Teething is the natural process where a puppy’s 28 baby teeth fall out and are replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth, typically starting around 12–16 weeks of age and finishing by 6–8 months.
That sharp little needle-tooth sinking into your finger isn’t malice — it’s biology. Around the time your puppy hits 3 months, those baby teeth start loosening, adult teeth push up from below, and the gums get sore, swollen, and tender. The result is a puppy who chews everything in sight to find relief. Understanding this timeline is the first step toward keeping your furniture (and your hands) intact, while making sure your dog’s adult teeth come in straight and healthy.
The Full Timeline: When Does Puppy Teething Start and End?
Puppy teething follows a predictable schedule, though individual dogs may shift by a week or two. The key windows to watch are the eruption of baby teeth, the loss of those teeth, and the arrival of the adult set.
The first teeth — the incisors and canine teeth — appear at around 3 weeks of age. By the time a puppy is 6 weeks old, all 28 baby teeth are fully erupted. These deciduous teeth are tiny, sharp, and designed to fall out easily. The actual “teething” phase that owners notice begins at 12–16 weeks (3–4 months), when those baby teeth start loosening and adult teeth emerge. The whole process takes about 4 months to reach the full 42-tooth adult mouth.
| Age Window | What’s Happening | What You’ll Notice |
|---|---|---|
| 3 weeks | Baby incisors and canines begin erupting | Puppy starts nursing more carefully; first teeth visible on the gums |
| 6 weeks | All 28 deciduous teeth are fully erupted | Full set of sharp baby teeth; weaning onto soft solid food can begin |
| 12–16 weeks (3–4 months) | Baby teeth loosen and fall out; adult incisors emerge first | Finding tiny teeth on the floor; increased chewing and nipping |
| 4–5 months | Adult premolars and canines emerge | Heavy chewing phase; potential for bleeding gums and drooling |
| 5–7 months | Adult molars come in (dogs do not have baby molars) | Chewing intensity may peak; last baby teeth fall out |
| 6–8 months | All 42 permanent teeth are in place | Mouthing decreases, adult bite established; schedule a vet check |
| Up to 1 year | Full jaw growth and bite settling (rare cases) | Some dogs finish slightly later, especially large breeds |
Why Teething Happens: The Biology Behind the Bite
Puppies are born toothless, with their gums covering the developing baby teeth underneath. The eruption of deciduous teeth around 3 weeks allows the puppy to transition from nursing to eating solid food. By 6 weeks, the 28 baby teeth are operational — sharp enough to manage soft kibble but not durable enough for a lifetime of chewing. The permanent teeth that replace them are larger, stronger, and designed to last for the dog’s entire life. The process is driven by hormonal signals that trigger the roots of the baby teeth to dissolve, allowing the adult teeth to push them out.
How to Manage Puppy Nipping and Biting
The sore gums of teething make puppies desperate to chew, and your hands and pant legs are convenient targets. The goal is not to stop the chewing instinct but to redirect it to appropriate objects. When your puppy nips skin, react with a sharp, high-pitched “No!” or “Ah!” — this mimics the yelp a littermate would make and startles the puppy into stopping. Immediately offer a durable chew toy as a substitute.
If the puppy ignores the redirection, enforce a short time-out. According to the AKC’s guidance on nipping, 2–5 minutes of crate time helps the puppy settle and associates nipping with the loss of playtime. Praise and offer a chew treat only after the puppy has stopped nipping. Consistency across every family member is essential — a single session of “it’s cute when he does it” can undo days of training.
Soothing Sore Gums: What Actually Works
Frozen items are the most effective home remedy for teething pain. The cold numbs the gums and reduces inflammation. Safe options include a frozen wet washcloth (supervised only), a KONG toy filled with peanut butter or plain pumpkin and then frozen, or frozen baby carrots. Freezing the puppy’s regular kibble with a little water to soften it turns mealtime into a gum massage.
Things to avoid: ice cubes are too hard and can crack developing teeth, and hard bones, antlers, or rawhides can fracture the emerging adult teeth. Puppy teething gels are available but should only be used if a veterinarian recommends them. For a full list of safe, vet-recommended options, check our roundup of the best dog teething toys for sore gums.
Teething vs. Problem Chewing: How to Tell the Difference
Teething chewing is driven by physical discomfort — the puppy targets hard, cold, or textured surfaces and usually stops when relief is found. Problem chewing is behavioral: the puppy chews furniture, shoes, or baseboards when bored, anxious, or under-exercised. The fix differs. For teething, provide frozen chews and supervise closely. For behavioral chewing, increase exercise, provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys, and puppy-proof the house by gating off rooms with tempting items.
Common Mistakes Owners Make During Teething
Three errors cause most of the frustration during the teething months. First, playing tug-of-war with rope toys while the gums are tender: the pulling motion puts direct pressure on loose teeth and inflamed tissue, causing real pain. Second, offering hard objects like bones or antlers in an attempt to “toughen up” the puppy — these can fracture the enamel of developing adult teeth. Third, punishing the puppy for chewing: the dog is following a biological urge, not being naughty. Redirection is always more effective and preserves the bond between owner and puppy.
| Symptom You See | Most Likely Cause | Best Response |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy targets cold, hard, or textured surfaces | Teething discomfort (sore gums) | Offer frozen chew toy or washcloth |
| Puppy chews shoes, furniture, or baseboards | Boredom or lack of exercise | Increase walks, play, and puzzle toys |
| Puppy nips hands and clothes constantly | Teething + attention-seeking | Use yelp sound, redirect to toy, 2-min crate time |
| Puppy drools more than usual, gums bleed | Adult tooth emerging through gum line | Frozen relief; call vet if bleeding persists over 48 hours |
| Puppy refuses to eat or drops food | Sore gums making chewing painful | Offer softened kibble or frozen food; check for retained baby teeth |
Puppy-Proofing Your Home for the Teething Months
Think of a teething puppy as a toddler with pliers — if they can reach it, they will chew it. Gate off rooms with visible wires, cords, or toxic items. Stow shoes, clothing, remote controls, and trash cans in closed closets or behind baby gates. Secure electrical cords with cord protectors or run them behind furniture. Supervise every chew session and inspect toys regularly for chunks or loose fibers that pose a choking hazard. The same vigilance that prevents destruction also prevents a costly emergency vet visit.
When to Call the Vet
Most teething proceeds without complications, but a few scenarios warrant professional attention. If a baby tooth remains firmly in place next to an emerging adult tooth (a “retained deciduous tooth”), it can cause misalignment and dental disease — a vet will extract it. If the puppy develops a fever, stops eating entirely, or has gums that bleed consistently for more than two days, schedule a checkup. Some large breeds experience slightly delayed eruption times, and a vet can confirm whether everything is on track.
FAQs
Do puppies swallow their baby teeth?
Yes, most puppies swallow their baby teeth while eating or chewing. This is normal and harmless — the teeth are small and pass through the digestive system without issue. You might find a few on the floor, but swallowing them doesn’t cause any health problems.
Can teething make a puppy sick?
Teething can cause mild symptoms like drooling, fussiness, reduced appetite, and slightly loose stools. However, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever are not normal teething symptoms. If your puppy shows these signs, contact your veterinarian — another illness is likely the cause.
How long does the worst part of teething last?
The peak discomfort occurs when the large adult premolars and molars emerge, usually between 4 and 6 months of age. This phase typically lasts 2–3 weeks. After the last adult tooth is through at around 6 months, the intense chewing and mouthing behavior usually drops off significantly.
Should I brush my puppy’s teeth during teething?
Yes, and you should start early. This builds acceptance for lifelong dental care. Be gentle around areas where adult teeth are emerging to avoid causing extra soreness.
Do small breed dogs teethe differently than large breeds?
The general timeline is the same, but small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies may retain their baby teeth longer and are more prone to retained deciduous teeth that require extraction. Toy breeds also sometimes finish teething closer to the 8-month mark rather than 6 months. A vet check at 6 months is especially important for small dogs.
References & Sources
- AKC (American Kennel Club). “Puppy Teething and Nipping.” Guidance on yelping, redirecting, and crate time for nipping.
- VCA Animal Hospitals. “Teeth, Teething and Chewing in Puppies.” Detailed timeline of deciduous and adult tooth eruption.
- Purina US. “Puppy Teething.” Age-by-age breakdown of tooth loss and adult tooth arrival.