Understanding When Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth
Puppy teething is a fascinating and sometimes challenging phase for both puppies and their owners. Just like human infants, puppies start life toothless, but their dental development follows a well-defined timeline. Knowing when puppies lose their baby teeth can help you support your furry friend through this important growth stage.
The Puppy Teething Timeline
Let’s break down the stages of puppy teething so you know what to expect:
- Birth to 2 weeks: Puppies are born without teeth and nurse comfortably from their mother.
- 3 to 4 weeks: The first baby (deciduous or milk) teeth start erupting—incisors appear first, followed by canine teeth (fangs), and then premolars. By the end of this period, most puppies will have a total of 28 deciduous teeth (they don’t get baby molars).
- 5 to 6 weeks: All baby teeth should be in place. Puppies may begin eating soft, moistened food as they transition away from nursing.
- 12 to 16 weeks: This is when the real action begins—puppies start losing their baby teeth as adult teeth push through the gums. You might spot tiny teeth on the floor or notice a bit of blood on chew toys. Some puppies even swallow their baby teeth without you noticing!
- 4 to 6 months: The majority of teething happens now. Adult incisors and canines come in first, followed by premolars and finally molars. Large breeds may finish this process slightly sooner than smaller breeds.
- 6 to 7 months: Most puppies have all their adult teeth—42 in total—by this age. The urge to chew may decrease but never fully disappears.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
Puppies don’t just lose their baby teeth quietly; there are some clear signs that teething is underway:
- Increased chewing, sometimes on inappropriate items like shoes or furniture
- Drooling, with mild redness or swelling of the gums
- A spot of blood on toys or bedding
- Slight changes in appetite or eating habits
- Mild irritability or fussiness
- Tiny, rice-sized puppy teeth found around the house
Your puppy chews more during teething not just out of curiosity but because it helps soothe sore gums. Redirecting this behavior toward safe chew toys protects your belongings—and your puppy’s mouth.
Puppy Dental Problems: What to Watch For
Certain breeds, especially smaller or short-nosed dogs, sometimes retain baby teeth after adult ones have emerged. These retained deciduous teeth can cause overcrowding, misalignment (malocclusion), and increase the risk for periodontal disease since food can get trapped between crowded teeth. If you notice any double rows of teeth or persistent baby fangs after six months, it’s best to consult your veterinarian—they often remove these during routine spay/neuter procedures.
Other dental issues that might crop up include misplaced adult teeth, abnormal jaw alignment, or developmental problems that need veterinary attention.
Caring for Your Teething Puppy’s Mouth
- Get your puppy used to having its mouth handled early on.
- Use only dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste.
- Dentally-approved chews and treats can help reduce plaque buildup.
- Avoid hard objects like bones, antlers, or nylon chews that might break delicate new adult teeth.
- Supervise all chew sessions and inspect toys regularly for wear and tear.
- If your puppy seems uncomfortable, try freezing safe chew toys or even carrots/green beans for cooling relief on sore gums (always supervise).
- Avoid encouraging play-biting with hands or feet—it can lead to bad habits later on.
When Should You Call the Vet?
- If you see excessive swelling, bleeding, bad breath that won’t go away, trouble eating, loss of appetite, or signs your puppy is in significant pain.
- If any baby tooth remains after its corresponding adult tooth has come in (retained deciduous tooth).
- If you’re unsure about which toys are safe or how best to care for your puppy’s mouth at home.
Lifelong Dental Health Starts Early
The habits you build now set your dog up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Brush regularly with dog-specific products and schedule routine veterinary dental checkups as recommended by your vet. Good dental hygiene helps prevent periodontal disease, tartar buildup, and tooth loss later in life—and keeps those puppy kisses fresh!
