Teething can be a trying time for puppy owners. Pain caused by teething often leads our four-legged babies to chew on things they shouldnt – including favorite shoes or accessible toes. Today, our O’Fallon vets share advice on how to help relieve your puppys teething pain and survive this difficult stage.
Hey there, fellow puppy parents! If you’ve recently welcomed a furry bundle of joy into your home you’re probably experiencing the joys (and challenges) of puppy teething. Those razor-sharp little teeth seem to find their way into everything – your favorite shoes furniture corners, and sometimes even your fingers and toes!
I remember when my little Max was teething – my house looked like a tornado had hit it, with chewed up slippers everywhere. But don’t worry, this phase doesn’t last forever! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about puppy teething, including the all-important question: at what age does a puppy stop teething?
The Complete Puppy Teething Timeline
Just like human babies, puppies aren’t born with teeth. Those tiny chompers start to appear a few weeks after birth. Here’s what the typical teething journey looks like:
- 2-3 weeks: Baby teeth (deciduous teeth) begin to emerge
- 5-6 weeks: All 28 puppy teeth have usually come in
- 3-4 months: Puppies start losing their baby teeth as adult teeth begin pushing through
- 6-8 months: Most puppies complete the teething process
- Up to 1 year: Some puppies may continue teething behaviors
So to answer the big question – puppies typically stop teething between 6-8 months of age though it can vary by breed and individual dog. By around 8 months old your puppy should have a full set of 42 adult teeth, and the intense teething phase should be behind you!
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
How can you tell if your pup is in the middle of the teething process? Watch for these common signs
- Increased chewing and biting – This is the most obvious sign and their way of relieving gum discomfort
- More drooling than usual – Teething stimulates saliva production
- Whining or fussiness – Just like human babies, teething can make puppies cranky
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums – You might notice small blood spots on their toys
- Missing teeth – You might spot gaps where teeth have fallen out (though puppies often swallow their baby teeth)
- Changes in eating habits – Some puppies may eat less during teething
- Rubbing their face against objects to soothe discomfort
Puppy Teeth vs. Adult Teeth: What’s the Difference?
There are some important differences between your puppy’s baby teeth and the adult set they’ll have for life:
| Feature | Puppy Teeth | Adult Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 28 teeth | 42 teeth |
| Sharpness | Very sharp (like little needles!) | Less sharp, more robust |
| Shape | Small and pointed | Varied shapes for different functions |
| Purpose | Eating soft food, learning bite control | Tearing meat, grinding kibble |
Those extra-sharp puppy teeth actually serve an important purpose – they help puppies learn bite inhibition from their littermates and mother. When a puppy bites too hard during play, the other puppy yelps, teaching them to control their bite strength.
How to Help Your Teething Puppy (And Save Your Stuff!)
Teething is uncomfortable for puppies, which is why they chew on everything they can find. Here are my top tips for helping your furry friend through this challenging phase:
1. Provide the Right Chew Toys
Invest in a variety of puppy-specific teething toys. Some of my favorites include:
- Frozen chew toys – Keep some rubber toys in the freezer; the cold helps numb sore gums
- Durable rubber toys – Look for ones specifically designed for teething puppies
- Teething rings and bones – Made specifically for this purpose
- Activity toys – Ones where you can hide treats inside provide mental stimulation too
2. Try Some Natural Remedies
Some safe, natural options that can help soothe your puppy’s gums:
- Frozen carrots – A nutritious, cold chew that feels good on sore gums
- Ice cubes – Simple but effective (supervise to prevent choking)
- Frozen washcloth – Soak in chicken broth, freeze, and let your pup chew (under supervision)
3. Puppy-Proof Your Home
This one’s critical! I learned this the hard way when Max destroyed my favorite pair of shoes.
- Keep valuable items out of reach
- Cover or block access to furniture legs and electrical cords
- Use bitter apple spray on items you can’t move that your puppy seems attracted to
4. Address Nipping and Biting
When your puppy nips at your hands or feet (which they will!), try these techniques:
- Make a high-pitched “OW!” sound to mimic what another puppy would do
- Immediately offer an appropriate toy instead
- If they continue nipping, calmly walk away or give them a short time-out
- Be consistent – everyone in the household should use the same approach
What About Diet During Teething?
You might wonder if you should change your puppy’s diet while they’re teething. While major changes aren’t necessary, there are a few things that might help:
- Consider softening dry kibble with warm water if your puppy seems to have trouble eating
- Offer cold, soft foods occasionally to soothe gum discomfort
- Maintain a balanced diet appropriate for your puppy’s age and size
- Puppies should be able to eat dry food by around 8 weeks (once fully weaned)
Common Puppy Teething Questions
Are puppies born with teeth?
Nope! Puppies are born completely toothless, just like human babies. Their deciduous (baby) teeth start coming in around 2-3 weeks of age.
Do puppies swallow their baby teeth?
Yes, this is actually super common! While you might find the occasional tooth on the floor, puppies often swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing. Don’t worry – this is totally normal and harmless.
Is it normal for my puppy’s gums to bleed during teething?
Some minor bleeding is normal when teeth fall out. You might notice small spots of blood on chew toys. However, excessive bleeding is not normal and warrants a call to your vet.
What are retained puppy teeth and are they a problem?
Sometimes puppy teeth don’t fall out properly as the adult teeth come in. This is more common in small breeds and can cause dental problems if not addressed. If you notice your puppy has adult teeth coming in while baby teeth are still present (especially canine teeth), talk to your vet. They may recommend extraction, often done during spay/neuter surgery.
When should I start brushing my puppy’s teeth?
It’s actually never too early to start! Getting your puppy used to having their mouth handled and teeth brushed while they’re young will make dental care much easier throughout their life. Use a puppy-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which can be toxic to dogs).
The Long-Term Perspective
While the teething phase can feel like it goes on forever when you’re in the middle of it (trust me, I know!), remember that it’s just a temporary stage in your puppy’s development. By providing appropriate chew toys, being consistent with training, and showing patience, you’ll both get through it.
Even after teething is complete, most dogs maintain a natural desire to chew throughout their lives. Continuing to provide appropriate chew toys and dental treats will help satisfy this instinct and keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Final Thoughts
The puppy teething phase might test your patience, but it’s also an important time for bonding and training. By understanding what your puppy is going through and providing the right tools to help them, you’ll strengthen your relationship and set the foundation for good behavior as they grow.
And remember – those needle-sharp puppy teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, your furniture will be safe again, and you’ll probably find yourself looking back at photos of your teething puppy with nostalgia (even if that seems impossible right now!).
Have you gone through the teething phase with your puppy? What worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your puppy’s teething process or dental health, please consult with your veterinarian.
Are there any common dental problems in puppies that I should watch for?
Problems with puppies first teeth are rare since they dont have them for long. However, some smaller breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, have an increased risk of not losing some of their deciduous teeth. This most often occurs with the upper canine teeth, but it can happen to any of your puppys teeth.
Retained deciduous teeth can cause tooth crowding, misalignment, bite issues, and general discomfort. They are also thought to increase your dogs chances of developing dental problems and gum disease in the future. Most veterinarians recommend that any remaining deciduous teeth be extracted while your pet is under general anesthesia for the spay or neuter procedure.
When will my dog’s teeth fall out?
Although breeds vary, puppies typically develop their first set of teeth between the ages of 5 and 6 weeks. Around 16 weeks of age, your puppys baby teeth (deciduous teeth) will start to fall out and adult teeth will appear.
Puppy Teething Timeline: When Do Puppies Get Teeth
FAQ
When do puppies lose their teeth?
Puppies start losing their baby teeth around 3-4 months of age, beginning with the incisors. The process of losing baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth continues until about 4-7 months. By the time a puppy is eight months old, they should have around 42 adult teeth. Just like human babies, puppies grow their teeth after birth.
How long do Puppy Baby Teeth last?
Puppy baby teeth don’t last long. Most start to lose their teeth when they’re around 3-and-a-half months old, though some don’t start until they’re 4 or 5 months old. Typically, large- or giant-breed dogs erupt their adult teeth sooner than small dogs.
When do dogs get their teeth replaced?
By the time they are about 6 to 8 weeks old, all their puppy teeth should be in place. Adult Teeth: Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. These teeth start to replace the puppy teeth around the age of 3 to 6 months, and the process is usually complete by the time the dog is 7 months old.
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies generally begin teething around 3 weeks of age. The first teeth to appear are the incisors, followed by the canine teeth, and then the “baby” premolars. Puppies have six incisors on both the upper and lower jaws. Teething typically lasts between 6 to 8 months, though it can vary and may last up to 1 year in some cases.
When do puppies get their teeth?
Puppies get their baby teeth at a much younger age than human babies — as early as 2 weeks old. As puppies grow, they explore their world with their mouths. When a puppy is about 3-to-4-months-old, puppy teeth begin to fall out to make room for 42 adult teeth. (That’s about 10 more teeth than people have.)
What happens if a puppy has no teeth?
In other words when the baby goes from no teeth at all, to a set of deciduous teeth. This stage is over in puppies before you bring your own puppy home. Over the next few months, your pup will lose his baby teeth and grow his adult replacements.
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.
At what age do puppies stop biting and chewing?
Puppies usually stop mouthing and play biting by three to five months of age, while the chewing related to teething typically subsides when their permanent teeth come in, around six to seven months old. However, these behaviors can continue longer if they are driven by anxiety, boredom, or lack of consistent training, so redirecting their chewing to appropriate toys and teaching them bite inhibition are crucial for stopping these habits.
How do I know when my puppy has stopped teething?
As the baby teeth fall out, new adult teeth will erupt. The teething phase is said to be over once all 42 permanent teeth are in. The whole teething phase ends once the puppy is around 6 to 7 months old–about 3 months total.
Do puppies stop biting when their teeth fall out?