Puppy Teething Survival Guide Every New Owner Needs

Puppy teething is a normal part of growing up, but it can be a challenging stage for both puppies and new dog owners. As baby teeth fall out and permanent adult teeth grow in, your puppy may chew more, drool, have sore gums, and put almost everything in their mouth.

Most puppies finish the active teething process by around 6 months of age. During this period, safe chew toys, proper puppy-proofing, gentle dental care, and consistent training can help your puppy stay comfortable while learning what they can and cannot chew.

What Is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething is the process of losing deciduous teeth, also called baby or milk teeth, as permanent adult teeth grow into their place.

Puppies eventually have 28 baby teeth, while adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Baby teeth usually begin appearing at around 3 weeks of age, and the active process of losing those teeth and developing adult teeth generally begins around 3 to 4 months of age.

As adult teeth develop, they put pressure on the roots of the baby teeth. The roots gradually dissolve, allowing the baby teeth to loosen and fall out.

This process can make your puppy’s gums tender, which is one reason puppies often have a strong urge to chew.

When Do Puppies Start Teething?

Puppies start developing their baby teeth at around 3 weeks old, but the active puppy teething stage that involves losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth usually starts around 3 to 4 months of age.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Birth to 3 weeks: Puppies are born without visible teeth and rely on their mother for nursing.

3 to 6 weeks: Baby teeth begin erupting through the gums. By about 6 to 8 weeks, puppies generally have their full set of 28 deciduous teeth.

Around 3 to 4 months: Baby teeth begin falling out as permanent teeth start erupting.

4 to 6 months: This is usually the most noticeable stage of puppy teething. You may see more chewing, mouthiness, drooling, and mild gum bleeding.

Around 6 months: Most puppies have lost their baby teeth and have their permanent adult teeth. Some dogs may finish slightly later, so your veterinarian should check any baby teeth that remain.

How Long Does Puppy Teething Last?

Puppy teething usually lasts from about 3 to 4 months until around 6 months of age. The exact timing can vary between individual puppies and breeds.

Chewing may continue even after teething is finished because chewing is a normal dog behavior. Your puppy may therefore need appropriate chew toys and continued training beyond the actual tooth-loss stage.

You also may not find every tooth your puppy loses. Puppies commonly swallow their baby teeth while eating or chewing, and this is generally harmless.

What Are the Signs of Puppy Teething?

The most common puppy teething symptoms involve increased chewing, mouthiness, and changes around the gums.

Physical Signs of Teething

Your puppy may have:

• Sore or tender gums
• Mild gum redness
• Increased drooling
• Small spots of blood on chew toys
• Loose or missing baby teeth
• Temporary puppy breath
• Greater interest in chewing
• Slight reluctance to eat harder food

A very small amount of bleeding can occur when baby teeth fall out. A tiny red stain on a toy is usually not unusual during teething. Heavy or persistent bleeding, however, should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Behavioral Signs of Teething

A teething puppy may also:

• Chew furniture or household objects
• Bite or mouth hands and clothing
• Look for different textures to chew
• Become more restless
• Become temporarily irritable
• Spend more time chewing toys
• Show less interest in hard food

Chewing is a normal part of puppy development, but this is also an important time to teach your puppy which objects are appropriate to chew.

How to Help a Teething Puppy

The best way to help a teething puppy is to provide safe chewing options, offer appropriate cold items for gum comfort, and redirect unwanted chewing.

Every puppy is different. Some prefer softer toys, while others enjoy moderately firm rubber toys. Offering several appropriate options allows your puppy to find something comfortable while keeping your shoes and furniture safe.

Give Your Puppy Safe Chew Toys

Choose chew toys made specifically for puppies and select a size that is appropriate for your dog’s mouth.

Good options can include:

• Soft puppy chew toys
• Flexible rubber toys
• Puppy teething toys
• Chilled rubber toys
• Food-stuffed puppy toys
• Appropriate puppy dental toys

Always supervise your puppy while chewing and inspect toys regularly. Replace any toy that starts breaking apart, develops sharp edges, or allows your puppy to pull off and swallow pieces. No chew toy is completely risk-free.

Avoid Extremely Hard Chews

Hard objects can fracture both baby teeth and permanent teeth.

Avoid giving a teething puppy hard bones, antlers, hooves, extremely hard nylon toys, or other objects that do not have enough flexibility. Veterinary dental guidance commonly recommends avoiding objects that are so hard they can damage teeth.

Can Cold Toys Help Puppy Teething?

Yes. Chilled or frozen puppy-safe toys can help soothe sore gums during teething.

Cold can provide temporary comfort when your puppy’s gums feel tender. A flexible rubber toy that is safe to chill can be a practical option.

You can also ask your veterinarian about appropriate chilled or frozen treats for your puppy’s age, size, and diet.

What About Ice Cubes?

Ice requires some caution. While some dogs can safely have appropriately sized ice pieces, hard ice can potentially damage teeth, and large pieces can create a choking risk.

For a teething puppy, a chilled or frozen toy designed for puppies can be a better choice than encouraging them to aggressively chew large, hard ice cubes. Always supervise your puppy with anything they chew.

Are Frozen Carrots Safe for Teething Puppies?

Frozen or chilled vegetables such as carrots are sometimes used as puppy teething treats, but they should be offered appropriately for the puppy’s size and chewing ability.

A large or hard piece can become a choking hazard. Cut food into an appropriate size and supervise your puppy rather than leaving them alone with a frozen treat.

If you are unsure whether a particular food is suitable for your puppy, ask your veterinarian.

How to Stop a Puppy From Chewing Everything

Teething does not mean your puppy should be allowed to chew everything in the house.

Instead, teach your puppy what is appropriate to chew through redirection and positive reinforcement.

When your puppy grabs a shoe or another inappropriate object, calmly redirect them toward an approved chew toy. When they choose the toy, praise them.

The basic process is:

Inappropriate object → redirect → appropriate chew toy → praise.

Repeat this consistently. Puppies learn through repetition, and everyone in the household should use the same approach.

Avoid encouraging your puppy to bite hands, feet, or clothing during play. Use toys instead so your puppy learns that human skin is not an appropriate chew target.

Puppy-Proof Your Home During Teething

A teething puppy explores the world with their mouth, so puppy-proofing is an important part of keeping them safe.

Keep these items out of reach:

• Electrical cords and wires
• Shoes and socks
• Children’s toys
• Small household objects
• Medications
• Cleaning products
• Toxic plants
• Foods that are unsafe for dogs
• Small pieces of plastic or other materials

Baby gates and a puppy-safe room can help limit access to dangerous areas.

A crate can also be useful when properly introduced and used as a safe resting space. It should not be used as punishment.

The goal is to make safe chewing easy while removing tempting objects that could cause an injury or intestinal blockage.

What Should a Teething Puppy Eat?

Sore gums can make hard food uncomfortable for some puppies. If your puppy seems reluctant to eat dry kibble, you can ask your veterinarian whether temporarily softening the food with water is appropriate.

Some puppies may also prefer a softer texture during periods when their gums are particularly tender.

However, puppies need complete and balanced nutrition for growth, so avoid making major diet changes without considering their nutritional requirements.

What If My Teething Puppy Won’t Eat?

A puppy with sore gums may eat more slowly or show less interest in hard food, but significant appetite loss should not automatically be blamed on teething.

If your puppy refuses food or also develops vomiting, diarrhea, unusual tiredness, weakness, or other symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Young puppies can become unwell quickly, and refusing food can have causes unrelated to teething.

Puppy Teething Pain Relief

There are several simple ways to make a teething puppy more comfortable.

Safe Ways to Soothe Sore Gums

Try:

• Chilled puppy-safe chew toys
• Flexible rubber teething toys
• Appropriate frozen treats
• Gentle play
• Short training sessions
• A quiet and comfortable resting area
• Gentle handling around the mouth

Do not give your puppy human pain medication unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. Medications intended for people can be dangerous for dogs.

If your puppy appears to be experiencing significant pain, contact your veterinarian rather than trying to treat the pain yourself.

Puppy Dental Care During Teething

Puppy teething is a good time to start building healthy dental habits.

Begin by gently getting your puppy used to having their mouth and gums handled. You can gradually introduce a soft dog toothbrush, finger brush, or other appropriate dental product.

Use toothpaste made specifically for dogs.

Never use human toothpaste on your puppy because some human products can contain ingredients that are unsafe or toxic to dogs, including xylitol.

Regular tooth brushing can help reduce plaque and establish a dental care routine that continues into adulthood.

What Are Retained Puppy Teeth?

Retained puppy teeth are baby teeth that remain in the mouth after the corresponding permanent tooth has started to erupt.

You may notice what looks like two teeth growing in the same location. Retained deciduous teeth are particularly common around the canine teeth and can be more frequent in small and short-nosed breeds.

A retained baby tooth can crowd the permanent tooth, affect normal tooth alignment, trap food near the gums, and contribute to future dental disease.

If you see an adult tooth growing directly beside a baby tooth, contact your veterinarian. Do not try to pull the tooth out yourself. Veterinary treatment may be needed to prevent complications.

When Is Puppy Teething at Its Worst?

For many puppies, the most noticeable period is between about 4 and 6 months of age, when multiple permanent teeth are erupting and baby teeth are being lost.

Your puppy may:

• Chew more frequently
• Mouth your hands
• Seek different textures
• Have tender gums
• Drool more
• Show mild irritability
• Prefer softer food

There is no single “worst” week for every puppy. Some dogs show obvious discomfort, while others continue eating and playing normally throughout most of the process.

How Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Puppy teeth normally fall out naturally as permanent teeth develop.

Do not pull out a loose puppy tooth yourself.

Instead, allow the tooth to fall out while providing appropriate chew toys and monitoring your puppy’s mouth.

You may find small teeth around the house, but it is also normal never to find them because puppies often swallow their baby teeth while eating or chewing.

When Should You Call the Vet About Puppy Teething?

Teething is normal, but some symptoms require veterinary attention.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding
• Significant gum swelling
• Pus or discharge
• A strong or worsening foul odor
• Severe mouth pain
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• A broken tooth
• A baby tooth remaining beside an adult tooth
• An abnormal bite
• A tooth that appears to be growing in an unusual position
• Your puppy becoming unusually weak, lethargic, or unwell

A retained baby tooth should be checked rather than simply waiting for it to fall out, because it can interfere with the position of the permanent tooth.

Puppy Teething and Biting

Puppy teething and puppy biting often happen at the same time, which can make this stage frustrating for new owners.

Mouthing is a normal puppy behavior, but your puppy needs to learn appropriate boundaries.

Use toys during play and redirect biting toward appropriate objects. Reward calm behavior and avoid games that encourage your puppy to bite hands, feet, or clothing.

Your puppy is not being “bad” simply because they are chewing. They are learning how to interact with their environment, and consistent training helps them learn what is acceptable.

What Happens After Puppy Teething?

Once the teething process is complete, your puppy should have their permanent adult teeth.

Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, compared with 28 deciduous teeth during puppyhood.

The end of teething does not mean the end of dental care. Adult dogs still need regular dental care to help control plaque and support healthy teeth and gums.

Continue brushing your dog’s teeth, use appropriate dental products, and have their mouth checked during routine veterinary examinations.

Your puppy may also become less interested in chewing household objects as they mature, although chewing remains a normal behavior throughout a dog’s life.

Puppy Teething Survival Checklist

Before your puppy reaches the most active stage of teething, make sure you have:

• Several puppy-safe chew toys
• Chilled or freezable chew toys
• A puppy-safe area
• Baby gates if needed
• A properly sized crate
• A dog toothbrush
• Dog-safe toothpaste
• Appropriate puppy treats
• A plan for redirecting inappropriate chewing
• Your veterinarian’s contact information

Inspect your puppy’s toys regularly and replace anything that becomes damaged or develops pieces that could be swallowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do puppies start teething?

Puppies begin developing their baby teeth at around 3 weeks of age. The active stage when baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth begin erupting usually starts around 3 to 4 months of age.

When do puppies lose their teeth?

Most puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 3 to 4 months old and have most or all of their permanent teeth by around 6 months. Individual puppies can vary.

How many teeth do puppies have?

Puppies have 28 deciduous, or baby, teeth. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth.

Is it normal for a puppy’s gums to bleed while teething?

A very small amount of bleeding can be normal when baby teeth fall out. You may notice a tiny amount of blood on a chew toy. Heavy or persistent bleeding is not something to ignore and should be checked by a veterinarian.

What are the best puppy teething toys?

The best puppy teething toys are designed for puppies, appropriately sized, and not so hard that they can damage developing teeth. Flexible rubber toys, soft puppy chews, and chilled toys can be useful options.

Can puppies have ice cubes for teething?

Ice can provide cold stimulation, but hard ice may damage teeth, and large pieces can create a choking risk. Chilled or frozen puppy-safe toys are another option for soothing sore gums.

Should I pull out my puppy’s loose tooth?

No. Puppy teeth should normally fall out on their own. If a baby tooth remains after the adult tooth has erupted, have your veterinarian examine it.

Can puppies swallow their baby teeth?

Yes. Puppies frequently swallow baby teeth while eating or chewing. This is generally harmless, and many owners never find all of their puppy’s lost teeth.

What helps a teething puppy’s sore gums?

Chilled or frozen puppy-safe chew toys, appropriate cold treats, and safe chewing opportunities can help soothe sore gums. If your puppy appears to be in significant pain, speak with your veterinarian.

Why is my puppy chewing everything?

Chewing is normal puppy behavior and often becomes more noticeable during teething. Give your puppy appropriate chew toys and consistently redirect them away from furniture, shoes, clothing, and other household objects.

Why does my puppy still have baby teeth?

A baby tooth that remains after the corresponding adult tooth has erupted may be a retained deciduous tooth. This can cause crowding and dental problems, so your veterinarian should examine it rather than waiting indefinitely for it to fall out.

The Bottom Line on Puppy Teething

Puppy teething is a temporary developmental stage that usually becomes active around 3 to 4 months of age and is largely complete by about 6 months. During this time, puppies lose 28 baby teeth as their 42 permanent adult teeth develop.

Increased chewing, mouthing, tender gums, drooling, and tiny spots of blood can occur during normal teething. The best approach is to provide safe chew toys, redirect inappropriate chewing, puppy-proof your home, introduce dental care early, and monitor your puppy’s mouth as adult teeth emerge.

If you notice heavy bleeding, significant swelling, severe pain, difficulty eating, broken teeth, or retained baby teeth, contact your veterinarian.

With patience and consistent training, the teething stage will pass, while the dental and chewing habits you establish now can benefit your dog throughout adulthood.