Puppy Teething: Ages, Signs and How to Help

The puppy teething timeline

VCA Animal Hospitals lays out the stages. Around 3 weeks, baby teeth start to erupt. By about 6 weeks, all 28 baby teeth are in; puppies have no baby molars. Around 12 weeks, baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out as adult teeth push up. By about 6 months, the adult set of up to 42 teeth is usually complete.

Adult teeth tend to arrive front to back: incisors first, at around 3 to 4 months, then canines (fangs) at around 5 months, then premolars and molars between about 4 and 7 months. Some dogs take a little longer, and small breeds are more prone to delays.

Signs your puppy is teething

Chewing is the main sign, often on furniture, shoes, hands and anything at mouth height. You may also notice drooling, red or slightly swollen gums, small spots of blood on toys, a mild dip in appetite for hard food, and baby teeth found on the floor or bedding. Many puppies simply swallow the tiny teeth, which is harmless.

A teething puppy is also mouthier and can be grumpier, especially when tired. A sudden refusal to eat, a lot of bleeding, a bad smell from the mouth, facial swelling or pawing at the mouth are not normal teething and need a vet visit.

Safe ways to help a teething puppy

Offer a few puppy-appropriate chew toys and rotate them so they stay interesting. Rubber toys that can be stuffed with a little of your puppy's own food and frozen can soothe sore gums and keep your puppy busy. A soft rope toy or a damp washcloth chilled in the freezer can also help, under supervision. A flexible teether toy or a soft plush teething toy fits that rotation, as long as it bends and you supervise.

Manage the environment so there is less to destroy: pick up shoes, socks, kids' toys and cords, and use a crate or pen when you cannot watch. Plenty of exercise, short training sessions and puzzle feeders reduce frantic chewing. If your puppy mouths you, say "ouch," pause play and offer a toy instead.

Chews and objects to avoid

Hard items can fracture both baby and adult teeth. VCA's guidance warns against bones, antlers, hooves, hard nylon and other very hard chews, and notes rawhide, pig ears and bully sticks can cause choking or intestinal blockage. A widely quoted rule from veterinary dentists: do not let your puppy chew anything that does not bend.

Supervise all chewing, since no toy is completely indestructible, and throw away toys once pieces come off. Our puppy teething toys and the puppy toy guide are a place to start. Never use human toothpaste or teething gels meant for babies, which can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.

Retained baby teeth and when to see the vet

Sometimes a baby tooth stays put while the adult tooth comes in beside it, leaving two teeth in one spot. This is most common in small and short-nosed breeds, usually with the canines. Retained teeth can push adult teeth out of line, trap food and lead to gum disease, so they usually need removing.

Check your puppy's mouth weekly until about 7 to 8 months old. If you see a double row of teeth or a baby tooth still present once the adult tooth is through, mention it to your vet. Removal is often done at the same time as a spay or neuter, under the same anesthesia.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.