Puppy Teething Timeline: What to Expect & How to Help

Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Dogs Vets

The first time I found a tiny puppy tooth on my living room floor, I panicked. My 12-week-old Golden Retriever had been extra mouthy that week, but I wasn’t prepared for actual evidence of her baby teeth falling out. Was this normal? Was she in pain? Was I supposed to be doing something to help her?

If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your home, you’re likely asking these same questions. The teething process is a natural but challenging phase of puppyhood that leaves many new pet parents confused and concerned. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething period that can test both their comfort levels and your patience.

The good news? With a clear understanding of the puppy teething timeline and some practical strategies to help soothe their discomfort, you can navigate this developmental stage with confidence. This comprehensive guide walks you through what to expect month by month and provides proven solutions to help your furry family member through this uncomfortable but necessary phase.

Understanding the Puppy Teething Process

Before diving into the timeline, it helps to understand what’s actually happening in your puppy’s mouth during teething. Puppies are born without teeth, but by the time most are adopted (around 8 weeks), they typically have a full set of 28 deciduous teeth – also called baby teeth, milk teeth, or primary teeth.

These baby teeth are eventually replaced by 42 adult permanent teeth. This transition doesn’t happen overnight, and the process of losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth causes varying levels of discomfort for different puppies.

Dr. John Howe, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains: “The teething process in puppies closely parallels what human children experience, complete with soreness, irritability, and the urge to chew to relieve pressure. Understanding the timeline helps owners provide appropriate support when their puppy needs it most.”

Complete Puppy Teething Timeline: Week by Week Breakdown

Weeks 2-4: Baby Teeth Begin to Emerge

While puppies are still with their mother and littermates, the teething process begins:

• Weeks 2-3: The first teeth to emerge are the incisors (the small front teeth)
• Weeks 3-4: Canine teeth (the “fangs”) start to appear
• Week 4: Premolars begin to erupt behind the canines

During this early stage, puppies are still nursing but may begin showing interest in soft solid food. Breeders typically begin the weaning process as these teeth emerge.

What you might notice: Most new puppy owners don’t witness this stage since puppies usually remain with breeders until 8 weeks of age. However, if you’re fostering a very young litter, you’ll see puppies becoming more interested in exploring objects with their mouths.

Weeks 5-8: Full Set of Baby Teeth

By the time most puppies go to their forever homes, their baby teeth are fully erupted:

• Week 5-6: The full set of 28 deciduous teeth should be visible
• Week 6-8: Puppies are usually completely weaned from their mother’s milk and eating solid puppy food
• Week 8: This is when most puppies join their new families, with a complete set of sharp baby teeth

What you might notice: Those needle-sharp puppy teeth! New owners quickly discover how sharp these temporary teeth are. This is often when “play biting” becomes a concern, as puppies explore their world mouth-first and haven’t yet learned bite inhibition.

Weeks 12-16: Baby Teeth Begin Falling Out

The teething process kicks into high gear around 3-4 months of age:

• Week 12: The incisors (front teeth) are usually the first to fall out and be replaced
• Weeks 13-14: Premolars begin to fall out, and adult premolars start emerging
• Weeks 14-16: Canine baby teeth often fall out during this period

What you might notice: This is when you might find tiny teeth around your home, though many puppies swallow their baby teeth (which is harmless). You’ll likely observe increased chewing behavior, some drooling, and possibly slight bleeding from the gums. Your puppy’s breath might smell worse than usual, and they may be reluctant to eat hard food or play with certain toys.

Months 5-6: Most Adult Teeth Come In

The most intense teething period occurs during these months:

• Month 5: Most of the adult incisors and premolars should be in place
• Month 5-6: Adult canine teeth emerge fully
• Month 6: Molars (which have no deciduous predecessors) begin to appear at the back of the mouth

What you might notice: This is often the peak of teething discomfort. Your puppy may chew more intensely, and you might observe slight blood spots on toys. Their gums may appear red or swollen in places. Some puppies become more irritable or even slightly less interested in food.

Months 6-8: Completion of Adult Teeth

The final stage of the teething process involves the last molars coming in:

• Month 6-7: The last of the adult premolars and molars emerge
• Month 7-8: By this age, most puppies have their complete set of 42 adult teeth
• After Month 8: The roots of the permanent teeth continue to develop fully

What you might notice: Chewing may remain intense but gradually decreases as discomfort subsides. Your puppy’s mouth should look more like an adult dog’s mouth, with larger, flatter teeth compared to the sharp baby teeth.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Understanding the timeline is helpful, but every puppy is an individual. Here are signs that indicate your puppy is actively teething:

1. Increased chewing behavior: This is the most obvious sign – puppies chew to relieve the pressure of new teeth pushing through their gums
2. Red or swollen gums: Examine your puppy’s gums periodically; inflamed areas often indicate where new teeth are emerging
3. Blood spots on toys: Small amounts of blood on chew toys are normal during active teething
4. Drooling more than usual: Increased saliva production often accompanies teething
5. Whining or crying: Some puppies vocalize when experiencing teething discomfort
6. Reluctance to eat: Hard kibble may temporarily become less appealing
7. Visible gaps in the teeth: As baby teeth fall out, you’ll notice spaces before permanent teeth emerge
8. Pawing at the mouth: Your puppy might try to “remove” the source of discomfort
9. Slightly bad breath: The combination of bleeding gums and food trapped in emerging teeth can cause temporary halitosis
10. Missing teeth: You might actually find fallen baby teeth around your home

How to Help Your Teething Puppy: Comfort Strategies That Work

Knowing your puppy is experiencing a normal developmental process doesn’t make it easier to watch them uncomfortable. Here are vet-recommended strategies to help soothe teething pain:

Appropriate Chew Toys

Providing the right chew toys is the most important step in helping your teething puppy. Veterinary dentist Dr. Brooke Niemiec recommends:

“Select toys that are firm enough to provide pressure but have some give to avoid damaging emerging permanent teeth. The best toys mimic the feel of cartilage, which wild canids would naturally chew during development.”

Some excellent options include:

• Rubber toys specifically designed for teething puppies: Look for dental-specific designs with various textures
• Frozen wet washcloths: The cold provides numbing relief (supervise to ensure they don’t consume fabric)
• Specially designed puppy teething keys: These can be refrigerated for added relief
• Rubber toys with areas for treat stuffing: These provide distraction along with appropriate chewing surfaces

Avoid these potentially dangerous items:

• Ice cubes (too hard and can damage teeth)
• Animal bones (risk of splintering)
• Hard plastic toys
• Sticks from outdoors (splinter risk and potential toxins)
• Any toy small enough to swallow

Temperature Therapy

Cold helps numb sore gums and reduce inflammation:

• Frozen carrots: These make excellent natural teething sticks for brief supervised chewing
• Frozen wet rope toys: The combination of cold and texture provides excellent relief
• Commercial freezable teething toys: Follow package directions for freezing time
• Refrigerated (not frozen) wet washcloth: Twist it into a rope shape for easy gripping

Important note: Never use extreme cold items directly on your puppy’s gums, as this could cause tissue damage. Items should be refrigerator-cold or only briefly frozen.

Dental-Friendly Food and Treats

During peak teething, consider these adjustments:

• Soften dry kibble with warm water if your puppy seems hesitant to eat
• Provide specially designed dental treats formulated for puppies (not adult dogs)
• Consider puppy-formulated dental chews that are softer than adult versions
• Avoid extremely hard treats or chews that could damage emerging teeth

Gentle Gum Massage

Some puppies find relief from gentle pressure:

• Clean your finger thoroughly and use it to gently rub your puppy’s gums
• Consider a puppy-specific finger toothbrush which provides texture along with massage
• Use circular motions for 30-60 seconds in areas that seem particularly sensitive

This technique has the added benefit of getting your puppy comfortable with having their mouth handled, which will make future dental care easier.

Pain Management Options

For puppies experiencing significant discomfort:

• Consult your veterinarian about appropriate pain management options
• Never give human pain medications without veterinary guidance
• Some natural calming supplements may be appropriate (with vet approval)
• Schedule a checkup if teething seems particularly difficult for your puppy

Managing Behavioral Issues During Teething

The physical discomfort of teething often manifests as behavioral challenges. Here’s how to manage common teething-related issues:

Redirecting Inappropriate Chewing

When your puppy chews furniture, shoes, or other inappropriate items:

1. Interrupt with a neutral sound (not angry yelling)
2. Immediately offer an appropriate chew toy
3. Praise enthusiastically when they chew the correct item
4. Consistently repeat this sequence

Remember, punishment does not work effectively and can damage your relationship with your puppy. Instead, manage their environment by puppy-proofing and providing abundant appropriate alternatives.

Teaching Bite Inhibition

Teething puppies often mouth hands more intensely due to gum discomfort:

1. When puppy teeth contact skin, make a high-pitched “ouch” sound
2. Immediately stop play and briefly withdraw attention
3. Resume interaction once the puppy is calm
4. Consistently offer appropriate chew toys instead of your hands

Canine behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar emphasizes: “Teaching puppies to develop a soft mouth through proper bite inhibition training during the teething phase is one of the most important lessons a dog will ever learn.”

Maintaining Training Consistency

Despite discomfort, continue with positive reinforcement training:

• Keep sessions short (3-5 minutes)
• Focus on mental stimulation that doesn’t involve mouthy play
• Reward calm behavior consistently
• Consider puzzle feeders that redirect chewing energy

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

While teething is natural, certain situations warrant professional attention:

• Adult teeth coming in before baby teeth fall out (creating a “double row” appearance)
• Baby teeth still present after 7 months of age
• Broken teeth (either baby or permanent)
• Severely swollen or inflamed gums with significant bleeding
• Reluctance to eat for more than a day
• Excessive drooling beyond typical teething amounts
• Significant pawing at the mouth or facial rubbing
• Misalignment of new adult teeth

Early intervention in dental issues can prevent more serious problems as your dog matures.

Beyond Teething: Establishing Good Dental Habits

The teething phase provides the perfect opportunity to establish lifelong dental care routines:

Starting Toothbrushing Early

• Begin with briefly touching your puppy’s teeth and gums with your finger
• Progress to a finger brush with puppy-safe toothpaste
• Eventually introduce a soft bristle dog toothbrush
• Make sessions positive and brief, gradually increasing duration

Regular Dental Checks

• Lift your puppy’s lips weekly to examine teeth and gums
• Look for tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or broken teeth
• Note any breath changes that persist beyond teething
• Discuss dental health at each puppy veterinary visit

Choosing Dental-Friendly Toys and Treats

• Select toys that gently clean teeth during play
• Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on dental products
• Consider dental diets formulated to reduce tartar buildup
• Discuss dental-friendly treat options with your veterinarian

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Teething

Q: Is it normal for a puppy to lose appetite during teething?

A: Some decrease in appetite is normal during peak teething, especially if your puppy is experiencing significant discomfort. You can help by softening kibble with warm water or switching temporarily to wet food. However, a complete refusal to eat for more than 24 hours warrants a call to your veterinarian, as this could indicate a problem beyond normal teething.

Q: Should I pick up my puppy’s baby teeth when I find them?

A: While there’s no harm in discarding puppy teeth you find, there’s also no problem if your puppy swallows them, which often happens. Some pet parents like to save a few as keepsakes. If you’re concerned about your puppy swallowing teeth, remember that they are small and generally pass through the digestive system without issue.

Q: My puppy has adult teeth coming in, but the baby teeth haven’t fallen out yet. Is this a problem?

A: This condition, called retained deciduous teeth, may require veterinary intervention if the baby teeth don’t fall out within a few weeks. Retained baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to come in misaligned and may lead to dental problems later. Your veterinarian can safely extract retained baby teeth during a dental procedure if necessary.

Q: My puppy’s adult teeth look crooked. Will they straighten out?

A: Some minor misalignment during the teething process is normal and often resolves as the jaw grows and teeth settle. However, significant misalignment may require veterinary attention, especially if it affects your puppy’s ability to eat comfortably or close their mouth properly. Bring this up at your next veterinary visit for assessment.

Q: Are some breeds more likely to have difficult teething than others?

A: Yes, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers often experience more complicated teething due to their jaw structure and overcrowded teeth. Small breeds may also retain baby teeth more frequently than larger breeds. Breeds prone to dental issues may need more attentive care during the teething process and throughout their lives.

Conclusion: Supporting Your Puppy Through Teething

The teething process represents one of the first developmental challenges you’ll navigate with your new puppy. By understanding the timeline and providing appropriate support, you can minimize your puppy’s discomfort while strengthening your bond through consistent, gentle care.

Remember that this phase is temporary—typically lasting from around 12 weeks to 8 months of age—but the dental habits you establish now will benefit your dog throughout their lifetime. With patience, appropriate chew toys, and attentive care, you’ll help your puppy emerge from the teething phase with a healthy set of adult teeth and positive associations with dental handling.

The tiny teeth you find on your floor today are signs of your puppy’s normal development into the adult dog they will become. By responding to their needs with understanding and appropriate interventions, you’re not just helping them through teething—you’re building the foundation for a lifetime of trust and well-being.

References

1. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2023). “Dental Development and Care in Dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 40(2), 89-97. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/javma-overview.xml
2. Niemiec, B. A. (2022). “Puppy Teething and Dental Development: Clinical Considerations.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 52(3), 613-626. https://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/S0195-5616(22)00002-X/fulltext
3. Dunbar, I. (2023). “Developmental Stages in Puppy Biting Behavior and Implications for Training.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 215, 45-53. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/applied-animal-behaviour-science