Puppy teething

Key Takeaways

• Puppies are born without teeth; baby teeth start to appear at around 3 to 4 weeks old.
• A full set of 28 baby teeth is usually in place by 8 weeks of age.
• Most puppies begin losing baby teeth from around 12 to 16 weeks, as adult teeth push through.
• The full set of 42 adult teeth is usually complete by around 6 months of age.
• The whole puppy teething process typically lasts around four months.

What Is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething is the process of growing two complete sets of teeth. First come the baby teeth, also called milk teeth or deciduous teeth. These are then replaced by a permanent set of adult teeth. It's a normal developmental stage, and it happens quickly.

Puppies are born without any teeth at all. The first baby teeth begin pushing through at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. By 8 weeks, most puppies have all 28 baby teeth in place. From around 3 months onwards, those baby teeth start to fall out as adult teeth come through underneath.

Adult teeth are larger and built for a lifetime of chewing. Getting your puppy's oral health off to a good start during this period really does matter.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Here's a quick overview of when each stage happens:

The teething process as a whole generally lasts around four months, running from roughly 3 to 7 months of age. Chewing and gum soreness tend to be most intense during this window.

Week-by-Week Milestones

Weeks 2 to 4

Your puppy's first baby teeth, usually incisors and canines, begin to push through the gums. Puppies are still with their mother at this point, so you may not notice these early changes.

Weeks 5 to 8

By the time most puppies come home with their new owners, all 28 baby teeth are usually present. You may already spot some early chewing behaviour starting.

Weeks 12 to 16

This is the busiest phase. Baby teeth start to loosen and fall out. Adult teeth push through from underneath. Gum soreness tends to peak during this window, which is why chewing can feel relentless at this stage.

6 Months And Older

Most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth by around 6 months. If your puppy is older than this and still has baby teeth sitting alongside adult teeth, it's worth speaking to your vet.

Baby Teeth And Adult Teeth

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

• Baby (deciduous) teeth: 28
• Adult (permanent) teeth: 42

Adult teeth include incisors for nibbling, canines for gripping, and premolars and molars for chewing and grinding. Having all 42 adult teeth come through correctly sets the foundation for good oral health throughout your dog's life.

When Puppies Lose Baby Teeth

Most puppies begin losing their baby teeth between 12 and 16 weeks old. You may find tiny teeth on the floor, in bedding, or near a favourite chew toy. Or you may not find them at all. Many puppies swallow their baby teeth, which is harmless.

It's worth watching out for retained baby teeth. This is when a baby tooth doesn't fall out as an adult tooth comes in alongside it. It's most common with the upper canines. Retained teeth can push adult teeth out of alignment and increase the risk of dental disease later on. If you spot two teeth in the same spot, have your vet take a look.

Signs And Symptoms Of Puppy Teething

Common Teething Signs

Puppy teething symptoms can vary from pup to pup, but the most common signs include:

• Increased chewing on furniture, toys, shoes, and anything within reach
• More drooling than usual
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Red or swollen gums
• Irritability or restlessness
• Reduced interest in hard food due to gum tenderness
• Small spots of blood on toys or chews, which can be normal as loose teeth fall out

Most puppies move through teething with relatively mild discomfort. If your puppy seems to be in significant pain, won't eat, or has heavy or persistent bleeding, contact your vet.

Bad Breath And Oral Changes

Strong or persistent bad breath is worth getting checked, especially if it's alongside swollen gums, visible redness, or reluctance to eat or drink. These could be signs of infection, and your vet can take a look and advise on the right next step.

How To Help A Teething Puppy

Chew Toys: Choosing A Chew Toy

Puppy teething toys are one of the most practical things you can have on hand during this phase. When choosing one, look for:

• Durable rubber chew toys made for puppies rather than adult dogs, as these are softer on developing teeth
• Size-appropriate toys that fit comfortably in your puppy's mouth
• Varied textures that help massage gums and hold your puppy's attention
• Freezable options that can be chilled in the freezer for extra soothing relief

Rotate toys regularly. This keeps things interesting and redirects chewing away from furniture, cables, and household items.

Comfort Measures And Home Remedies

Cold or frozen items can be really helpful for sore gums. Some good options include:

• Frozen carrots — safe for puppies in moderation and very soothing on tender gums
• A rubber Kong toy stuffed with food and frozen

If your puppy seems reluctant to eat hard kibble, try softening it with a little warm water, or switch to wet food for a short time. Gum soreness usually passes as teeth settle in.

Training And Behaviour

Teething puppies nip and mouth. It's not aggression; they're uncomfortable and using their mouths to seek relief.

• Redirect nipping to an approved chew toy straight away, every time it happens
• Praise your puppy when they chew the right thing
• Stay consistent so your puppy quickly learns what's acceptable

Mental stimulation and age-appropriate exercise can also help reduce boredom-related chewing. A busy, well-exercised puppy has less inclination to chew the skirting boards.

It's also worth puppy-proofing your home during this phase. Remove cables, shoes, and other items you'd rather not see chewed, especially when your puppy is unsupervised.

Veterinary-approved bitter-tasting deterrent sprays are another option for furniture and household items. They're safe for puppies and simply make those objects less appealing to chew.

When To See A Vet

Most puppy teething doesn't need veterinary attention. But do speak to your vet if you notice:

• Retained baby teeth (a baby tooth still sitting alongside an adult tooth)
• Heavy or persistent bleeding from the gums
• Severe swelling or signs of infection
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Significant pain that lasts more than a day or two

A vet can check whether any baby teeth need removing, whether adult teeth are coming through correctly, and whether your puppy's mouth is healthy overall. Your puppy's early check-ups are a good opportunity to get a full dental look-over at the same time.

Dental Care For Your New Puppy

Start Dental Care Early

The sooner you get your puppy used to having their mouth handled, the easier dental care will be for life. Start gently, touching the lips and gums for a few seconds each day.

Once your puppy is comfortable with that, introduce a puppy toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste; it can be toxic to dogs. Try to brush your puppy's teeth daily, or as regularly as you can manage. It all helps.

Caring For Dog's Teeth Long-Term

Good habits in puppyhood build the foundation for a healthier mouth in adult life. Alongside brushing, you can:

• Offer veterinary-approved dental chews
• Ask your vet about a dental care routine that suits your dog's breed and size
• Book regular dental check-ups with your vet or veterinary nurse
• Watch for signs of dental disease as your dog gets older, such as bad breath, difficulty eating, or changes in chewing behaviour

Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions seen in dogs. Starting good habits early, while your puppy is still growing, is the best thing you can do for their long-term oral health.