Puppy Teething Timeline: Ages, Signs and Relief

Puppies get their first, needle-sharp baby teeth at around three to four weeks old and have all 28 of them by about six weeks. From roughly 12–16 weeks those baby teeth start falling out as the 42 adult teeth push through, and most puppies have their full adult set by six to seven months. That second stage is what most owners mean by "teething" — and it is when the chewing really ramps up.

The teething timeline

Timing varies a little between breeds and individuals, but the general order is the same.

You may find tiny teeth on the floor or in toys, but many are swallowed with food, which is normal.

Signs your puppy is teething

• Chewing everything — furniture, shoes, hands, cables
• More mouthing and nipping than usual
• Drooling
• Small spots of blood on toys
• Red or slightly puffy gums
• Being a little off their food for a day or so, or preferring softer food

Teething mouthing is normal, but it still needs gentle management. Our guide to stopping puppy biting covers reward-based ways to redirect it.

What helps a teething puppy

• Something cold. Chilled (not frozen-solid) rubber toys can soothe sore gums. A damp flannel twisted, knotted and cooled in the freezer is another option — supervise and take it away if it starts to come apart.
• Plenty of chew choice. Offer a few textures and rotate them so they stay interesting.
• Redirect, don't punish. When your puppy chews something they shouldn't, swap it for a toy and praise them for chewing that instead.
• Puppy-proof the house. Lift shoes, cables, remote controls, medicines and anything toxic out of reach. Check our list of foods that are toxic to dogs too, as teething puppies will try anything.
• Rest. Overtired puppies chew and bite more, so build naps into the day.

Choosing safe chews

Puppy teeth and gums are delicate, and adult teeth can crack on things that are too hard. As a rule of thumb, a good chew has a bit of give: you should be able to dent it with a thumbnail or bend it slightly.

Usually suitable: rubber toys designed for puppies, food-stuffable toys, and softer chews made for your puppy's age and size.

Best avoided: cooked bones, antlers, hooves, hard nylon bones, stones and sticks, which can break teeth or splinter. Also avoid anything small enough to be swallowed whole.

Always supervise chewing, and replace toys once they start to break into pieces.

Retained baby teeth

Sometimes a baby tooth doesn't fall out when the adult tooth arrives. You'll see two teeth crowded into one spot, most often with the long canine teeth. It's more common in small and flat-faced breeds, but any puppy can be affected.

Retained teeth can push adult teeth out of position, trap food and lead to gum disease later on. Vets usually recommend removing the baby tooth, and doing it early gives the adult tooth the best chance of settling into the right place. It's a job for your vet — never try to pull a tooth yourself.

After teething

Once the adult teeth are in, it's a good time to make tooth care part of your routine. Start slowly with our guide to brushing your dog's teeth, and keep offering safe chews — many dogs keep enjoying them for life.