My Chihuahua puppy has not grown teeth

by Claris
(Thailand)

Hello!
I bought a Chihuahua puppy, Nano, and was told that it was 35 days old. However, he has not grown any teeth, I'm wondering if I was being lied to?

Also, since he is not able to be given any shots as well as flea and tick treatments, am I right to say that I should keep him indoors til he has done his first round of shots and flea/tick treatment? I have just moved to Thailand and a lot of dogs here are not treated properly (even when they are owned by people) and are absolute fleabags! Will it be too late to start his socializing routine til after his shots?

When would Nano start to be receptive to potty training? When should I start?

I really appreciate your help as Nano is such a treasure to me.

Your's sincerely,
Claris




Hi Claris
Puppies usually start getting their teeth somewhere around 4 weeks of age, if your puppy is 35 days old, he should have some teeth showing through the gums. Your veterinarian would be the best person to give you more accurate information on his age.

Puppies generally don't start getting their vaccinations until they are about 7 weeks old. Worming can start at 3 weeks, but make sure you get a proper medication from your vet, don't use over the counter products, they're often not very effective and can have unwanted side effects.

Until he's fully vaccinated your puppy is definitely at risk of illness or disease so it is important to keep him away from other dogs, and any public areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been.

Socialization is important, but protecting his health is more so. As your puppy is a small breed, you can always use one of the many puppy carriers on the market to take your puppy out and about. Just don't let him come in contact with the ground, or other dogs.

Fleas can be a real nuisance, but your puppy is much too young for any of the effective, topical flea preventatives such as Frontline. Again, your vet would be the best source for information on what sort of products you can use on a puppy who is so young.

Until he's at least 8 weeks old, Nano won't have any bladder/bowel control to speak of. Potty training before that time is of very little value. I would suggest though that you get a crate and read my Crate Training and Potty Training pages so that you will be prepared.

As a new puppy owner, I think you may find my New Puppy Care page helpful, and as Nano is so young, my Puppy Development page will help you know what stage he will be at next.

Best of luck with him.