Teething is an essential developmental milestone in every puppy’s life. As their baby teeth emerge and eventually fall out, puppies experience discomfort that often leads to increased chewing and restlessness. This process not only affects their mood and behavior but also plays a crucial role in shaping lifelong dental health. Understanding the teething stages helps pet parents respond with the right care at the right time.
Knowing what’s normal and what’s not during teething can prevent problems down the line. Early awareness sets the foundation for a healthier, happier adult dog.
Puppy Teething Timeline: A Month-by-Month Guide
Understanding the stages of puppy dental development is key to knowing when puppies lose their baby teeth and how to help them cope with discomfort.
✅ 0 to 3 Weeks – No Teeth Yet
Newborn puppies are toothless and rely entirely on their mother’s milk. There’s no chewing or discomfort during this phase.
✅ 3 to 6 Weeks – Baby Teeth Start Appearing
At around 3 weeks, the first deciduous (baby) teeth begin to erupt. By the time the puppy is 6 weeks old, all 28 baby teeth have usually emerged. These sharp little teeth help them transition from nursing to soft solid foods.
✅ 6 to 12 Weeks – Early Chewing Begins
With a full set of baby teeth in place, puppies start exploring their world — often through their mouths. Chewing behavior becomes more noticeable, and mild gum irritation may begin.
✅ 12 to 16 Weeks – Teething Intensifies
This is when puppies begin to lose their baby teeth, starting with the incisors. Teething pain typically peaks during this stage.
Common Puppy Teething Symptoms:
- Increased chewing on furniture, shoes, or hands
- Swollen or red gums
- Drooling more than usual
- Small amounts of blood on toys
- Slight decrease in appetite or fussiness
✅ 4 to 6 Months – Adult Teeth Erupt
As baby teeth fall out, adult teeth begin to come in including larger molars. Most puppies will have all 42 permanent teeth by six months of age.
How Long Does Puppy Teething Last?
Puppy teething typically lasts from 3 weeks of age to about 6 months. The most intense teething discomfort usually occurs between 12 and 20 weeks. While the baby teeth fall out naturally, some puppies may experience retained teeth, requiring vet evaluation.
Providing the right support during this time helps prevent long-term dental issues and discourages destructive chewing habits.
Choosing the Best Teething Toys for Puppies
Teething puppies need an outlet for their chewing instincts and not just any toy will do. The best teething toys soothe sore gums, protect growing teeth, and keep your puppy mentally stimulated.
What to Look for:
- Soft but durable materials to prevent injury to delicate gums
- Different textures to massage gums and provide variety
- Proper sizing based on your puppy’s breed and mouth size
- Freezable options for added cooling relief
- Safe, non-toxic materials designed specifically for puppies
Toys with ridges, soft rubber, or flexible chew surfaces are especially helpful during this stage. Rotating toys regularly also keeps your pup engaged.
Tip: Explore safe, engaging teething toys in our Toys Collection to keep your puppy occupied and comfortable.
Extra Teething Relief Tips for Pet Parents
Beyond chew toys, a few simple home strategies can help make teething easier:
Try Frozen Washcloths
Wet a clean washcloth, twist it into a rope, and freeze it. Let your puppy chew it under supervision the cold soothes inflammation naturally.
Start Brushing Early
Gently brush your puppy’s teeth using a finger brush or soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a puppy-safe toothpaste and make brushing a calm, positive experience.
Monitor Their Diet
Puppies may temporarily avoid dry kibble when teething. If needed, moisten their food with warm water or offer soft treats to encourage eating.
When to Talk to Your Vet
Teething is usually a smooth process, but there are signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Baby teeth that don’t fall out by 6 months (retained teeth)
- Persistent bad breath or mouth odor
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Swelling around the gums or jaw
- Refusing to eat or drink due to mouth pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental check-up with your vet.
Final Thoughts: Help Your Puppy Through the Teething Stage
The puppy teething timeline is a short but significant chapter in your dog’s life. With patience, the right toys, and a bit of guidance, you can help your puppy through this stage safely and comfortably while also setting the foundation for long-term dental health.
Chewing is not just about teething; it’s also a natural behavior that stays with dogs into adulthood. That’s why choosing the right teething toys early on is so important they provide relief now and build habits that benefit your dog for years to come.
Ready to support your teething pup? Explore our collection of safe, soothing toys at LuluSpot to make this stage easier for both of you.