Puppy teeth start falling out around 3 to 4 months of age, when adult teeth begin pushing through the gums. Most puppies lose all 28 baby teeth and grow a full set of 42 adult teeth by 6 to 7 months old.
The full teething process spans roughly 4 to 5 months. Your puppy’s tiny teeth may look cute, but they can make chewing, biting, and sore gums a real part of daily life.
If you have noticed small teeth on the floor, blood on a toy, or extra chewing, you may be wondering what is normal.
In this guide, I will share when puppy teeth fall out and walk you through the teething timeline by age.
You will learn when baby teeth come in, when they start falling out, and when adult teeth usually grow in. By the end, you will know what to expect at each stage.
What Is Puppy Teething?
Puppy teething is when your puppy’s baby teeth grow in, loosen, and fall out so adult teeth can take their place.
It is a normal part of growing up and usually lasts until your puppy is about 6 to 7 months old.
At first, puppies have no teeth. Their small baby teeth start coming in when they are a few weeks old.
Later, those teeth begin to fall out as stronger adult teeth push through the gums.
During this stage, your puppy may chew more than usual, drool, bite, or seem a little fussy. You may even see tiny teeth around the house.
A little discomfort is normal, but heavy bleeding, swollen gums, or trouble eating should be checked by a vet.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
Adult dogs usually have 42 teeth, while puppies have 28 baby teeth. These teeth help dogs bite, chew, and tear food, and keep their mouth working properly.
Puppies are born without teeth. Their baby teeth start coming in at around 3 weeks old, and most puppies have all 28 baby teeth by 6 to 8 weeks.
As they grow, these baby teeth fall out, and adult teeth take their place.
Most adult dogs have 12 incisors, 4 canine teeth, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. These teeth all have different jobs, from nibbling small bites to chewing harder food.
One thing worth noting: dogs do not have baby molars at all. The 28 deciduous teeth consist only of incisors, canines, and premolars.
The 10 adult molars are entirely new additions that grow in for the first time as your puppy matures. If a puppy tooth does not fall out, a vet may need to check it.
When Do Puppy Teeth Fall Out?
Puppy teeth fall out in stages, so the timing can look a little different from one puppy to another.
- Around 3 to 4 Months: Puppy teeth usually start falling out when adult teeth begin pushing through the gums and loosening the baby teeth.
- Front Teeth Fall First: The small front teeth, called incisors, often fall out before the larger teeth near the back of the mouth.
- Teething Peaks at 4 to 6 Months: This stage often brings more chewing, sore gums, drooling, and small spots of blood on toys or chews.
- Most Finish by 6 to 7 Months: By this age, most puppies have lost their baby teeth and have their full adult teeth in place.
Breed size matters here. Larger breeds tend to lose their baby teeth slightly earlier, while small and toy breeds sometimes run a little later.
If your puppy is past 7 months and still showing gaps or double teeth, book a vet visit to confirm everything is on track.
When Do Puppy Teeth Fall Out: Puppy Teething Timeline by Age
Puppy teething happens in clear stages, starting when baby teeth come in, then continuing as those teeth loosen, fall out, and adult teeth grow in.
Birth to 2 Weeks
Puppies are born without visible teeth because they do not need them while nursing. During the first two weeks, their baby teeth are already forming under the gums, but you will not see them yet.
This stage is usually calm because there is no tooth loss, chewing, or gum soreness.
Most puppies spend this time feeding, sleeping, and growing.
Their eyes have not yet fully opened at this point, and they rely entirely on nursing for nourishment. Teething signs begin later, once the first baby teeth start pushing through the gums.
2 to 4 Weeks
Baby teeth often start coming through the gums around 2 to 4 weeks. These first teeth are tiny, sharp, and help puppies begin early chewing.
Most puppies are still with their mother during this stage, so many owners may not notice it.
The front teeth and canine teeth often appear first. This phase also marks the start of bite inhibition learning, where littermates and the mother respond to hard bites, teaching the puppy to control the force of their mouth.
It is an important social skill that develops naturally during these early weeks.
5 to 8 Weeks
By 5 to 8 weeks, most puppies have all 28 baby teeth. These are also called milk teeth or deciduous teeth. They are small and sharp, which helps puppies learn to bite, chew, and eat soft puppy food.
Many puppies go to new homes around this age, so owners may notice these sharp little teeth quickly.
This is also a good time to start gently touching your puppy’s mouth and gums so they become comfortable with handling, which makes future toothbrushing far easier.
The baby teeth are still firm in the gums at this stage and have not started falling out yet.
3 to 4 Months
Puppy teeth often start falling out around 3 to 4 months. The small front teeth, called incisors, are usually the first to loosen and fall.
You may find tiny teeth on the floor, in bedding, or near chew toys. Many puppies swallow these teeth while eating, which is usually normal.
The canine teeth follow shortly after, typically between 4 and 5 months.
This is also when the second teething phase intensifies, as adult teeth begin pushing through the gums with more force.
As adult teeth push through the gums, your puppy may chew more often to ease pressure and soreness in the mouth.
4 to 6 Months
This is often the busiest stage of teething. More baby teeth fall out, while adult teeth keep growing in.
Your puppy may chew more, drool, bite toys, or have sore gums. You may also notice small blood spots on chew toys, which can be normal.
Soft, puppy-safe chew toys can help ease gum pressure.
A helpful test for toy hardness: if you cannot dent a chew toy with your thumbnail, it is too hard for a teething puppy.
Veterinary dentists commonly recommend this thumbnail rule because toys that are too firm can chip or crack developing teeth. Stick to rubber, soft nylon, or flexible chew options during this window.
However, hard bones, antlers, ice cubes, and very tough chews should be avoided, as they can damage young teeth.
6 to 7 Months
Most puppies finish teething by 6 to 7 months. By then, many dogs have their full set of 42 adult teeth.
Chewing may still happen, but it is often linked to habit, boredom, or training, not teething pain. Check your puppy’s mouth for baby teeth sitting beside adult teeth.
If you notice double teeth, bad breath, swollen gums, bleeding, or trouble eating, a vet should take a look.
Puppy Teething Symptoms
Puppy teething can cause small changes in chewing, eating, drooling, and behavior as adult teeth push through the gums.
| Sign | What It Means |
| More Chewing | Puppies often chew toys, blankets, furniture, or hands because chewing helps ease pressure on their sore gums. |
| Drooling | Some puppies drool more during teething because their gums feel tender and their mouths adjust to new teeth. |
| Sore Or Swollen Gums | Mild gum soreness or swelling can happen when baby teeth loosen, and adult teeth begin pushing through. |
| Small Spots Of Blood | A little blood on toys or chews can be normal when loose baby teeth fall out. |
| Missing Baby Teeth | You may notice small gaps in your puppy’s mouth as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. |
| Mild Fussiness | Some puppies may seem restless, bite more, or appear less settled because their mouths feel uncomfortable. |
Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
The right chew toys can help puppies handle sore gums while keeping their chewing habits safer and more controlled.
- Soft rubber toys: Soft rubber toys, such as puppy KONGs or flexible rubber bones, are gentle on sore gums during teething.
- Freezable chew toys: Freezable chew toys, like chilled teething rings or rubber toys, can help soothe swollen puppy gums.
- Puppy-safe chew rings: Puppy-safe chew rings, including soft rubber rings, are easy to hold and help ease gum pressure.
- Textured chew toys: Textured chew toys, such as bumpy rubber bones or ridged chew sticks, can gently massage sore gums.
How Long Do Puppies Teethe For?
Puppies usually teethe for about 4 to 5 months, starting when baby teeth come in and ending when adult teeth settle. Most puppies finish teething by around 6 to 7 months old.
The early stage begins when baby teeth appear at about 2 to 4 weeks.
Later, around 3 to 4 months, those baby teeth start falling out as adult teeth push through. This is often when chewing, drooling, sore gums, and biting become more noticeable.
The busiest teething stage is usually between 4 and 6 months.
By 6 to 7 months, most puppies have their full set of adult teeth. If baby teeth remain beside adult teeth, a vet should check them.
Keep in mind that chewing behavior often continues well past teething. Once a puppy learns that chewing brings relief, that habit can carry forward.
Maintaining consistent redirection to appropriate toys after teething ends will help prevent it from becoming a problem behavior.
How to Comfort Your Puppy While Teething?
Teething care is mostly about easing gum pressure, reducing unsafe chewing, and keeping your puppy comfortable during this stage.
- Offer Soft Chew Toys: Puppy-safe rubber toys can help soothe sore gums without being too hard on growing teeth.
- Use Chilled Toys: A chilled chew toy or a cold washcloth may help soothe tender gums and ease mild teething discomfort.
- Redirect Biting: When your puppy bites hands, clothes, or furniture, gently offer a toy to teach better chewing habits.
- Soften Puppy Food: Adding warm water to kibble can make meals easier if your puppy’s mouth feels sore.
- Give Safe Supervision: Watch your puppy with toys and chews to prevent choking, broken pieces, or unsafe chewing.
- Avoid Hard Chews: Hard bones, antlers, ice cubes, and tough chews can damage baby teeth or new adult teeth.
Precautions for a Teething Puppy
Small changes at home can lower teething risks and keep your puppy’s routine more comfortable.
| Precaution | Why It Matters |
| Puppy Proof The House | Keep cords, shoes, bags, and small items out of reach, so your puppy cannot chew unsafe things. |
| Use The Right Toy Size | Toys should be large enough to prevent them from being swallowed but small enough for your puppy to hold. |
| Clean Chew Toys Often | Teething toys can collect saliva, dirt, and bacteria, so regular cleaning helps protect your puppy’s mouth. |
| Watch Meal Changes | If your puppy avoids food, eats slowly, or drops kibble, sore gums may be bothering them. |
| Avoid Rough Tugging | Strong tug games can hurt loose baby teeth or make sore gums feel worse during teething. |
Common Dental Problems In Puppies
Puppies can have dental issues while teething, especially when baby teeth and adult teeth do not grow as expected.
- High fever: A mild fever may happen during teething, but a fever above 102.5°F with tiredness needs a veterinarian’s care.
- Bleeding from the gums: Small spots of blood can be normal, but heavy bleeding from the gums needs urgent veterinary care.
- Baby teeth do not erupt: Some puppies have thick gums that stop baby teeth from coming through and may need surgery.
- Baby teeth do not fall out: Baby teeth may stay when adult teeth grow incorrectly, causing crowding and later dental problems.
- Permanent teeth are unformed: Adult teeth may not form, so baby teeth stay in place because nothing pushes them out.
- Broken baby teeth: Baby teeth can break from hard chewing, leading to pain, infection, swelling, or difficulty eating.
How Nutrition Impacts Teething and Oral Health?
A complete puppy food gives the right balance of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Good nutrition supports healthy teeth, gums, and jaw growth during puppy teething.
Puppies need puppy food, not adult dog food. It helps adult teeth grow properly and supports healthy bone development.
Calcium and phosphorus matter, but too much calcium can be harmful, especially for large-breed puppies.
So, do not add supplements unless your vet recommends them. Softening kibble with warm water may also help if your puppy’s gums feel sore.
Along with food, early brushing and regular vet checkups support long-term oral health.
I always tell new puppy owners to check the label for an AAFCO growth or all-life-stages statement.
That statement means the food meets established nutrient profiles for puppies, which is the simplest way to confirm it supports proper dental and bone development.
What Not to Give a Teething Puppy?
Some items can be too hard, unsafe, or confusing for puppies while their teeth and gums are still developing.
- Hard Bones: Hard bones can crack baby teeth or new adult teeth, especially when puppies chew with too much pressure.
- Antlers and Hooves: These chews are often too hard for young teeth and may cause chips, cracks, or gum injury.
- Ice Cubes: Ice cubes may seem soothing, but they can be too hard and may damage tender puppy teeth.
- Old Shoes: Giving old shoes can confuse puppies and teach them that chewing your regular shoes is allowed.
- Cooked Bones: Cooked bones can splinter into sharp pieces that may injure the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines.
When to Call the Vet?
Call the vet if your puppy has heavy bleeding, swollen gums, trouble eating, or strong, bad breath during teething.
You should also book a visit if baby teeth stay in place while adult teeth grow beside them.
Mild chewing, drooling, and tiny blood spots on toys can be normal. However, teething should not cause severe pain, loose adult teeth, pus, or ongoing bleeding.
Retained baby teeth can crowd the mouth and trap food, which may lead to plaque, gum irritation, or bite problems.
If your puppy is around 6 to 7 months old and still has double teeth, your vet should check their mouth to determine whether treatment is needed.
A quick rule I share with first-time puppy owners: if something feels off for more than 48 hours, whether it is a puppy refusing food, yelping when chewing, or having visibly swollen gums, that warrants a call.
It is always better to check and find nothing serious than to wait.
Conclusion
Puppy teething can seem confusing at first. One day, they’re chewing everything, and the next, you find a tiny tooth on a toy or blanket.
The good news is that this is usually a normal part of growing up. Most puppies start losing baby teeth around 3 to 4 months and finish teething by 6 to 7 months.
During this stage, I’d focus on simple things like safe chew toys, soft food, gentle brushing, and regular vet checkups.
Every puppy is different, so the timeline may not be exact for everyone.
The main thing is to monitor your puppy’s comfort, eating habits, and teeth as they grow. Have you gone through puppy teething before?
Share your experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Be Mistaken for Teething?
Ear infections, mouth injuries, loose adult teeth, stomach upset, boredom, anxiety, or dental problems can look like teething.
Do Puppies Cry when They Teethe?
Some puppies may whine or cry if their gums feel sore, but constant crying is not normal and may need vet care.
Which Dog Breed Has the Most Dental Problems?
Small and toy breeds, like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pugs, and Dachshunds, often have more dental problems due to crowded teeth.
Should You Tap Your Puppy on the Nose when He Bites?
No. Tapping can scare your puppy or make biting worse. Redirect biting to a toy and reward gentle behavior.
Do All Puppies Teethe at the Same Rate?
No. Breed size influences timing. Larger breeds often lose baby teeth slightly earlier, while small and toy breeds may run a little later. Most puppies, regardless of size, complete the process by 7 months.