Key takeaways:
- Puppies start losing their baby teeth around 12-16 weeks old, making way for 42 adult teeth, and it’s important for pet parents to support them through this developmental stage.
- Regular veterinary check-ups during teething are crucial for spotting potential dental issues early and ensuring your puppy transitions smoothly to adult teeth.
- Providing appropriate chew toys and establishing a gentle dental care routine can ease your puppy’s discomfort during teething and promote lifelong dental health.
Watching your puppy grow is full of exciting milestones—and one of the biggest changes happens right in their mouth. Puppies start with 28 tiny baby teeth that eventually fall out to give way for 42 adult teeth, a key part of their journey to becoming a healthy, happy adult dog.
Usually, puppies begin losing their baby teeth between 12 and 16 weeks of age. During this time, you’ll probably notice more chewing, occasional fussiness, and maybe even a shift in their breath—totally normal signs of teething. Every puppy goes through this stage differently, but you can help them through it comfortably with the proper support. Building healthy dental habits early sets your pup up for strong teeth and gums well into adulthood. PetHealthMD is here to help you make informed choices for your puppy’s dental care, every step of the way.
Puppy teething timeline: Key stages and milestones
Teething is a natural part of your puppy’s development, and understanding the timeline can help you know what to expect and how to support them along the way. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key teething stages to help you stay one step ahead.
Birth to 2 weeks
- Puppies are born without any visible teeth.
3 to 8 weeks
- Baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth, begin to emerge.
- By 8 weeks old, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth—small, sharp, and ready for early chewing and play.
12 weeks
- The teething process begins.
- Baby teeth start to loosen, and you may notice increased chewing or drooling.
- The front teeth (incisors) are usually the first to fall out.
12 to 16 weeks
- Canine teeth and premolars begin to fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.
- Your puppy gradually begins developing their permanent set of 42 adult teeth.
- It’s common not to find baby teeth—they’re often swallowed during meals, which is perfectly safe.
6 to 8 months
- Most puppies complete the teething process by 6 months.
- Sometimes, it may take up to 8 months for all adult teeth to come in.
- Watch for retained baby teeth (ones that don’t fall out naturally), as these can cause crowding or misalignment. If you notice any, the best next step is to visit your veterinarian.
How to tell if your puppy is teething
Teething happens quietly at first, but your puppy may be showing signs even before that first baby tooth falls out. Understanding what teething looks like can help you respond with comfort and care, and make sure you’re not mistaking these signs for something more serious.
1. Swollen or red gums
A quick peek into your puppy’s mouth may show puffy, reddish gums, especially around the incisors or canines. This swelling is part of the natural process as adult teeth push through, but it can be mildly uncomfortable for your pup.
2. Mild bleeding in the mouth
A small amount of blood on chew toys or in the water bowl is normal during teething. It’s often most noticeable after a vigorous play session or a chewing spree. As long as bleeding is light and your puppy acts normally otherwise, there’s no need to worry.
3. Increased chewing on everything
If your puppy suddenly can’t resist your shoes, furniture legs, or even their own leash, it might be their way of relieving pressure on sore gums. Chewing is a natural coping mechanism and one of the clearest signs that teething is underway.
4. Rubbing or pawing at the mouth
Some puppies will use their paws to swipe at their face or rub their muzzle against the floor. This behavior can indicate that their gums feel itchy or irritated.
5. Changes in interest in food
If your puppy hesitates to eat hard kibble but is still excited for soft treats or moistened food, gum tenderness might be the cause. This change is typically short-term, but if your puppy refuses food entirely or appears in pain, it’s worth consulting your vet.
6. A little more drool than usual
Puppies naturally drool more than adult dogs, but teething can make it a bit more noticeable, especially when new teeth are coming in fast. Light drooling is fine, but excessive drooling or bad breath that doesn’t improve could signal another issue.
7. Visible tooth loss or new adult teeth
Sometimes, you’ll find tiny white baby teeth on the floor or embedded in toys. More often, you’ll simply see a new adult tooth where a baby one used to be. Both are reassuring signs that teething is progressing normally.
Tips for caring for your teething puppy
Your puppy’s smile is changing fast, and the right support can make this phase more comfortable for both of you. These simple tips can ease teething discomfort while helping to build healthy habits:
- Offer soft, puppy-safe chew toys and treats to massage sore gums. Chilling them in the freezer can provide extra relief.
- Try a frozen washcloth as a gentle, homemade option—it’s effective and too large to swallow.
- Keep chew toys in good condition. Replace them as soon as they show wear to prevent accidental swallowing.
- Make tooth brushing a positive part of your routine. Use a soft brush, pet-safe toothpaste, and plenty of praise.
- If your puppy’s eating habits shift, especially around 4 to 6 months, soften dry food with warm water to make mealtime easier.
The importance of regular veterinary check-ups
Taking your furry friend for veterinary check-ups during teething helps build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Your puppy’s first dental visit should happen around 8 weeks old, with follow-up appointments every 2-3 months during the teething phase. Minor dental issues can grow into bigger problems, making these early visits a wise investment in your pup’s future.
During these gentle dental visits, your veterinarian becomes your partner in keeping your puppy’s smile bright and healthy. They’ll check that those tiny baby teeth are making way for adult teeth right on schedule, spot any potential concerns, and share tooth brushing tips tailored to your pup’s needs. These appointments also help your pet feel comfortable with dental care, making future visits stress-free for everyone.
Watch for signs needing immediate veterinary attention, such as difficulty eating, excessive drooling, or visible pain when chewing toys. Your vet can quickly address these concerns, preventing discomfort for your puppy. Scheduled check-ups also create opportunities for personalized guidance about chew toys, cleaning routines, and other ways to support your puppy through teething. Remember, preventing dental problems through routine care is more comfortable for your pup – and often less expensive – than treating issues later.
Frequently asked questions about puppy teething
Do all dog breeds teethe at the same time?
Not quite. While most puppies begin teething between 12 and 16 weeks, miniature or toy breeds may start a little later than large breeds. Each dog is different, so if your puppy’s teeth aren’t progressing on schedule, your veterinarian can help determine if everything is on track.
Can teething affect my puppy’s behavior or mood?
It can. Puppies may seem fussier, sleepier, or more clingy while teething. These changes are usually mild and temporary. If your pup refuses food or avoids play for more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet.
Is it safe for my puppy to chew on ice cubes?
Ice cubes can help soothe sore gums, but should be cautiously given. Full-size cubes may be too hard or pose a choking risk for smaller puppies. Crushed ice or frozen chew toys designed for puppies are a safer option.
Should I change my puppy’s diet during teething?
Not necessarily. Most puppies continue eating regular food during teething, though they might slow down a little if their gums are sore. You can soften dry kibble with warm water or offer soft, vet-approved treats to make mealtimes more comfortable.
Can teething cause bad breath in puppies?
Bad breath is normal during teething due to bleeding gums or food particles stuck near loose teeth. If your puppy’s breath suddenly becomes very strong or unpleasant, especially with swelling or discharge, it’s best to have your vet take a look.
Do puppies ever get fevers or feel sick during teething?
Teething itself shouldn’t cause fever, vomiting, or lethargy. If your puppy seems unwell, it’s likely unrelated to teething and should be evaluated by your vet to rule out other issues.
How long should teething symptoms last?
Most teething signs—like chewing, gum sensitivity, and drooling—start around 12 weeks and ease off by 6 to 8 months. Depending on which teeth are coming in, you may notice some good and rougher days, but the phase doesn’t last forever.
Teething today, strong smile tomorrow
Teething is a short but essential phase in your puppy’s journey toward a healthy, happy life. Your support makes all the difference from those first wiggling baby teeth to a complete set of adult chompers. With the proper care, regular vet check-ins, and a few comforting tricks, your pup can easily get through this stage—and maybe even enjoy it.
Do you need a few teething essentials to get started? PetCareRx has everything from puppy-safe dental toys to vet-approved toothpastes delivered right to your door, making teething care easy and convenient.
