Puppy Teething: Timeline, Signs, and How to Help
Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 3 months old, and by about 6 months all of their adult teeth should be in. During that time your puppy will chew more, nip harder, and have sore gums. Safe chew toys, gentle mouth handling, and a vet check for any baby teeth that stay put will get you through it.
Teething is one of the reasons puppies bite so much, so this guide pairs well with our guide to stopping puppy biting. If you are still shopping for supplies, our new puppy checklist covers the chew toys worth buying first.
How many teeth does a puppy have?
Puppies have about 28 baby teeth, and adult dogs have about 42, according to the American Kennel Club. Baby teeth are small and very sharp, which is why puppy nips hurt more than you would expect. The adult teeth push the baby teeth out, so most puppies lose them without any fuss.
What is the puppy teething timeline?
- 2 to 4 weeks: the first baby teeth come in while the puppy is still with its mother and littermates.
- 5 to 6 weeks: most or all of the baby teeth are in, and weaning begins.
- 12 to 16 weeks: baby teeth start to loosen and fall out, usually beginning with the small front teeth. You may find tiny, rice-sized teeth around the house.
- About 6 months: all of the baby teeth should be gone and the adult teeth in place.
Every puppy runs on its own schedule, so a few weeks either way is normal. If you are unsure, ask your vet to check your puppy’s mouth at the next visit. Our first vet visit guide explains what the exam covers.
What are the signs of teething?
- More chewing and mouthing: your puppy goes after shoes, table legs, and your hands.
- Sore or red gums: the gums may look a little swollen or pink while teeth push through.
- Drooling or slower eating: some puppies eat more slowly when their mouth hurts.
- A small spot of blood: a little blood on a chew toy is common when a loose tooth comes out.
- Tiny teeth around the house: puppies often swallow them, which is usually not a concern.
How can you help a teething puppy?
Give your puppy something safe to chew and a calm way to use that urge.
- Offer a few safe chew toys
Choose toys made for puppies, such as soft rubber toys. A common rule of thumb is that a toy should give a little when you press a thumbnail into it. If it is rock hard, it is too hard for puppy teeth.
- Rotate the toys
Keep three or four toys out at a time and swap them every few days. A toy that feels new holds your puppy’s interest longer than one that is always on the floor.
- Cool the gums
A chilled, damp washcloth or a rubber toy kept in the fridge can soothe sore gums. Avoid anything frozen solid, which can be too hard for baby teeth.
- Redirect nipping to a toy
When your puppy chews on your hands, calmly swap your hand for a toy. Praise your puppy when it takes the toy, so it learns what is allowed.
- Handle the mouth gently every day
Touch your puppy’s lips, gums, and teeth for a few seconds, then give a treat. This builds trust and makes tooth brushing and vet exams easier later.
- Start tooth care early
Rub the teeth and gums with a silicone finger brush or soft pad. Use only toothpaste made for dogs, because human toothpaste can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
For the full routine on mouthing and nipping, read our guide to stopping puppy biting. To learn more about xylitol and other dangers in the home, see foods dogs should never eat.
Which chews are unsafe for a teething puppy?
Puppy teeth are more fragile than adult teeth, and some popular chews are too hard for them. Skip very hard items such as antlers, hooves, real bones, and hard nylon bones, since they can crack teeth. Watch your puppy with any chew, and take it away once it is small enough to swallow.
When should you call your vet about teething?
- A baby tooth is still in place after the adult tooth next to it has come in.
- Baby teeth are still there at around 6 months of age.
- Your puppy refuses food or seems to be in pain when it eats.
- The gums bleed heavily or keep bleeding, or the face looks swollen.
- Your puppy’s breath smells very bad, or you see pus near the gums.
The American Kennel Club advises telling your vet if any baby teeth remain, because they may need to be removed.
Frequently asked questions
Most puppies finish teething at about 6 months, when all of the adult teeth are in. Chewing as a habit often lasts longer, so keep offering safe toys as your puppy grows.
Often, yes. Puppies tend to lose teeth while eating or chewing and swallow them without noticing. This is usually not a concern. You may also find tiny teeth on the floor or in toys.
A small spot of blood on a toy or in saliva can happen when a tooth loosens. Heavy bleeding, bleeding that does not stop, or a swollen face needs a call to your vet.
You can start as soon as your puppy is comfortable having its mouth touched. Begin with a finger brush or soft pad, and use toothpaste made for dogs. Short sessions followed by a treat work best.
Chewing eases sore gums, and puppies also explore the world with their mouths. Give your puppy plenty of toys and redirect nipping calmly. If the biting gets worse or seems aggressive, talk to your vet or a trainer.
Related guides
- How to stop puppy biting: a practical guide
- Puppy’s first vet visit: what to bring and expect
- New puppy checklist: what to buy before day one
- Puppy socialization: checklist and safe steps
- Foods dogs should never eat: toxic people foods
- More dog health and care guides
This guide has not yet been reviewed by a veterinarian.