As a proud puppy parent watching your furry friend grow is exciting, but it can also bring some concerns. One question that often pops up is does it hurt puppies to lose teeth? If you’ve noticed your little ball of fluff chewing on everything in sight or seeming uncomfortable you might be witnessing the teething process. Let’s dive into what’s really happening in your puppy’s mouth and how you can help them through this natural but sometimes uncomfortable phase.
The Truth About Puppy Teething Pain
Yes, puppies do experience discomfort when losing their baby teeth, but it’s usually not as severe as you might imagine Much like human babies, teething is a natural part of development that comes with some inevitable pain When those tiny teeth become loose and fall out, your puppy’s gums can become tender and inflamed.
Most puppies are resilient creatures who continue playing eating, and exploring even when they’re teething. However the level of discomfort varies from pup to pup – some might be more sensitive than others.
Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline
To better understand what your puppy is experiencing, let’s look at the typical teething timeline:
Birth to 3 Weeks: Puppies are born completely toothless! They don’t need teeth yet since they’re nursing from their mother.
3-6 Weeks: Baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) begin to emerge. This is when puppies start being able to eat solid food.
3-4 Months: The teething process kicks into high gear as puppies begin losing their baby teeth, and adult teeth start pushing through.
4-6 Months: This is peak teething time! The incisors and canines usually come in first, followed by premolars.
5-7 Months: The adult molars emerge, completing the set of 42 adult teeth (compared to just 28 baby teeth).
By 8 Months: Most puppies have all their adult teeth and have finished the teething process.
Remember that larger breeds tend to develop teeth a bit faster than smaller breeds, so your puppy’s exact timeline might vary.
How to Tell If Your Puppy Is Experiencing Teething Pain
Your puppy can’t tell you when they’re in pain, but they do show some telltale signs of teething discomfort:
- Excessive chewing – Your pup might chew on everything they can find to relieve the pressure and pain
- Drooling more than usual
- Blood spots on toys (don’t panic – this is normal when baby teeth fall out!)
- Swollen or red gums
- Reluctance to eat hard food
- Whimpering or crying (in cases of more severe discomfort)
- Irritability or restlessness
- Rubbing their face on surfaces
If you notice several of these signs together, your puppy is likely going through the teething process.
Will I See My Puppy’s Teeth When They Fall Out?
Many pet parents wonder if they’ll find tiny teeth around the house. The truth is, you might find some baby teeth on your floor, but don’t worry if you don’t! Puppies often swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing. This is completely normal and won’t cause any harm.
How to Help Your Teething Puppy Feel Better
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for – how to comfort your furry friend! Here are some effective ways to help soothe teething pain:
1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Puppies naturally want to chew when teething, so give them something appropriate instead of your furniture or shoes. Some great options include:
- Soft rubber toys
- Frozen washcloths (supervised only)
- Specially designed puppy teething toys
- Frozen KONG toys filled with puppy-safe treats
2. Temperature Therapy
Cold can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation:
- Freeze puppy-safe chew toys
- Offer frozen blueberries or small pieces of frozen carrots as treats
- Provide ice cubes (supervised to prevent choking)
3. Soften Their Food
If your puppy seems to have trouble eating due to sore gums:
- Add a bit of warm water to dry kibble to soften it
- Temporarily switch to wet food if needed
- Ensure they’re still eating enough to support their growing body
4. Extra TLC
Sometimes your puppy just needs extra comfort:
- Be patient with increased neediness
- Provide gentle gum massages with your clean finger
- Give lots of cuddles and positive attention
When to Call the Vet
While teething is a normal process, there are times when you should consult your veterinarian:
- If your puppy seems to be in excessive pain
- If they stop eating entirely
- If you notice severe bleeding from the gums
- If adult teeth are coming in but baby teeth aren’t falling out (retained deciduous teeth)
- If you see signs of infection like very bad breath or swollen, red gums
- If your puppy is over 8 months old and still hasn’t completed the teething process
Common Teething Questions Answered
Are some dog breeds more prone to teething problems?
Yes! Small breeds like Chihuahuas and toy breeds sometimes have more issues with teething due to their tiny mouths and overcrowding of teeth. Their baby teeth might not fall out properly to make room for adult teeth, which could require veterinary intervention.
Can teething affect my puppy’s behavior?
Absolutely. Many puppies become more mouthy and might even seem more aggressive during teething. This isn’t actual aggression but a response to discomfort. Consistency with training is still important during this time.
Should I brush my puppy’s teeth during teething?
It’s a good idea to start a dental care routine early, but be extra gentle during teething. Use a soft puppy toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste, focusing more on getting them used to the process than thorough cleaning.
Will my puppy’s teething affect their appetite?
Some puppies may eat less when their mouths are sore. If you notice a slight decrease in appetite but your puppy is otherwise active and healthy, this is usually normal. Significant appetite loss, however, warrants a vet visit.
My Personal Experience with Teething Puppies
When my German Shepherd, Max, was teething, he chewed through the corner of our coffee table in literally ONE afternoon I left him alone! I quickly learned that having appropriate chew toys available at all times was essential. His favorite was a frozen KONG toy filled with a bit of peanut butter. It kept him occupied for ages and seemed to really soothe his sore gums.
What really helped us get through the teething phase was establishing a routine. Every time I caught Max chewing something inappropriate, I’d redirect him to his toys and praise him when he used them. Consistency is key!
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Remember that teething is temporary! By the time your puppy is about 6-8 months old, they should have all their adult teeth and the discomfort will be over. The good habits you establish during this time, like proper chewing behavior and dental care routines, will benefit your dog for their entire life.
So hang in there! With some patience, appropriate chew toys, and lots of love, both you and your puppy will survive the teething phase and move on to enjoying all the other amazing aspects of puppyhood.
Have you gone through the teething phase with your puppy? What worked best for your furry friend? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: While I’m passionate about puppy health, I’m not a veterinarian. Always consult with your vet if you have concerns about your puppy’s health or development.
Are there any common dental problems in young dogs?
Some breeds, particularly smaller breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, have deciduous teeth that do not fall out when they are supposed to (retained deciduous teeth). The most usual site is the canine teeth, although it can happen anywhere.
Retained deciduous teeth can cause malocclusion (misaligned teeth leading to a poor bite) and discomfort. They also predispose dogs to future dental problems. Food can get trapped between the retained deciduous teeth, the permanent teeth, and the gingiva (gums), which can lead to periodontal (dental) disease. Retained deciduous teeth need to be removed. It is usually a simple procedure, commonly performed at the time of the pets neutering or spaying.
There are few other problems with deciduous teeth, but on occasion, a pup will have a dental problem that is serious enough to require advanced intervention or referral to a veterinary dentist. Such problems may include malocclusions so severe that the teeth traumatize the opposite jaw, leading to a painful bite, unerupted or impacted teeth forming destructive cysts in the bone, and developmental abnormalities such as enamel hypoplasia.
My puppy bites my hands, my legs, my children’s legs – anything he can get his mouth on. What is going on?
Your puppy is teething, the same way that human babies and children grow new teeth during their development. Like a human, your pup first grows a set of baby teeth (also called primary or deciduous, meaning they fall out). These teeth are pointed and sharp, which is why they are sometimes referred to as needle teeth.
Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth and up to 42 permanent teeth. You may find deciduous teeth on the floor, but more likely, your puppy will harmlessly swallow the teeth while he is eating. It is not unusual for some bleeding to occur when the teeth are falling out, but the amount is minuscule and noticeable only if there is some mild red staining on a chew toy.
Do puppies lose their baby teeth?
FAQ
Do puppies lose their teeth?
When puppies start to lose their teeth, many dog parents wonder if they should help these teeth along. Puppy parents often notice that their puppies are losing their teeth because they find them on the floor or because they see blood on their toys. As new dog parents, it is hard to know how to help your puppy when they start losing their teeth.
Do puppy teeth fall out when teething?
You may find your puppy’s teeth lying on the ground when they’re teething. But in most cases, you won’t notice many baby teeth falling out because puppies usually swallow them or lose them outside. The eruption of the teeth from the gums can bring some pain and discomfort to the puppy.
Is it normal for a dog to lose a tooth?
It’s normal for puppies to lose their primary teeth. For an adult dog, a loose or wiggly tooth can be the result of an injury or a sign of dental disease. And because dental disease takes years to develop, we have an opportunity to intervene and prevent tooth loss, starting with good dental hygiene.
Why do dogs lose teeth?
The second (and most common) reason for tooth loss in adult dogs is dental disease. Even though a canine diet contains less sugar than a human diet, dogs can still develop dental tartar and decay.
Do puppy teeth fall out naturally?
When puppy parents first notice a loose tooth, their first thought is to pull it. However, it is best to leave that tooth alone and allow it to fall out naturally. Puppy teeth are different than human teeth, and they have longer roots.
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
During the puppy teething stage, which typically occurs between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies will start to lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth start to come in. This process can be uncomfortable for puppies, which is why they may chew on objects to help alleviate the pain.
Is losing baby teeth painful for puppies?
Yes, losing baby teeth is uncomfortable and can be painful for puppies, much like in humans. You might notice increased chewing, fussiness, or even a little blood on their toys as they try to relieve the discomfort in their sore gums. To help your puppy through this stage, provide cool chew toys, frozen treats like carrots, and soft food, and consult your veterinarian if the discomfort seems severe or prolonged.
What age is teething the worst for puppies?
Puppies usually experience their worst teething between 4 and 8 months of age, as this is when their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth begin to emerge, causing soreness, increased chewing, irritability, and the potential for destructive behavior. This period is marked by the transition from baby teeth (deciduous) to a full set of 42 adult teeth, and can lead to swollen gums and discomfort that puppies try to relieve by chewing on anything available.
Do puppies stop biting when their teeth fall out?
How to relieve puppy teething pain?
To relieve puppy teething pain, provide frozen puppy-specific chew toys and edible treats like ice cubes or frozen peanut butter, offer soft foods like wet dog food, and gently massage your puppy’s gums. Chewing on safe, rubbery toys, such as a frozen Kong, offers relief by applying pressure to sore gums. Always ensure the items you provide are safe for puppies and avoid hard, rock-solid items that could damage their teeth.