A Complete Guide to Puppy Teething: Timing and Care

Oral HealthQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Puppy teething typically occurs between 3 and 6 months of age. Here’s a guide to the signs at each stage, how to care for your puppy’s gums, and ways to curb biting habits.

What Is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething typically begins around three months of age and continues until about seven months, as baby teeth are naturally replaced by permanent adult teeth. According to standard veterinary textbooks, permanent incisors erupt between three and five months, canines and premolars between four and six months, and molars between five and seven months. It is crucial to understand that during this period, puppies often experience itchy and sore gums, making them prone to intense chewing and biting. Therefore, providing appropriate teething toys is essential. Additionally, if any baby teeth remain alongside the permanent teeth after seven months, there may be retained deciduous teeth, so a veterinary examination is strongly recommended.

When Does Teething Start and End?

Babies teeth start coming in at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Incisors erupt at 3 to 4 weeks, canines at 3 weeks, and premolars over the course of 4 to 12 weeks, so by about 12 weeks (roughly 3 months) of age, all the baby teeth are usually in place. Starting around 3 months of age, the incisors begin to fall out first, followed by the canines and molars, as they are replaced by permanent teeth. In most dogs, all permanent teeth are in place by 5 to 7 months of age, with the molars being the last to erupt over that same period. Small-breed dogs tend to go through this process a bit faster, while large-breed dogs may take up to 7 months. Since the timing of teething varies by breed and individual dog, please allow for a margin of one to two months and monitor the progress patiently.

Teething Stages by Age

Item	3–4 weeks old	2–3 months old	3–5 months old	5–7 months old
Progress	Baby teeth begin to emerge	All 28 baby teeth complete	Incisors and canines replaced	Molars replaced, permanent teeth complete
Key Signs	Itchy gums	Begins biting actively	Toys with slight bloodstains	Increased chewing force
Care Points	Stays with the mother	Soft toys	Cold teething toys	Establish tooth-brushing habits

There may be a 1–2 month difference depending on breed and body size

Common Signs of Teething: A Checklist

There are several signs that pet owners often miss during teething.

Gingival redness: The gums appear redder and more swollen than usual.

Increased drooling: Your pet drools more frequently than normal.

Chewing on objects: They focus intensely on chewing furniture legs, shoes, and cables.

Food refusal: Due to gum pain, they may avoid eating hard kibble.

Slight blood traces: You may notice bloodstains on toys or the floor.

Found baby teeth: You discover small teeth on the floor or among toys.

While most of these are part of a natural process, if symptoms persist or worsen for more than two weeks, please schedule a dental examination.

Checking your puppy’s gums during the teething stage

When to Visit the Vet

Teething is mostly a natural process, but you should consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs: baby teeth remain alongside permanent teeth after seven months (retained deciduous teeth), bleeding from the gums doesn’t stop, your pet chews on only one side and eats significantly less, or there’s pus or severe bad breath. Leaving retained baby teeth untreated can lead to misaligned teeth and periodontal disease, so they’re often extracted during neutering or spaying.

Proper Care During the Teething Period

The key to easing gum pain is providing safe things for your puppy to chew. Rubber teething toys chilled briefly in the freezer can temporarily soothe gum discomfort and are widely used. Avoid overly hard items like antlers or raw bones, as they can place excessive stress on developing teeth. To make kibble easier to eat, soften it by soaking in lukewarm water or dog-safe broth for about 10 minutes. To deter chewing on furniture or electrical cords, apply a bitter-tasting spray to keep your puppy away.

Nutritional Management During Teething

According to veterinary nutrition guidelines, the teething period is a time of rapid bone and tooth development, so it’s best to feed a diet specifically formulated for puppy growth rather than adult dog food. Because puppies’ skeletons are growing rapidly, maintaining the proper calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio is especially important. Therefore, it’s essential to consistently feed a balanced puppy-specific diet until growth is complete. For large-breed dogs, excessive calcium supplementation by owners can actually increase the risk of skeletal disorders, so it’s recommended to feed a balanced “large-breed puppy” formula as-is rather than adding separate calcium supplements. When giving treats during the teething stage, always choose products specifically designed for puppies to avoid disrupting their overall nutritional balance.

How to Curb Biting Habits

Biting habits that develop during the teething stage can become lifelong behaviors, so training is essential. If your puppy bites your fingers, let out a sharp “Ouch!” to startle them and immediately stop playing. Instead, redirect their attention to a teething toy, and praise them when they bite it appropriately. Engaging in ample play before and after walks to help expend energy is also effective. However, avoid scolding or forcibly opening their mouth, as these actions can inadvertently increase aggression. Training should be conducted in short, frequent sessions using positive reinforcement.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to find and keep my pet’s lost baby teeth?

Most puppies naturally pass swallowed baby teeth through their stool during teething, so there’s no need to worry. You can keep them as a keepsake if you find them, but it’s not medically necessary.

Is it normal to see blood when my dog is teething?

A small amount of bleeding when baby teeth fall out is normal. A little blood on toys or the floor is not a concern, but if blood is dripping or doesn't stop after 30 minutes, please have your vet check it.

Can I start brushing my dog’s teeth while they’re teething?

This period is actually ideal for establishing a tooth-brushing routine. Apply dog-specific toothpaste to a silicone toothbrush designed for dogs and gently rub the teeth. It's best to avoid the areas where permanent teeth are emerging and allow your dog to gradually get used to the process.

I can see two rows of permanent teeth. What should I do?

This is a case of retained deciduous teeth, where the permanent teeth have erupted while the baby teeth are still in place. Extraction is necessary to correct the bite and maintain periodontal health. This procedure is often performed at the same time as spaying or neutering.

Even after the teething phase is over, they continue to chew and bite.

This behavior may stem from ingrained habits, excess energy, or separation anxiety. Increase daily walks and brain-stimulating activities like nosework, and if the issue persists, consult a veterinary behavior specialist.