The 5 Stages of Puppy Teething: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners
Understanding the teething process in puppies is crucial for ensuring their comfort and oral health. Just like human babies, puppies undergo a transitional period where baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth. This developmental stage, though natural, can bring discomfort and behavioral challenges. Here, we’ll break down the five stages of puppy teething and provide pet owners with essential tips on how to support their furry companions through this process.
Stage 1: Birth to 2 Weeks – No Teeth
Puppies are born without teeth. During this stage, they nurse exclusively and rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. There’s no teething discomfort at this stage since teeth have not yet erupted.
Stage 2: 3–8 Weeks – Eruption of Baby Teeth
At around 3 weeks old, puppies begin to develop their deciduous teeth, also known as milk or baby teeth. By 6 to 8 weeks, a full set of 28 baby teeth should be present. These include:
- 12 incisors (6 upper and 6 lower)
- 4 canines (2 upper and 2 lower)
- 12 premolars (6 upper and 6 lower)
Baby molars are not present in puppies. This stage may involve mild irritation, and owners might notice puppies starting to mouth objects or chew.
Stage 3: 12–16 Weeks – Onset of Adult Teeth
This is when baby teeth start to fall out, triggered by the eruption of adult teeth pushing them out. The process begins around 12 weeks and can continue through 16 weeks. During this time, puppies may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Increased chewing behavior
- Drooling
- Swollen, tender gums
- Mild bleeding from gum tissue
Providing soft rubber or freezable chew toys can help soothe discomfort. Avoid hard items that may damage incoming adult teeth.
Stage 4: 3–6 Months – Losing Baby Teeth
This is the most intense phase of teething. Between 3 and 6 months, puppies shed their baby teeth and their permanent teeth start forming. This includes the appearance of permanent:
- Incisors and canines
- Premolars
- Molars—first appearing during this stage
Symptoms are typically more pronounced, and puppies often demonstrate problematic behaviors like excessive chewing, biting, or irritability. Owners should focus on:
- Providing appropriate chew toys
- Regular monitoring of tooth loss and growth
- Early introduction of dental hygiene practices
Veterinary guidance is recommended if baby teeth don’t fall out properly, a condition known as retained deciduous teeth, which can lead to misaligned teeth and gum disease.
Stage 5: 5–7 Months – Full Adult Dentition
By 6 to 7 months of age, most puppies will have grown in all 42 permanent teeth. This includes:
- 12 incisors
- 4 canines
- 16 premolars
- 10 molars
At this point, teething symptoms should subside, but chewing behavior might continue due to habit or boredom. It’s crucial to redirect this behavior to safe toys and maintain regular dental checkups to monitor oral health.
Tips for Managing Puppy Teething
- Provide a variety of safe, durable chew toys
- Supervise to prevent swallowing of small or hard objects
- Start brushing with dog-safe toothpaste
- Avoid hard chews like antlers or natural bones
- Train bite inhibition with gentle, consistent techniques
When to Consult a Veterinarian
Seek veterinary advice if your puppy shows any of the following:
- Persistent drooling or difficulty eating
- Unusual swelling or bad breath
- Baby teeth not falling out by 6 months
- Loose or crooked permanent teeth
Conclusion
The five stages of puppy teething span from birth through to the development of full adult dentition. By understanding the timeline and symptoms, and by actively supporting your pup with proper care, you can ensure a healthy and comfortable teething process. Early dental care and supervision not only ease your puppy's discomfort but also pave the way for lifelong oral health and positive behavior.
