If your puppy has suddenly turned into a tiny chewing machine, you're not alone! One day, they're happily playing with their toys. The next, they're chewing your shoes, furniture, fingers, and pretty much anything they can get their little mouths on. Sound familiar? Your puppy may be teething!

When Do Puppies Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?

Puppies are born without teeth, but their first tiny teeth usually begin appearing at around 3–5 weeks old. By approximately 6–8 weeks, most puppies have all 28 of their baby teeth.

The next big change usually happens around 3–4 months of age, when puppies begin losing their baby teeth and growing their permanent adult teeth.

Most puppies finish teething by around 6–7 months old, although the exact timing can vary.

Here's a simple breakdown of the puppy teething timeline:

Fun fact: Puppies have 28 baby teeth, while adult dogs typically have 42 permanent teeth!

5 Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Not every puppy experiences teething in exactly the same way. However, there are a few common signs that may tell you those little teeth are on their way out.

1. Chewing on Everything

Your puppy suddenly seems interested in chewing everything around the house. Toys, shoes, furniture, and even your hands may become tempting targets.

Chewing is a natural puppy behavior, and it may help relieve discomfort during teething.

2. More Drooling Than Usual

You may notice your puppy drooling a little more as their adult teeth begin coming in. Some puppies also seem to lick or rub their mouths more frequently.

3. Red or Slightly Swollen Gums

As baby teeth loosen and adult teeth emerge, your puppy's gums may look a little red or sensitive. A small amount of blood on a toy can sometimes happen when a tooth falls out.

However, ongoing bleeding, significant swelling, or obvious pain should be checked by a veterinarian.

4. Finding Tiny Teeth Around the House

You might discover a tiny tooth on the floor, in your puppy's bedding, or stuck in a chew toy. It's a fun little reminder that your puppy is growing up!

Don't worry if you never find any, though. Puppies often swallow their baby teeth while eating or chewing, which is generally harmless.

5. Changes in Eating Habits

Some puppies may temporarily become less interested in hard food or chew more slowly when their gums feel sensitive.

If your puppy refuses food, seems very uncomfortable, or has difficulty eating, contact your veterinarian rather than assuming it's just teething.

How to Help Your Puppy Through Teething

You can't stop your puppy from teething, but you can make the experience a little easier for both of you.

Here are five ways to help:

1. Provide Appropriate Puppy Chew Toys

Chewing is a natural behavior, so instead of trying to stop it completely, give your puppy something appropriate to chew.

Choose puppy-safe toys that are suitable for their age, size, and chewing style. Avoid toys that are too hard, as they may damage developing teeth.

2. Try Chilled Chew Toys

Some puppies enjoy chewing on a chilled, puppy-safe toy because the cool temperature may help soothe tender gums.

Always follow the toy's instructions and supervise your puppy to make sure they aren't biting off or swallowing pieces.

3. Redirect Unwanted Chewing

If your puppy starts chewing your shoes or furniture, calmly redirect their attention to an appropriate toy.

Remember, puppies are still learning what's okay to chew and what isn't. Consistency and positive reinforcement can go a long way.

4. Choose Age-Appropriate Chews and Treats

A suitable puppy chew can provide an enjoyable chewing activity while helping redirect your puppy's natural urge to chew.

When choosing one, consider your puppy's age, size, and chewing habits. Always follow the product's age and feeding guidelines, supervise chewing, and remove the chew if it becomes small enough to swallow or poses a choking risk.

For puppies who are old enough, N-Bone® Puppy Teething Rings are one option to explore as part of an appropriate chewing routine.

5. Start Building Good Dental Habits Early

Teething is also a great time to help your puppy get comfortable with having their mouth handled.

Start slowly by gently touching around their muzzle and lifting their lips for a few seconds. As they become more comfortable, gradually introduce a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs.

Keep each session short and positive. The goal is to make dental care feel like a normal part of everyday life!

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Puppy's Teeth?

Teething is usually a natural process, but some dental issues need veterinary attention.

Keep an eye out for:

• Baby teeth that remain alongside newly erupted adult teeth
• Noticeably crooked or crowded teeth
• Persistent or heavy gum bleeding
• Significant swelling or discomfort
• Difficulty eating or opening their mouth

One issue worth knowing about is retained baby teeth. This happens when a baby tooth doesn't fall out even though its permanent replacement has started coming in.

When two teeth occupy the same space, they can create crowding and make it easier for food and debris to become trapped. This is particularly worth monitoring in smaller breeds.

If you notice a baby tooth still sitting next to an adult tooth, ask your veterinarian to examine it. Don't try to pull it out yourself.

Growing Up One Tooth at a Time!

Puppy teething can be a messy, sometimes frustrating stage. Between the extra chewing, occasional lost teeth, and your puppy's sudden interest in everything except their toys, it's certainly an adventure!

But remember, this stage won't last forever.

With appropriate chew toys, positive redirection, and a little patience, you can help your puppy get through teething while building healthy habits for the future.

And before you know it, those tiny puppy teeth will be replaced by a brand-new set of adult teeth!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: At what age do puppies start losing their baby teeth?

Most puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 3–4 months of age. Their adult teeth gradually replace them, and most puppies finish teething by approximately 6–7 months.

Q2: How many baby teeth do puppies have?

Puppies typically have 28 baby teeth. As they grow, these are replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth.

Q3: Is it normal for puppies to swallow their baby teeth?

Yes! Puppies often swallow their tiny baby teeth while eating or chewing. This is generally harmless, so don't worry if you can't find every little tooth.

Q4: How long does puppy teething last?

The process of losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth usually takes several months. Most puppies have their full set of adult teeth by around 6–7 months, although timing can vary.

Q5: Should I stop my puppy from chewing during teething?

No. Chewing is a natural behavior, and puppies may chew more during teething. Instead of stopping the behavior completely, redirect them toward appropriate, age- and size-suitable chew toys and treats.

Q6: What should I do if my puppy still has baby teeth after 6 months?

Your puppy may have retained baby teeth, especially if you notice an adult tooth growing beside one that hasn't fallen out. Schedule a veterinary dental examination to determine whether the tooth needs treatment.