5 to 4 years | | Molars | 1 to 4 years | The sequence of cheek tooth mineralization and eruption in modern equids follows a consistent order: first molar, second molar, then the premolars, then the fourth premolar, and finally the third molar [3]. This sequence is conserved across equids and has been used to study life history traits such as growth rate and lifespan in extinct species [3]. ## Cross-Species Eruption Comparison Table | Species | Deciduous eruption | Permanent eruption | Deciduous formula | Permanent formula | |--|--|--|--|--| | Dog | 3 to 6 weeks | 3 to 7 months | 28 | 42 | | Cat | 2 to 4 weeks | 3 to 6 months | 26 | 30 | | Cattle | Birth to 4 weeks | 6 months to 4 years | 20 to 22 | 32 | | Horse | Birth to 2 weeks | 1 to 5 years | 24 to 28 | 36 to 44 | The key pattern is that smaller, shorter-lived species erupt faster and finish earlier. Dogs and cats complete their permanent dentition within the first year. Cattle and horses take years, reflecting their longer growth period and the wear demands on their teeth. ## Retained Deciduous Teeth: The Most Common Eruption Problem A retained deciduous tooth is a baby tooth that does not fall out when the permanent tooth erupts. The permanent tooth then comes in beside or behind it, often displacing the adult tooth into an abnormal position. Retained deciduous teeth are especially common in small and toy breeds. A study of Yorkshire Terriers under 2 years of age referred for dental consultation found that persistent deciduous teeth were among the most frequent findings, along with dental agenesis, malocclusion, and crowding [4]. The same study found that eruption anomalies were significantly associated with malocclusion [4]. ### Why Retention Happens The root of a deciduous tooth normally resorbs as the permanent tooth pushes upward. If the permanent tooth is malpositioned, if the deciduous root does not resorb properly, or if there is a developmental delay, the baby tooth stays. In Miniature Schnauzers with myotonia congenita, a muscle disorder, delayed eruption of both dentitions and persistent deciduous teeth were consistent findings, along with crowding, rotation of teeth, and malocclusion [5]. This shows that systemic conditions affecting muscle function can delay dental development. ### Clinical Consequences A retained deciduous tooth creates a plaque trap between itself and the permanent tooth. It also occupies space that the permanent tooth needs, which can push the adult tooth into linguoversion or another abnormal position. Over time, the abnormal contact can cause pain, soft tissue trauma, and accelerated periodontal disease. ## Malocclusion and Its Relationship to Eruption Malocclusion in dogs and cats has several causes, and eruption problems are high on the list. The conditions include retained deciduous teeth, overcrowding, trauma to developing permanent tooth buds, and trauma to erupted teeth [6]. ### Linguoverted Mandibular Canines A linguoverted mandibular canine is a lower canine tooth that tilts toward the tongue instead of sitting in its normal position. It is most often caused by non-genetic factors such as persistent deciduous canine teeth or trauma during permanent tooth eruption [7]. The condition can cause the lower canine to contact the upper jaw or palate, which is painful and can interfere with jaw growth. Treatment options include interceptive extraction of the deciduous tooth, orthodontic repositioning, or extraction of the permanent tooth if it cannot be corrected. One case series used modified human orthodontic appliances to reposition mandibular canines, with movement achieved over approximately 4 weeks [7]. ### The Timing Problem with Early Extraction Historically, extraction of linguoverted deciduous mandibular canines was recommended as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age and no later than 12 weeks. The rationale was to relieve pain and prevent the teeth from interlocking, which can affect mandibular growth. However, a 2024 study of dogs 8 to 12 weeks old found that early extraction of deciduous mandibular canines risks damage to the developing permanent canine teeth, resulting in enamel defects known as Turner's hypoplasia [8]. The study collected data from five [veterinary specialty](/blog/careers/exploring-veterinary-specialties-a-guide-to-advanced-clinical-paths) dentistry practices and found that some dogs required additional treatment after the permanent canines erupted because of linguoversion of the permanent teeth [8]. This has shifted thinking toward weighing the benefit of early intervention against the risk of permanent tooth damage. ### Trauma and Eruption Trauma to the jaw during development can disrupt tooth eruption in ways that are not obvious until months later. A study of immature dogs with mandibular fractures found that dental abnormalities occurred exclusively in dogs with fractures of the mandibular body or the transition between body and ramus. A high proportion of developing permanent teeth located in or near the fracture were affected, with failure of eruption or partial eruption being the most common abnormality [9]. The majority of deciduous teeth in or near the fracture exfoliated uneventfully, but 10 of 11 dogs needed a surgical procedure to treat dental abnormalities after fracture healing [9]. A separate case report described a 9-week-old Shih Tzu with maxillofacial trauma who later developed persistent deciduous teeth, linguoverted and malformed permanent teeth, and asymmetric skeletal malocclusion. The persistent and malformed teeth were extracted to allow normal mouth closure [10]. The takeaway is that juvenile jaw trauma warrants long-term dental monitoring. ## When Extraction Is Indicated Extraction of a deciduous tooth is indicated when it is retained and interfering with the permanent tooth, when it is causing pain or soft tissue trauma, or when it is part of an interceptive orthodontic plan. The decision on timing is a balance. Early extraction reduces the risk of the permanent tooth being displaced, but very early extraction near a developing permanent tooth germ can cause enamel defects [8]. Extraction of a permanent tooth is indicated when orthodontic correction is not possible or not desired, when the tooth is causing chronic trauma to the palate or soft tissues, or when the tooth is non-viable because of disease or trauma. In cattle and horses, extraction is a much bigger procedure and is reserved for teeth causing severe pain, infection, or interference with eating. Routine dental care in horses focuses on floating (rasping) sharp enamel points rather than extraction. ## Developmental and Genetic Conditions Affecting Eruption Eruption can be delayed or absent for reasons beyond simple retention. **Amelogenesis imperfecta** is a group of inherited disorders affecting enamel structure. In dogs, recessive variants in the ENAM and ACP4 genes have been identified, causing hypomineralized or hypoplastic enamel. The ENAM variant was found in Parson Russell Terriers with a carrier frequency of 9% [11]. Dogs are useful models for human amelogenesis imperfecta because they have both deciduous and permanent teeth, unlike rodents with continuously erupting incisors [11]. **Delayed eruption** can occur with systemic disease. Miniature Schnauzers with myotonia congenita showed delayed eruption of both dentitions [5]. **Oligodontia and anodontia** are rare congenital conditions. The cat case described earlier had only two deciduous upper canines and no permanent teeth at all [2]. **Medication effects** are a consideration in human dentistry. Bisphosphonates, which bind to calcium crystals and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, can disturb tooth eruption and development when administered during periods of dental development [12]. This is primarily a human concern, but it is relevant background for understanding how bone remodeling influences eruption. ## How Eruption Differs Across Species: A Biological Explanation The timing of eruption is tied to life history. Species that grow fast and mature early erupt their teeth early. Species that grow slowly and live long erupt late. Primates illustrate this well. A study of over 100 perinatal primates found that relatively advanced maturation of deciduous teeth and the first molar at birth is a unifying characteristic of living primates, but there is great diversity in how different groups handle the rest of dental development. Strepsirrhines tend to accelerate eruption and maturation of the permanent dentition, while anthropoids accelerate mineralization of deciduous teeth and delay all permanent teeth except the first molar [13]. These are different strategies for reaching feeding independence. A follow-up study examined relative tooth size at birth and found that relative palatal length, a proxy for midfacial size, was positively correlated with larger deciduous and permanent postcanine teeth. Longer gestation was associated with smaller relative volumes of deciduous premolars [14]. The broader point is that eruption schedules are not arbitrary. They are shaped by the demands of feeding, growth rate, and lifespan. Dogs and cats are altricial, meaning they are born relatively immature and depend on the mother for nutrition. Their deciduous teeth erupt quickly to support the transition to solid food, and their permanent teeth follow within months. Cattle and horses are precocial, born able to stand and nurse, and their dental development is spread over years because their teeth must last a long working life. ## Clinical Relevance, Limitations and Common Mistakes The most common mistake owners make is assuming that a retained baby tooth will fall out on its own. In many cases it will not, and the permanent tooth is already erupting in the wrong position. By the time the retained tooth is noticed, the displacement may be established. A second mistake is comparing eruption timing across breeds. A toy breed puppy that still has deciduous teeth at 6 months may be normal for its size, while a large breed puppy at the same age with retained teeth is more likely to have a problem [1]. A third mistake is ignoring jaw trauma in young animals. Fractures of the mandibular body can damage developing tooth germs, and the consequences may not appear for months [9]. Follow-up radiographs are recommended until eruption and full development are complete. A fourth mistake is extracting deciduous teeth too early without considering the risk to the permanent tooth germ. The 2024 study on enamel defects after early extraction highlights this trade-off [8]. Individual cases require veterinary assessment. The charts here describe typical windows, not guarantees. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### When do puppies get their baby teeth? Puppies begin erupting deciduous incisors at about 3 to 4 weeks, canines at 3 to 5 weeks, and premolars at 4 to 6 weeks. All 28 baby teeth are usually present by 6 to 8 weeks. ### When do puppies get their adult teeth? Permanent incisors erupt at 3 to 5 months, canines and premolars at 4 to 6 months, and molars at 4 to 7 months. Small and toy breeds tend to be later than large breeds [1]. ### When do kittens get their adult teeth? Kittens typically complete their permanent dentition by 6 months of age. Incisors come in at 3 to 4 months, canines at 4 to 5 months, premolars at 4 to 6 months, and molars at 4 to 5 months. ### What is a retained deciduous tooth? A retained deciduous tooth is a baby tooth that stays in the mouth after the permanent tooth has erupted. It can trap plaque and push the adult tooth into an abnormal position. ### Should retained baby teeth be extracted? Retained deciduous teeth that interfere with the permanent tooth or cause soft tissue trauma usually should be extracted. The timing is a clinical decision that balances the risk of displacement against the risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth [8]. ### Do all dogs have 42 teeth? Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Some breeds, especially small ones, have missing teeth. A study of Yorkshire Terriers found agenesis most often in the mandibular third molars [4]. ### How accurate is tooth eruption for estimating age? Eruption is a useful age marker but is affected by breed size and skull type. Small, toy, and brachycephalic breeds erupt later than large breeds [1]. It is most reliable when used with other developmental indicators. ### Can trauma change how teeth erupt? Yes. Mandibular fractures in young dogs can damage developing tooth germs and cause failure of eruption, abnormal shape, or enamel defects [9]. Juvenile jaw trauma warrants long-term dental monitoring. ## Related Articles - [Common Diagnostic Pitfalls in Exotic Animal Clinical Pathology](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/diagnostics/common-diagnostic-pitfalls-in-exotic-animal-clinical-pathology-how-to-avoid-misinterpretation-in-bir) - [How To Brush a Dog's Teeth Safely](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/how-to-brush-dog-teeth) - [How To Brush a Cat's Teeth Safely](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/how-to-brush-cat-teeth) - [How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/preventive-and-routine-care/how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth-a-step-by-step-guide) - [Zoo Animal Dental Care: Examination, Prophylaxis, and Common Procedures](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/zoo-animal-dental-care-examination-prophylaxis-common-procedures) - [How to Identify Cells Under a Microscope: A Visual Guide to Common Specimens](/knowledge/diagnostics/imaging/how-to-identify-cells-under-a-microscope-a-visual-guide-to-common-specimens) ## Sources 1. 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