Puppy Teething: Understanding the Process and How to Help Your Pup
Puppy teething is a significant developmental milestone in every young dog's life. As puppies transition from their baby teeth (also known as deciduous or milk teeth) to their permanent adult teeth, both they and their owners face a unique set of challenges. Let's explore what happens during this stage, how to recognize it, and how you can make it easier for your furry companion.
What Is Puppy Teething?
Puppies are born without teeth. Around three weeks of age, their first baby teeth begin to erupt. By six to eight weeks old, most puppies have a full set of 28 tiny, sharp baby teeth. The real action starts between three and seven months when these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth.
This process isn't just about new teeth—it's often uncomfortable or even painful for puppies. You'll notice them chewing more than usual, drooling, showing mild gum bleeding, or acting irritable. These behaviors are normal responses as their gums feel sore and itchy while new teeth push through.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
- Increased chewing on toys, furniture, or anything within reach
- Drooling more than usual
- Mild bleeding from the gums (you might see spots on toys)
- Irritability or restlessness
- Nipping or biting more frequently
- Swollen or tender gums
- Occasional loss of appetite due to mouth discomfort
These signs usually peak around three to four months old and gradually subside by six to seven months when all adult teeth have erupted.
The Stages of Puppy Teething
- Birth to 2 Weeks: No visible teeth; puppies nurse exclusively.
- 3–4 Weeks: Baby incisors and canines start coming in.
- 5–8 Weeks: Full set of 28 baby teeth present.
- 12–16 Weeks: Baby teeth begin falling out; adult teeth start erupting.
- 5–7 Months: All 42 adult teeth should be in place.
Caring for a Teething Puppy
Your puppy's urge to chew isn't just annoying—it's essential for soothing sore gums as new teeth come in. To help your puppy through this phase:
- Provide appropriate chew toys: Soft rubber toys, freezable chew toys (which numb sore gums), and edible treats like frozen carrots work well.
- Avoid hard objects: Steer clear of hard bones, antlers, rawhide chews, or very hard toys that could damage developing teeth.
- Supervise chewing: Monitor your puppy closely so they don't destroy household items or swallow dangerous materials.
- Dental hygiene: Start gently brushing your puppy's teeth with dog-safe toothpaste. Early dental care helps prevent problems later on.
Puppy Teeth Anatomy
Puppies' mouths contain incisors at the front for grasping food, canines (the pointed "fang" teeth), premolars behind those, but no molars until adulthood. Permanent molars erupt last between five and seven months old. Sometimes a baby tooth doesn't fall out as it should—a condition called retained deciduous tooth. This can cause discomfort or misaligned bites (malocclusion), so veterinarians often recommend removing retained baby teeth if they cause trouble.
Troubleshooting: When to Call the Vet
- If you see excessive bleeding or persistent drooling
- Your puppy has trouble eating or shows signs of pain while chewing
- You notice unusual swelling in the mouth or jaw area
- Your puppy’s breath smells unusually bad (can signal infection)
- You find loose adult teeth after six months old (adult dog’s teeth shouldn’t fall out)
- The bite looks abnormal or you see two rows of overlapping teeth after seven months old
If any of these occur, consult your veterinarian promptly for guidance and possible treatment.
Nipping Behavior During Teething
Nipping is common during teething but shouldn’t be ignored. Teach bite inhibition: if your puppy bites too hard during play, let out a high-pitched yelp or stop play immediately. Redirect biting onto appropriate chew toys instead. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation—boredom makes nipping worse!
Lifelong Chewing Habits
Certain breeds naturally chew more than others; some dogs continue strong chewing habits into adulthood. While teething-related chewing peaks between three and six months old, providing safe outlets for this behavior helps protect both your belongings and your dog’s health throughout life.
The Takeaway: Helping Your Puppy Thrive During Teething
- Puppy teething involves losing baby teeth and gaining adult ones between three and seven months old.
- This process causes discomfort—chewing helps soothe sore gums.
- Offer safe chew toys; avoid hard objects that could break fragile new teeth.
- Bite inhibition training reduces nipping issues now and later on.
- Diligent dental care sets up lifelong oral health for your dog.
If you’re ever unsure about your puppy’s dental development—or if something seems off—reach out to your vet for support. With patience, supervision, and good habits started early, you’ll help your pup sail through the teething stage with a healthy mouth (and fewer chewed-up shoes).
