Teething turns even the sweetest puppy into a chewing machine — it’s normal, and it passes. Puppies teethe mainly between 3 and 6 months, losing baby teeth as their 42 adult teeth come in (usually complete by 6–7 months). This guide covers the teething timeline, how to soothe sore gums safely, the best chew toys, how to handle teething biting, and the dental signs that need a vet.
The puppy teething timeline
| Age | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks | Born toothless; baby (deciduous) teeth begin to appear. |
| 5–6 weeks | All 28 sharp little baby teeth are usually in. |
| 3–4 months | Baby teeth start falling out; adult incisors come through. Chewing ramps up. |
| 4–6 months | Peak teething — premolars, canines and molars erupt. Most intense chewing. |
| 6–7 months | Full set of 42 adult teeth usually in place; teething eases. |
It’s normal to find tiny baby teeth around the house, and a little blood-tinged drool is common as teeth come loose. Heavy chewing during this window isn’t naughtiness — it genuinely relieves the discomfort of erupting teeth.
Soothing sore gums safely
- Chill the chewCold numbs sore gums. Offer chilled rubber toys, or a frozen wet washcloth (supervised) for short sessions.
- Right-sized, safe toysChoose durable rubber teething toys sized for your puppy. Avoid anything that could be bitten into swallowable pieces.
- Skip very hard objectsAntlers, hard nylon bones, hooves and rocks can fracture teeth. A good rule: if you can’t dent it with a thumbnail or it would hurt to be hit on the knee with it, it’s too hard.
- Frozen treatsA puppy-safe frozen filled toy gives long-lasting, soothing relief.
Handling teething biting & chewing
Mouthing and nipping spike during teething. The fix is redirection, not punishment: the instant your puppy puts teeth on skin or furniture, calmly swap in a chew toy and praise it for using that instead. If play-biting gets too hard, a brief, boring pause — stop the game, stand up — teaches that teeth-on-skin ends the fun, which puppies quickly learn. Make sure there are always acceptable things to chew within reach, and keep shoes, cables and valuables out of the way. Plenty of exercise and enrichment lowers the overall urge to chew. For the complete method see how to stop puppy biting and stop destructive chewing.
Dental signs that need a vet
Most teething needs no intervention, but flag these for your veterinarian: a retained baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out while the adult tooth is erupting (it can cause crowding and is often removed during neutering), teeth that look broken or discoloured, swelling, persistent heavy bleeding, very bad breath, or a puppy that goes off food because its mouth hurts. Establishing good dental care and gentle tooth-brushing habits now sets your dog up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies start and stop teething?
Puppies are born without teeth, grow their baby (deciduous) teeth from around 3 to 6 weeks, and then lose them as adult teeth come in. Most teething and tooth replacement happens between about 3 and 6 months of age, and the full set of 42 adult teeth is usually in by around 6 to 7 months. Heavy chewing tends to peak during this window.
How can I soothe my teething puppy?
Offer safe, appropriately sized chew toys, including ones you can chill in the fridge or freezer, as cold helps numb sore gums. Frozen wet washcloths and chilled rubber toys are popular. Redirect chewing onto these toys whenever your puppy mouths you or furniture, and keep valuables and hazards out of reach. Never give very hard objects that can crack teeth.
Is it normal for a puppy to lose teeth and bleed a little?
Yes. It is normal to find tiny baby teeth around the house or in toys, and a little blood-tinged drool during teething is common. What is not normal is a retained baby tooth that does not fall out as the adult tooth erupts, which can cause crowding and should be checked by your vet, often around the time of neutering. Persistent heavy bleeding or pain also warrants a vet visit.
How do I stop teething puppy biting?
Teething biting is normal but you can shape it. Redirect onto a chew toy the instant your puppy mouths skin, and reward gentle play. If a bite is hard, a brief, calm pause in play teaches that teeth-on-skin ends the fun. Never smack or shout. Plenty of exercise and chew outlets reduce the urge. See our guides on stopping puppy biting for the full method.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — expert advice on dog health and care (puppy teething timeline)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — pet owner resources (pet dental care)
- ASPCA — pet care and Animal Poison Control guidance
Last updated 21 June 2026.
