Puppy Teething Timeline: 6 Stages And What To Expect

Understanding Puppy Teeth, Teething, and Chewing

Puppies go through significant changes during their first year of life, and one of the most noticeable transformations involves their teeth. Understanding the teething process is essential for new puppy owners to recognize normal behavior, manage discomfort, and protect their homes from destructive chewing. Teething is a natural and temporary phase that every puppy experiences, but with proper knowledge and preparation, you can help your puppy navigate this challenging period comfortably.

What is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething is the process by which a young dog’s baby teeth are replaced with permanent adult teeth. Puppies actually experience two distinct teething phases during their development. The first occurs when their deciduous teeth, commonly called baby teeth or milk teeth, emerge during the earliest weeks of life. The second, and more noticeable phase for most pet owners, occurs when these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by stronger, permanent adult teeth. This second phase typically happens when puppies are between 3 to 4 months old—the age when most puppies are brought to their new homes.

The teething process can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for puppies, which often leads to increased biting and chewing behavior. This is the puppy’s natural way of relieving the pressure and discomfort in their gums as new teeth push through.

Timeline of Puppy Dental Development

Understanding the stages of puppy dental development helps you anticipate what to expect and when certain behaviors might emerge. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of puppy tooth development:

Birth to 2 Weeks

Puppies are born without teeth. At this stage, they rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition and comfort. Their eyes are also still closed, and they are completely dependent on their mother for warmth and care.

2 to 4 Weeks Old

The first teething stage begins when deciduous teeth start to emerge around 2 to 4 weeks of age. At this point, puppies’ eyes have opened, and they begin to explore their environment more. They are still primarily nursing, though some soft foods may be introduced during this period. Incisors are typically the first teeth to appear, followed by canines and premolars.

5 to 8 Weeks Old

By 6 to 8 weeks of age, puppies typically have their complete set of baby teeth—all 28 deciduous teeth. These small, sharp teeth help puppies begin eating soft puppy food as they transition from nursing. This is also the typical age when puppies are weaned from their mothers and may be adopted into new homes. Most puppies have these baby teeth by their 6-8 week veterinary appointment.

12 to 16 Weeks Old

This is when the second and most noticeable teething phase begins. Puppies start losing their baby teeth as permanent adult teeth begin to emerge. This is often the age when new puppy owners first bring their pets home, and they may immediately notice increased chewing and biting behaviors. The gums become tender and sore as adult teeth push through, causing discomfort that puppies seek to relieve through chewing.

16 to 24 Weeks Old

During this period, additional adult teeth continue to emerge. Premolars come in during this stage, causing another round of gum discomfort and increased chewing behavior. Puppies may appear restless and seek out items to chew more frequently than during other periods.

6 to 7 Months Old

By 6 months of age, most puppies have most or all of their 42 permanent adult teeth in place. The complete set of adult teeth includes the molars, which are the final teeth to emerge. Teething typically tapers off by this point, though puppies may continue to chew as a normal behavior and form of play.

Recognizing Signs of Teething

Puppies exhibit several behavioral and physical signs when they’re actively teething. Recognizing these signs helps you distinguish between normal teething behavior and other potential health issues:

Excessive Drooling: Increased saliva production is common during teething as the gums produce more fluid in response to discomfort and inflammation.

Swollen or Tender Gums: If you gently touch your puppy’s gums, they may appear puffy, red, or feel tender. This is a normal response to incoming teeth.

Increased Chewing and Biting: Puppies chew and bite more frequently during teething as a way to relieve gum pressure and discomfort. This is one of the most noticeable signs that teething is occurring.

Difficulty Eating: Some puppies may be reluctant to eat their regular food or may prefer softer foods during periods of intense discomfort.

Lost Baby Teeth: You may find small baby teeth around your home, on bedding, or in their food and water bowls. While it’s normal for puppies to swallow most of their baby teeth, finding a few is perfectly normal.

Mild Fever or Lethargy: Some puppies may experience slight temperature increases or seem less energetic during intense teething phases.

Managing Puppy Chewing Behavior

Managing excessive chewing during teething is one of the biggest challenges new puppy owners face. With the right strategies, you can help redirect this behavior and protect your home:

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Offer puppies a variety of safe, appropriate chew toys designed specifically for teething. These include rubber toys, nylon chews, and toys designed to be filled with treats or freezable materials. Different puppies have different preferences, so offering variety helps you discover what your puppy enjoys most.

Use Cold Therapy

Cold has a numbing effect that can soothe sore gums. Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and freeze it for a few hours. Allow your puppy to chew on the cold, damp cloth. You can also freeze appropriate chew toys to provide additional relief.

Supervise and Redirect

During active teething periods, supervise your puppy closely and redirect any inappropriate chewing to approved toys. Praise and reward your puppy when they choose to chew on appropriate items rather than furniture, shoes, or other household items.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Remove tempting items from your puppy’s reach. Put away shoes, electrical cords, small objects that could be swallowed, and anything else your puppy might find appealing to chew. Use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas of your home where your puppy might get into trouble.

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Ensure your puppy gets adequate exercise and mental stimulation. A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing. Establish regular play sessions, training time, and opportunities for socialization.

Avoid Punishment

Never punish your puppy for chewing during teething. This is a normal developmental behavior, not a sign of disobedience. Punishment can create anxiety and may lead to other behavioral problems. Instead, focus on redirection and positive reinforcement.

How Long Does Teething Last?

The entire teething process typically lasts approximately four months, beginning around 12 to 16 weeks of age and continuing until about 6 to 7 months old. However, this timeline can vary based on breed, size, and individual puppy development. Smaller breeds may complete teething slightly faster, while larger breeds may take a bit longer. It’s advisable to discuss your individual puppy’s expected teething timeline with your veterinarian.

When Puppies Stop Teething

Most puppies have all 42 of their permanent adult teeth by 6 to 7 months of age, which technically marks the end of the teething process. However, puppies are natural chewers, and this behavior often continues beyond the teething phase. The chewing behaviors you observe during teething may persist in less intense forms throughout puppyhood and into adulthood. This is completely normal and part of a dog’s natural developmental behavior.

Puppy Teething Vs. Permanent Chewing Behavior

It’s important to distinguish between chewing during teething and the normal chewing behavior that continues throughout a dog’s life. During teething, chewing is directly related to gum discomfort and relief-seeking behavior. Once teething is complete, continued chewing is typically driven by boredom, play, anxiety relief, or the natural desire to explore objects through their mouth. Providing appropriate outlets for this natural behavior—through designated chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive play—helps ensure your puppy develops healthy chewing habits.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

While teething is a normal process, certain situations warrant veterinary attention. Contact your veterinarian if:

– Baby teeth don’t fall out by 7 months of age, as retained baby teeth may require professional removal- Your puppy shows signs of extreme discomfort or difficulty eating- You notice abnormal tooth alignment or placement- Swelling, redness, or discharge is present in the mouth- Your puppy has a high fever or seems extremely lethargic- Your puppy’s breath has an unusual odor

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Teething

Q: How many baby teeth do puppies have?

A: Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that come in by 6-8 weeks of age. These baby teeth are temporary and will be replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth.

Q: How many adult teeth do puppies get?

A: Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, consisting of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars distributed across the upper and lower jaws.

Q: Can I brush a teething puppy’s teeth?

A: Yes, you can gently brush your teething puppy’s teeth, though they may be sensitive. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and introduce tooth brushing gradually to help your puppy become comfortable with the process.

Q: Why is my puppy drooling so much?

A: Excessive drooling is a normal sign of teething. The gums produce more saliva in response to inflammation and discomfort from incoming teeth.

Q: Should I be concerned if my puppy swallows baby teeth?

A: No, it’s completely normal and safe for puppies to swallow their baby teeth. Most baby teeth are swallowed during eating or play, and they pass through the digestive system without problems.

Q: What should I do if my puppy is excessively chewing?

A: Provide appropriate chew toys, supervise your puppy closely, redirect inappropriate chewing to approved items, and ensure adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Cold therapy and designated chew toys can help satisfy the chewing urge.

Q: Is teething painful for puppies?

A: Yes, teething can be uncomfortable for puppies, similar to the discomfort human infants experience. This is why puppies tend to chew more frequently and may seem fussy during this stage.

Similar Articles

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

How Dogs Catch Worms

Decoding Face Licking in Dogs

Hookworms in Dogs

Ultimate Guide to Dog Leashes

Managing Fights Between Household Dogs

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to fluffyaffair,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete