When Do Puppies Start Teething?
QUICK ANSWER
Puppies begin teething around 3 to 4 months of age when their 28 baby teeth start falling out and 42 adult teeth push through. The process peaks between 4 and 5 months and is usually complete by 6 to 7 months. During this period, chewing intensifies as puppies try to relieve gum discomfort.
Puppy teething follows a predictable schedule, and knowing what to expect helps you manage the chewing, provide the right relief, and recognize when something is not progressing normally.
What is the teething timeline?
Puppies are born without teeth. Baby teeth emerge between 2 and 4 weeks of age, and all 28 are in place by about 8 weeks. Around 12 to 16 weeks, baby teeth begin loosening and falling out as adult teeth push through the gums. The incisors (front teeth) fall out first, followed by canines around 4 to 5 months, and premolars and molars between 5 and 7 months. The adult set totals 42 teeth. Most puppies complete the process by 7 months, though some larger breeds may take slightly longer.
What are the signs of teething?
Dramatically increased chewing is the most obvious sign. Puppies will chew on anything available: furniture, shoes, hands, cords, and toys. Drooling may increase, and you may notice small spots of blood on chew toys where baby teeth have come loose. Some puppies eat less during peak teething because sore gums make chewing kibble uncomfortable. Mild irritability is normal. You may find baby teeth on the floor or in bedding, though many puppies swallow them during eating without any problem.
How can you help a teething puppy?
Provide a variety of appropriate chew toys. Rubber toys designed for teething puppies, rope toys, and frozen items (a wet washcloth frozen into a twist, frozen carrots, or frozen Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter) all soothe sore gums through cold and pressure. Redirect chewing from inappropriate targets to these toys consistently. Offering slightly softened kibble or wet food during peak teething days can make eating more comfortable. Avoid giving ice cubes directly, which can crack developing teeth, and avoid hard bones or antlers during the teething phase.
What problems can occur?
Retained baby teeth are the most common complication. This happens when an adult tooth erupts alongside a baby tooth that has not fallen out, causing crowding and potential misalignment. If you see two teeth occupying the same position (a double tooth), your vet may recommend extracting the retained baby tooth. This is most common with canine teeth. Gum infections occasionally develop around emerging teeth, showing as excessive redness, swelling, or bad breath. A vet check at the 6-month mark confirms that all baby teeth have been shed and the adult teeth are coming in correctly.
Teething is a temporary but intense phase that peaks around 4 to 5 months. Provide chew outlets, protect your belongings, and check for retained teeth around 6 months. The chewing settles down once the adult teeth are fully in.
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