Puppy Teething Age Chart: When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

If you’ve ever lived with a teething puppy, you already know they can turn into tiny chewing machines overnight. One day they’re happily playing with their toys, and the next they’re trying to chew your shoes, chair legs, fingers, and basically anything else they can reach.

I remember going through this with my own pup and wondering if the constant chewing would ever stop.

There were little teeth marks everywhere, some restless nights, and plenty of moments where I had to quickly swap whatever he was chewing for a toy. At first I thought he was just being naughty, but then I learned that teething can actually be pretty uncomfortable for puppies.

Thankfully, it’s just a phase. Knowing what to expect can make the whole thing much easier, so I’ve put together this puppy teething age chart to help you understand when those tiny teeth come in, when they fall out, and what you can do to help your pup along the way.

When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Most puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 3 to 4 months of age. Before that, they usually have 28 sharp little baby teeth that come in during their first few weeks of life. Once the adult teeth start developing underneath, the baby teeth gradually loosen and fall out to make room.

This is usually when the serious chewing begins. Your puppy may suddenly want to gnaw on everything they can find because chewing can help soothe their sore gums. You might also spot a tiny tooth on the floor or notice a little blood on a toy. A small amount of bleeding can happen and usually isn’t something to panic about.

Some puppies swallow their baby teeth without you ever noticing, and that’s normal too. By around 6 to 7 months, most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth. The exact timing can vary a little between individual puppies and breeds, so don’t worry if your pup is slightly ahead or behind the usual timeline.

Puppy Dental Chart

Having a puppy dental chart nearby can make it much easier to keep track of what’s happening inside that mouth. Puppy teeth usually come in quite early, with the first baby teeth appearing when they’re only a couple of weeks old. Then, around 3 to 4 months, those baby teeth begin making way for permanent adult teeth.

The process happens gradually rather than all at once. Incisors, canines, premolars and eventually the rest of the adult teeth appear as your puppy grows. 

During this period, their gums can be tender, which is one reason they suddenly become so interested in chewing. Here’s a simple overview of the puppy teeth timeline so you can get an idea of what to expect at each stage.

Puppy Age	What’s Happening	Teeth You May Notice
2–4 weeks	Baby teeth begin coming in	Tiny incisors start appearing
4–8 weeks	Most baby teeth develop	Around 28 baby teeth
3–4 months	Baby teeth start falling out	Adult teeth begin replacing them
4–6 months	Main teething period	Adult incisors, canines and premolars
6–7 months	Teething is mostly complete	Up to 42 permanent teeth

Puppy Teeth Chart By Age

Understanding your puppy teeth by age can make this whole stage feel a lot less confusing. Puppies actually start developing their first teeth surprisingly early. By around 2 to 8 weeks, most have their complete set of 28 baby teeth, and those little teeth are often very sharp!

The bigger change usually starts around 3 to 4 months, when the baby teeth begin falling out. Adult teeth then start pushing through, and this is when many puppies become extra interested in chewing.

By roughly 6 to 7 months, most puppies should have their adult teeth in place. Keep in mind that every puppy is a little different, so the timeline doesn’t have to be exact.

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

Puppy Teething Stages

Puppy teething happens gradually as baby teeth emerge, loosen, and are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth. Understanding each stage can help you know what to expect as your puppy grows. 

1. Baby Teeth Coming In (2–8 Weeks)

Puppies are born without teeth. Their first tiny, sharp incisors usually begin appearing at around 2–3 weeks of age, followed by canines at 3–4 weeks and premolars at around 4–6 weeks.

By approximately 5–8 weeks, most puppies will have their complete set of 28 baby teeth. Chewing naturally begins during this stage as puppies explore their surroundings and find relief from developing gum discomfort.

2. Losing Baby Teeth (3–4 Months)

At around 3–4 months, a puppy’s baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out as their permanent adult teeth start taking their place.

You may occasionally find small teeth around the house, while a small amount of gum bleeding can also be normal during this process. As their gums become uncomfortable, puppies may chew more frequently or aggressively for relief.

3. Adult Teeth Growing In (4–6 Months)

Between 4–6 months, permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and molars begin pushing through the gums.

This is often the peak of a puppy’s chewing phase, making safe teething toys especially important for protecting furniture, shoes, and other belongings. Puppies may also drool more than usual and show signs of sore or sensitive gums during this stage.

4. Full Adult Teeth (6–7 Months)

By around 6–7 months, most puppies have their complete set of 42 permanent teeth.

Although the discomfort associated with teething is generally coming to an end, puppies may continue chewing out of habit. Establishing regular dental care, including tooth brushing and routine veterinary checkups, can help maintain good oral health.

Puppy Teething Symptoms: 6 Common Signs

As baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth begin to emerge, puppies may experience sore gums, increased chewing, and other temporary symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you understand what your puppy is going through and provide the right support during this stage.

1. Excessive Chewing

Puppies often chew on furniture, shoes, toys, and even hands when they are teething. Chewing can help soothe the discomfort caused by teeth erupting through the gums.

2. Drooling

Increased drooling is another common sign of teething. As the gums become irritated while new teeth emerge, puppies may produce more saliva than usual.

3. Sore or Swollen Gums

During teething, a puppy’s gums may appear red, tender, or swollen. Some puppies may also paw at their mouths because of the discomfort.

4. Bleeding

Small amounts of blood may occasionally be visible on a puppy’s chew toys or around the mouth as baby teeth loosen and fall out. Minor bleeding can occur as part of the normal teething process.

5. Behavioural Changes

Teething discomfort can affect a puppy’s behaviour. They may become more irritable or restless and develop a stronger urge to chew on objects.

6. Loss of Appetite or Dropping Food

Some puppies may temporarily eat less or drop their food while chewing because their gums are uncomfortable. This can happen while their permanent teeth are developing.

Loose or Missing Baby Teeth: Baby teeth typically begin falling out around 3–4 months of age as permanent adult teeth start to emerge.

How to Help a Teething Puppy?

Teething can be an uncomfortable time for puppies, but there are several simple ways to make the process easier. Providing appropriate toys, food, and care can help soothe sore gums while encouraging safe chewing habits. 

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.

When Do Puppies Stop Teething?

Most puppies complete the teething process within their first several months of life. While the timing can vary slightly, understanding the main stages can help you know when your puppy should have their full set of adult teeth. 

Initial Stage

Puppies generally begin developing their baby teeth at around 3 weeks of age. These early teeth continue to emerge over the following weeks until they have their full set of 28 baby teeth.

Peak Chewing Phase

The most intense chewing behaviour typically occurs between 12–16 weeks of age. During this period, puppies are losing their baby teeth while their permanent teeth begin pushing through the gums. Adult teeth continue developing and emerging between approximately 4–6 months.

Completion

By around 6–8 months, most puppies have developed their complete set of adult teeth. However, even after teething has finished, chewing may continue as an established habit rather than a response to gum discomfort.

FAQs

Is it normal for my puppy to lose teeth?

Yes, losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up, and you may find tiny teeth around the house or never see them at all.

How can I stop my puppy from biting me while teething?

Redirect their teeth to a safe chew toy and reward them when they choose the toy instead of your hands.

Why does my puppy chew on everything, even after teething?

Chewing is a natural dog behavior, so boredom, curiosity, stress or simply habit can keep it going after teething ends.

What are the best chew toys for teething puppies?

Soft rubber, textured and puppy-specific chew toys are good choices, while extremely hard toys should be avoided.

Can teething affect my puppy’s sleep?

Yes, sore gums can make some puppies restless at night, so a safe chilled chew before bedtime may help them settle.