The teething schedule

Puppies are born without visible teeth. Deciduous teeth, often called baby or milk teeth, begin erupting around three weeks of age. By six to eight weeks, most puppies have a full set of twenty-eight sharp, needle-like teeth.

Adult teeth start replacing deciduous teeth around twelve to sixteen weeks. Incisors typically come in first, followed by canines and premolars. Molars, which have no deciduous predecessors, erupt last. By six to seven months, most dogs have their full complement of forty-two adult teeth.

Signs your puppy is teething

Increased chewing is the most obvious signal. Puppies may gnaw on furniture, shoes, hands, leashes, and anything within reach. Drooling often increases, and you may find tiny teeth on the floor or embedded in toys. Gums may appear swollen or bleed slightly. Some puppies eat less enthusiastically when their mouths are sore.

Mild irritability and disrupted sleep are normal during peak teething. Persistent refusal to eat, excessive bleeding, or foul breath are not typical and warrant veterinary attention.

Appropriate chews and relief

Offer a rotation of chew options so the puppy always has a legal outlet. Frozen washcloths dampened and twisted provide cold relief on sore gums. Rubber toys designed for teething puppies, such as puppy-grade Kong products, withstand gnawing without splintering.

Avoid hard items like antlers, bones, and nylon chews rated for adult dogs. Puppy teeth fracture easily, and broken teeth can abscess. Ice cubes work briefly but melt fast; frozen carrot sticks are a better option for supervised chewing.

Never give pain medication intended for humans. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic to dogs.

Retained deciduous teeth

Sometimes a baby tooth stays in place after the adult tooth has erupted alongside it. This double row, most common with canine teeth, traps food and debris, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and misalignment. Your veterinarian will check for retained teeth during routine exams and may recommend extraction, often performed during the spay or neuter procedure.

Protecting your belongings

Management prevents bad habits from forming. Confine the puppy to puppy-proofed areas when unsupervised. Apply bitter-tasting deterrent sprays to furniture legs and cords. Redirect chewing to approved items immediately and reward the puppy for choosing them.

Trading games teach the puppy that giving up a stolen item produces something better. This prevents guarding behavior and makes retrieval safe for everyone.

When teething ends

By seven months, most puppies have their adult teeth and chewing intensity decreases, though it never disappears entirely. Adult dogs still need daily chewing outlets for dental health and stress relief. Transition to appropriately sized adult chews and maintain regular dental check-ups.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individualized veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your puppy’s dental development.