When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
When do puppies lose their baby teeth? Most puppies start losing their 28 baby teeth at about 12 weeks old and finish by 6 to 7 months, when all 42 adult teeth have come in. The incisors — the small front teeth — usually go first, followed by the canine teeth and then the premolars. You may find tiny teeth on the floor or in a toy, but many puppies swallow their baby teeth without anyone noticing, and that is normal. In this guide, we explain the full teething timeline week by week, what is normal and what is not, how to soothe a teething puppy, and the warning signs that mean a retained baby tooth needs veterinary care.
Puppy teething is one of the most misunderstood stages of puppyhood. Owners expect a dramatic event, like a child losing a tooth, and then worry when they never see a single tooth fall out. In reality, puppy teething is a slow, quiet process that happens over four months, and the most obvious sign is usually not a tooth on the floor — it is a puppy that suddenly wants to chew everything in your house. Understanding the timeline helps you prepare, protect your furniture and shoes, and give your puppy safe outlets for a very real physical need.
How Many Baby Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies are born without teeth. Their first teeth, called deciduous teeth or baby teeth, begin to erupt at 2 to 4 weeks old. By 6 to 8 weeks, a puppy has a full set of 28 baby teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars. Puppies do not have baby molars — those come in only as adult teeth.
Adult dogs have 42 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. That means your puppy will gain 14 teeth during teething, and their jaw will grow and change shape at the same time. This is why a puppy’s bite can look a little uneven for a few weeks — the jaw and the teeth are growing at different rates, and it usually sorts itself out by 7 months. If the bite still looks misaligned after all adult teeth are in, your veterinarian can check whether it is a cosmetic quirk or a problem that needs attention.
When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth? The Timeline
Every puppy is a little different, and small breeds often teethe a bit later than large breeds, but the general timeline below holds for most healthy puppies in the United States.
2 to 4 Weeks: Baby Teeth Erupt
The first baby teeth break through the gums at 2 to 4 weeks. Incisors usually appear first, then canines, then premolars. At this age, puppies are still with their mother and littermates, and they are just starting to explore solid food. You will not see this stage unless you are a breeder — most owners bring a puppy home at 8 weeks, after this stage is complete.
6 to 8 Weeks: Full Set of 28 Baby Teeth
By the time you bring your puppy home, usually at 8 weeks, they should have all 28 baby teeth. The teeth are needle-sharp — breeders and owners call them “puppy needles” for good reason — and your puppy will use them to explore the world, play with littermates, and, unfortunately, mouth your hands. This is the stage when gentle bite inhibition training matters most. If your puppy bites your hand, say “ouch” in a calm voice, stop playing for a few seconds, and offer a toy instead. Our guide to how to stop puppy biting covers this in detail and pairs well with teething care.
12 to 16 Weeks: Baby Teeth Start Falling Out
At about 12 weeks, the roots of the baby teeth begin to dissolve, and the incisors — the small front teeth — start to fall out. Adult incisors push up from below and replace them. This is usually the first stage owners notice, because the front teeth are the easiest to see. Your puppy may have a little bleeding from the gums, may drool more than usual, and may be reluctant to eat hard kibble for a day or two. Soaking kibble in warm water for a few minutes makes meals easier during this stage. For feeding amounts during these fast-growing weeks, see how much to feed your puppy.
16 to 20 Weeks: Canines and Premolars
Between 16 and 20 weeks, the baby canine teeth — the long, pointed “fang” teeth — and the premolars begin to fall out. This is often the most uncomfortable stage, because canine teeth have long roots and take more effort to loosen. Your puppy may chew more intensely, may have slightly swollen or bleeding gums, and may leave small spots of blood on chew toys. A little blood is normal. Heavy bleeding, swelling that does not go down, or a puppy that refuses food for more than a day is not normal and deserves a vet call.
This is also the stage when owners most often notice a retained baby tooth — a baby canine that stays in place while the adult canine grows in beside it, creating a double row of teeth. Retained baby teeth are common, especially in small and toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, and they need veterinary attention, as explained below.
5 to 7 Months: All Adult Teeth In
By 6 months, most puppies have lost all their baby teeth, and by 7 months the full set of 42 adult teeth should be in place, including the molars at the back, which have no baby predecessors. If your puppy still has baby teeth at 7 months, or if adult teeth are coming in crooked because a baby tooth is blocking them, book a veterinary dental check. Your veterinarian will usually recommend removing retained baby teeth during the spay or neuter surgery, so your puppy only needs one anesthetic — a practical and cost-effective approach.
What Are the Signs a Puppy Is Teething?
Teething puppies give clear signals, even if you never find a tooth. Watch for these signs from about 12 weeks onward.
Chewing Everything
The most obvious sign is intense chewing. A teething puppy chews to relieve pressure and soreness in the gums, and they will chew furniture legs, shoes, baseboards, electrical cords, and anything else within reach. This is not bad behavior — it is a physical need. The solution is not punishment but redirection: keep safe chew toys available in every room, puppy-proof your home by moving cords and valuables out of reach, and calmly swap a forbidden object for an approved toy every time. If you are setting up for a new puppy, our first week with a new puppy checklist includes puppy-proofing steps that help during teething.
Bleeding Gums, Drooling, and Sore Mouth
A little blood on a chew toy, mild gum redness, and extra drooling are all normal during teething. Your puppy may paw at their mouth, rub their face on the carpet, or eat more slowly than usual. You can help by offering soft food, soaked kibble, or wet food for a few days when the gums look sore. Avoid hard treats and hard bones during the peak teething weeks, as they can hurt sore gums and, in rare cases, crack a new adult tooth.
Small Teeth on the Floor — or None at All
Some owners find tiny white teeth on the floor, in the dog bed, or stuck in a toy. Many owners find none, because puppies swallow most of their baby teeth while eating or playing. Swallowed baby teeth pass through the digestive system harmlessly, so there is no need to worry if you never see one. Finding a tooth is fun — many owners keep the first one as a keepsake — but not finding one is completely normal and does not mean teething is not happening.
Mild Discomfort, Not Illness
Teething can make a puppy a little irritable, less interested in food for a day, and more tired than usual. It does not cause fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your puppy has a fever above 102.5°F, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is lethargic, that is not teething — it is illness, and your puppy needs veterinary care. Do not dismiss real symptoms as teething. If you are unsure, call your veterinarian; a phone call costs nothing and can prevent a delay in treating something serious. Learn the warning signs in our guide to 7 signs a puppy is sick so you can tell teething from illness.
How to Soothe a Teething Puppy
You cannot stop teething, but you can make it much more comfortable for your puppy — and save your belongings in the process.
Frozen Carrots and Safe Chew Toys
Cold soothes sore gums. Frozen carrot sticks, frozen banana slices, and a wet washcloth twisted and frozen are cheap, effective teething soothers. Offer them under supervision, and take them away once they thaw or become small enough to swallow. Rubber chew toys designed for puppies, especially those you can fill with wet food or plain yogurt and freeze, are even better because they last longer and massage the gums. Look for toys labeled for puppies and sized for your puppy’s breed — a toy that is too small can be swallowed, and a toy that is too hard can damage new adult teeth. Our roundup of the best toys for teething puppies lists safe options by size and chewing style.
Gentle Gum Massage and Cold Water
Rubbing your puppy’s gums gently with a clean finger can relieve pressure, and many puppies enjoy it once they get used to it. Start with short sessions, a few seconds at a time, and stop if your puppy pulls away or mouths your hand hard. This also gets your puppy used to having their mouth handled, which makes future tooth brushing and vet exams much easier. Offering a bowl of cool, fresh water and adding a few ice cubes in summer also helps a teething puppy feel better.
What Not to Give a Teething Puppy
Do not give your puppy cooked bones, antlers, hard nylon bones, or ice cubes the size of a whole cube to crunch — these are too hard and can crack adult teeth or break baby teeth, leaving a painful exposed root. Do not give human teething gels or pain relievers. Products containing benzocaine, lidocaine, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen are unsafe for dogs and can be toxic. Do not give your puppy your old shoes or socks as chew toys — puppies cannot tell an old shoe from a new one, and socks can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage if swallowed. If your puppy seems in significant pain, is not eating at all, or has heavy bleeding, call your veterinarian rather than trying a home remedy.
Retained Baby Teeth: When a Baby Tooth Will Not Fall Out
A retained baby tooth is one that stays in place after the adult tooth has erupted beside it. The most common retained teeth are the upper canine teeth, which create a visible double row of fangs. Retained teeth are more common in small and toy breeds, but they can happen in any puppy.
Retained baby teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. They trap food and plaque between the two teeth, which leads to tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath at a young age. They can also push the adult tooth out of alignment, causing a misaligned bite that makes eating painful or damages the roof of the mouth. For those reasons, veterinarians recommend removing retained baby teeth rather than waiting to see if they fall out on their own after 6 months.
Do not try to pull a baby tooth out yourself. Pulling a tooth at home can break the root, leave a painful fragment in the gum, and cause infection. It is also painful and frightening for your puppy, and it can damage your trust with them. Your veterinarian will remove a retained tooth under anesthesia, usually during the spay or neuter procedure, and your puppy will recover quickly. The cost varies by region, but combining the extraction with a surgery your puppy already needs is the most affordable and least stressful option. Ask your veterinarian about timing at your puppy’s 16-week or 6-month visit.
Do Puppies Lose Teeth in a Specific Order?
Yes, in most puppies the order is predictable: incisors first, then canines, then premolars, and finally the adult molars erupt at the back with no baby teeth to replace. The exact week varies by breed and individual puppy. Large breeds often finish teething a few weeks earlier than toy breeds, and puppies that were the runt of the litter may teethe slightly later. A delay of a few weeks is usually nothing to worry about, but if your puppy has lost no teeth by 5 months, or still has baby teeth at 7 months, have your veterinarian check their mouth at the next visit.
Breed also affects which problems are most likely. Brachycephalic breeds — Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus — have crowded mouths and are more likely to have retained teeth and misaligned bites. Toy breeds are prone to retained canines. Large breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds usually teethe without complications, but they chew with more force, so they need sturdy, appropriately sized chew toys and closer supervision to prevent them swallowing pieces of a destroyed toy.
Teething and Training: A Practical Plan
Teething overlaps with the most important training window of your puppy’s life, so the two need to work together rather than against each other. A puppy that is chewing constantly is not being stubborn — they are uncomfortable, and training works best when you meet the physical need first and then ask for good behavior.
Keep a chew toy within arm’s reach in every room. When your puppy starts chewing furniture, calmly interrupt with a neutral sound, offer the toy, and praise them when they take it. Do not chase your puppy to take something from their mouth — that turns it into a game and teaches them to run away with forbidden objects. Instead, trade: offer a high-value treat or toy in exchange for the object, and praise the swap. Practice “drop it” and “leave it” in short, positive sessions during teething, using treats your puppy loves. Keep training sessions short — five minutes, several times a day — because a sore, tired teething puppy cannot concentrate for long.
Potty training can also feel harder during teething, because a distracted, uncomfortable puppy may forget to signal. Stick to the schedule, take your puppy out after meals, naps, and play, and do not punish accidents — they are a normal part of puppyhood. Our guide to how to potty train a puppy covers schedules that work even during the teething weeks.
When to Call Your Veterinarian About Teething
Most teething is straightforward, but call your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
A baby tooth is still present at 7 months old. Retained teeth need professional removal.
Heavy or persistent bleeding from the gums. A few spots of blood are normal; steady bleeding is not.
Swelling of the face or jaw. This can signal infection or an abscess.
Your puppy refuses food for more than 24 hours. Teething may reduce appetite briefly, but a full day without eating needs a check.
Adult teeth coming in crooked or damaging the palate. A misaligned bite can cause pain and needs early assessment.
Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. These are not teething symptoms.
A broken tooth with visible pink or red pulp. An exposed tooth root is painful and needs urgent dental care.
Your puppy’s regular vet visits — at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and then at 6 months — are the right time to have the vet check the mouth. Mention teething at each visit, even if everything looks fine, so the vet can track progress and spot a retained tooth early. If you are planning your puppy’s first vet visit, our guide to how much a vet visit costs explains typical prices in the United States so you can budget for routine care and dental checks.
The Bottom Line
When do puppies lose their baby teeth? Starting at about 12 weeks, finishing by 6 to 7 months, with incisors first, then canines and premolars, and molars erupting last as adult-only teeth. Most puppies swallow their baby teeth, chew everything in sight, and need safe, cold chew toys and a little patience from you. A little gum bleeding and extra drooling are normal; fever, vomiting, refusal to eat, and retained teeth at 7 months are not. Give your puppy safe outlets for chewing, keep training positive and short, and let your veterinarian check the mouth at every puppy visit. By 7 months, the chewing should ease, the adult teeth should be in, and your puppy will have the strong, healthy mouth they need for life. For authoritative guidance on puppy dental development, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s pet dental care resources at avma.org are a reliable reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Most puppies start losing baby teeth at about 12 weeks and finish by 6 to 7 months. Incisors fall out first, followed by canines and premolars. All 28 baby teeth are replaced by 42 adult teeth.
Is it normal for a puppy to swallow their baby teeth?
Yes, it is very common and harmless. Most puppies swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing, and the teeth pass through the digestive system without causing problems. Finding a tooth on the floor is the exception, not the rule.
What should I give a teething puppy to chew?
Safe options include frozen carrot sticks, rubber puppy chew toys you can fill and freeze, and a frozen wet washcloth. Avoid cooked bones, antlers, hard nylon bones, and anything small enough to swallow.
What is a retained baby tooth in a puppy?
A retained baby tooth stays in place after the adult tooth erupts beside it, creating a double row. It traps plaque, causes gum disease, and can push adult teeth out of alignment. It needs removal by a veterinarian, usually during spay or neuter surgery.
Do puppies get sick when teething?
Teething can cause mild gum soreness, drooling, chewing, and a slightly reduced appetite, but it does not cause fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your puppy has those symptoms, see a veterinarian — they are signs of illness, not teething.