If you’ve got a puppy, you’ve probably noticed that they seem to have an obsession with chewing. Your shoes, your hands, the furniture – pretty much anything they can sink their tiny teeth into.
It might feel like they’re just being naughty, but the truth is, they’re not doing it on purpose… They’re teething, and just like human babies, this stage can be uncomfortable and painful for them.
I remember when my pup went through it, chewing marks everywhere, restless nights, and that constant need to find something to ease his sore gums. If you’re dealing with the same then don’t worry, this phase won’t last forever.
I will share a complete puppy teeth age guide and ways to make it easier for both you and your pup.
Table of Contents
Puppy Teeth Chart By Age
Understanding your puppy teeth by age and when they come in and fall out can help you manage this journey easily. Below is a simple puppy teeth chart by age:
| Age Range | Teething Stage | Description |
| 2–4 Weeks | Emergence of Deciduous Incisors | The first baby (deciduous) incisors begin to erupt |
| 4–6 Weeks | Emergence of Deciduous Canines | Baby canines start to appear |
| 6–8 Weeks | Emergence of Deciduous Premolars | Deciduous premolars come in; most of the baby teeth are present |
| 3–4 Months | Initiation of Tooth Loss | Deciduous teeth begin to loosen and fall out as permanent teeth develop |
| 4–6 Months | Replacement with Permanent Teeth | Permanent incisors, canines, and premolars start to erupt, replacing baby teeth |
| 6–7 Months | Full Permanent Dentition | Most puppies have their full set of permanent teeth by this stage |
Teething begins early in a puppy’s life. But the real adventure begins around three to four months when these baby teeth start falling out to make way for adult teeth. By the end, they should have all 42 of their permanent teeth in place.
4 Stages of Puppy Teething
Just like human babies, puppies go through different teething stages. Each stage comes with its own problems.
1. Baby Teeth Coming In (2–8 Weeks)
At around two weeks old, your puppy’s tiny baby teeth start to emerge. These are sharp but small, and by eight weeks, they should have all 28 baby teeth. At this stage, puppies begin experimenting with biting and chewing.
2. Losing Baby Teeth (3–4 Months)
Your puppy’s baby teeth start loosening and falling out, making room for permanent teeth. You might find small teeth around the house or notice slight bleeding from the gums. This is normal.
3. Adult Teeth Growing In (4–6 Months)
As permanent teeth push through, the chewing phase peaks. Puppies may gnaw on anything they can find. Providing teething toys can save your belongings from destruction.
4. Full Adult Teeth (6–7 Months)
By this stage, your puppy should have all 42 of their permanent teeth. The worst of teething is over, but their chewing habit may still remain.
Puppy Teething Symptoms: 6 Common Signs
Teething is uncomfortable and puppies show several signs when they’re going through it. Here are some common symptoms other than chewing to watch for:
Drooling: Some puppies drool more while teething due to gum irritation. You might notice wet spots on their bed or toys.
Mild Bleeding: You may notice tiny blood spots on chew toys or bedding as baby teeth fall out. This is normal as long as it’s not excessive.
Inflamed or Sore Gums: The gums can appear red or slightly swollen as new teeth push through. Gently checking their mouth can help you see if this is happening.
Decreased Appetite: Some puppies eat less because their gums are sore. Offering soft or wet food can make it easier for them.
Irritability: A usually playful puppy may become grumpy due to teething discomfort. They may whine more, seem restless, or be less interested in playing.
How to Help a Teething Puppy?
Provide Teething Toys
Soft rubber toys designed for teething can massage sore gums. Look for toys that can be frozen for added relief. Puppies love gnawing on different textures, so offering a variety of chew toys can help keep them engaged.
Offer Frozen Treats
A frozen carrot, banana, or a damp washcloth frozen for a bit can provide cooling relief. The cold helps numb sore gums and reduces swelling. Some puppies also enjoy ice cubes made from low-sodium broth for a tasty yet soothing snack.
Use Puppy-Safe Chews
Avoid hard bones, but soft puppy chews can help satisfy their chewing urge. Rawhide-free chews are a great option. Always supervise your puppy with chews to ensure they don’t swallow large pieces that could become a choking hazard.
Monitor Their Diet
Softening kibble with warm water or providing wet food can help during painful days. A well-balanced diet ensures healthy tooth growth. Including calcium-rich foods in their diet also supports strong teeth.
Regular Vet Checkups
If teething seems to be causing extreme discomfort or if their teeth aren’t growing in properly, a vet visit can ensure everything is on track. A vet can also check for any retained baby teeth that might need removal.
FAQs
Is it normal for my puppy to lose teeth?
Yes, puppies lose their baby teeth just like human children do. This process is completely normal and necessary for their adult teeth to come in properly. You may even find tiny teeth on the floor or stuck in chew toys. If you don’t see any teeth but notice gaps in their mouth, don’t worry, they likely swallowed them, which is also normal.
How can I stop my puppy from biting me while teething?
If your puppy nips at your fingers, immediately replace your hand with a chew toy. Reward them when they choose the toy instead. Consistent training, such as using the “no bite” command, and stopping play when they bite can teach them that biting humans is not acceptable.
Why does my puppy chew on everything, even after teething?
Chewing is not just for teething, it’s a natural behavior for dogs. Puppies chew to explore, relieve stress, and even just for fun. Even after teething, they may continue chewing out of habit or boredom. Providing appropriate toys and engaging in interactive play can help prevent this.
What are the best chew toys for teething puppies?
The best teething toys are soft but durable. Rubber toys, textured chew toys, and freezable toys work well. Brands that offer puppy-specific chew toys, such as KONG or Nylabone, are great options. Avoid toys that are too hard, as they can damage growing teeth.
Can teething affect my puppy’s sleep?
Yes, teething can make puppies more restless at night. The discomfort can cause them to wake up or whine more often. Giving them a safe chew toy before bedtime, offering a frozen treat, and ensuring they’ve had enough physical activity during the day can help them sleep better.