At what age do dogs’ teeth start rotting

If you’re a new dog owner in Florida staring at your 1-year-old Corgi’s shiny puppy teeth and wondering “when do I need to worry?”, or a first-timer in Oregon panicking because your 3-year-old Husky just winced while chewing a bully stick—you’re not alone. This question pops up in my inbox more than any other, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. But let’s break down the typical timeline, why rot starts, how to spot it early, and what U.S. pet parents need to know to stay compliant and kind.

First, the science (kept simple): Most dogs start showing early signs of tooth decay between 1 and 3 years old—way sooner than many new owners think. Puppies lose their baby teeth by 6 months, and their adult teeth are strong, but plaque (that sticky film from food) starts building the second they eat. For small breeds like Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus, rot can kick in even earlier—around 18 months—because their teeth are packed tighter, making plaque harder to remove. Vets in Texas and New York often say: by age 3, 80% of dogs have some early decay, even if you can’t see brown spots yet. Dogs hide pain well, so a pup who slows down while eating or avoids hard toys might already have sore teeth.

The good news? You can spot and stop rot early with easy daily steps. Start by checking their teeth once a week: lift their lip gently (use a treat to make it fun!) and look for red gums, tiny brown lines near the gums, or bad breath that doesn’t go away with a chew toy. A client in California told me she caught decay in her 2-year-old Lab mix by noticing he’d drop his favorite kibble—turns out, a small cavity was bugging him. For brushing, use dog-specific toothpaste (peanut butter flavor is a hit!) and a soft brush. Start slow: let your dog lick the paste first, then rub the brush on 1-2 teeth for 10 seconds. No rushing—positive training here means if they pull away, pause, give a treat, and try again tomorrow.

Now, let’s talk U.S. rules and culture. First, compliance: Every state requires rabies vaccines, but cities like Chicago and Seattle mandate annual vet checkups—and these visits almost always include a dental exam. Skipping this could mean missing early rot, which might violate local “responsible pet owner” laws (some cities fine owners for neglecting basic care). Also, culture: Physical punishment—like holding your dog’s mouth open to brush—is never okay. It breaks trust, and scared dogs hide pain even more. Positive reinforcement (treats, praise) is how we teach good dental habits here.

For apartment life: Brush your dog during quiet hours (not 9 p.m. if your neighbor has an early workday) to avoid complaints. And community rules: Always carry poop bags—New York City fines up to $300 for forgetting, and Denver requires leashes in all public parks. These small moves keep your building and neighborhood pet-friendly, which helps everyone.

Stopping rot before it starts isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Even a quick weekly check and 30 seconds of brushing can keep your dog’s teeth healthy for years. So grab a treat, lift their lip gently, and start today—their future self (and pain-free chews) will thank you.