Teething explains a lot of puppy behavior: sudden chewing, sore-looking gums, and a puppy who treats your shoes, hands, and table legs as chew toys. Knowing the rough timeline helps you tell what is normal, plan safe chewing outlets, and spot the signs that need a veterinary check.
The teething timeline
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a puppy’s development of teeth runs roughly like this:
- About 2 to 4 weeks: Baby teeth begin to appear while the puppy is still with its mother and littermates.
- About 5 to 6 weeks: A full set of about 28 baby teeth should be in.
- About 12 to 16 weeks: Baby teeth begin to fall out as adult teeth push through. You may find small, rice-sized teeth around the house, though many are swallowed harmlessly.
- By about 6 months: Most or all baby teeth should be gone, replaced by about 42 adult teeth.
Individual puppies vary. If you are unsure whether your puppy’s teeth are developing normally, mention it at the next veterinary visit.
What teething can look like
Typical teething signs include more chewing than usual, drooling, mild gum redness, chewing on hands and furniture, and an occasional spot of blood on a toy. Puppies may also be a bit fussier about hard food for a time.
Mouthing and biting during this period often get worse, which is part of why puppy biting is so common at this age. Teething does not excuse rough biting, but it explains why puppies need many safe things to chew.
Offer safe chewing outlets
Puppies need to chew, so the goal is to give them good options rather than to stop chewing. Practical ideas:
- Offer variety. Rotate several puppy-appropriate chews with different textures so each feels new.
- Supervise. Watch while the puppy chews, and take away anything that is breaking into pieces or small enough to swallow.
- Avoid chews that are too hard. Very hard objects can damage teeth. If you are not sure whether a chew is suitable, ask your veterinarian.
- Redirect, don’t punish. When the puppy mouths a hand or furniture, calmly offer an appropriate chew and praise them for taking it.
- Manage the environment. Put shoes, cords, and valuables out of reach. See dog-proofing your home.
- Pair chewing with rest. A calm chew in a quiet space can help an overtired puppy settle; the puppy daily routine shows where chewing fits in the day.
For ongoing chewing problems beyond puppyhood, see dog chewing.
What teething does not explain
Teething can explain more chewing and some fussiness, but it does not explain everything. Aggressive growling, fear, a sudden refusal to eat, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever are not typical teething signs and deserve a call to your veterinarian. If your puppy’s mouthing is intense or frightening, ask a qualified reward-based trainer for help rather than waiting for teething to end.
A simple routine for the teething weeks
- Morning: Toilet trip, a short play session with a toy, then a supervised chew in a quiet spot.
- Midday: A short training game and handling practice, followed by a rest with a safe chew.
- Evening: Calm play, another supervised chew, and a gentle wind-down before bed.
- Throughout: Rotate toys so the puppy always has something interesting and safe to chew, and put away anything that is not.
The puppy schedule builder can help you fit these moments into a full day.
Start dental habits early
Puppyhood is a good time to get your dog used to having their mouth handled. Touch the lips and cheeks gently, pair each touch with a treat, and stop before the puppy gets upset. The AVMA recommends dog-specific dental products and regular veterinary dental care; the dog dental care guide explains how to build a home routine.
When to call your veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Baby teeth still present at around 6 months of age
- Persistent bleeding, swelling, or a bad smell from the mouth
- Refusing to eat or drink, or crying when chewing
- A broken or discolored tooth
- Teeth that appear crooked or crowded and seem to be causing discomfort
Retained baby teeth can crowd the adult teeth and may need to be removed. The AKC advises telling your veterinarian if baby teeth remain after about six months.
Bring it up at the vet visit
Add a quick mouth check to your list of questions at your puppy’s regular visits. The first vet visit guide and the vet visit question list are good places to start.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. For concerns about your puppy’s mouth, teeth, or comfort, contact your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Baby teeth usually begin to fall out around 12 to 16 weeks of age, and most puppies have lost all of them by about 6 months. You may find tiny teeth around the house, or not see them at all because puppies often swallow them.
How many teeth do puppies and adult dogs have?
Puppies have about 28 baby teeth, and adult dogs have about 42 permanent teeth.
What helps a teething puppy?
Offer several safe chew options with different textures, supervise chewing, rotate toys, and redirect mouthing from hands and furniture to something appropriate. Avoid anything so hard that it could damage teeth or so small that it could be swallowed, and ask your veterinarian which chews suit your puppy.
Is it normal for a puppy's gums to bleed a little when teething?
A small amount of blood on a chew toy can happen as teeth loosen. Persistent bleeding, a swollen or bad-smelling mouth, refusing to eat, or obvious pain should be checked by a veterinarian.
What if my puppy's baby teeth do not fall out?
If any baby teeth are still in place at around 6 months of age, tell your veterinarian. Retained baby teeth can crowd adult teeth and may need to be removed.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or a personal feeding plan. For concerns about your dog’s symptoms, treatment, or diet, contact your veterinarian.
Editorial source check
Sources and scope checked by Dogward Editorial
Checked . This confirms the source record and editorial boundaries; it is not a claim of veterinary, clinical, or credentialed behavior review. Owner-facing veterinary and kennel-club sources on tooth development and chewing; no independent veterinary review.
Sources & further reading
Use these references to explore the topic in more depth. Links open the original publisher’s site. See how Dogward selects and checks sources.
- Puppy Teething Timeline: How Long Does Puppy Teething Last?American Kennel Club
- Caring for Your Puppy: 6 Weeks to 12 MonthsRSPCA
- Pet Dental CareAmerican Veterinary Medical Association