Top Tips for Teething Puppies

When do puppies start teething? What are the puppy teething symptoms? Our experts tackle everything you need to know about this puppy stage.

There is nothing better than puppy breath! Too bad that doesn’t last forever. It will last until their permanent teeth replace their baby teeth which is a big deal for your puppy. The most common teething time is between 12-20 weeks of age.

Teething is a term that refers to the process of permanent teeth coming into your puppies’ mouth. This typically occurs around five to six months of age. Our advice is to have a lot of acceptable (and safe!) chews and treats for your puppy during this stage.

When do puppies teeth fall out?

Dogs have 28 baby teeth, also referred to as ‘deciduous teeth’, and 42 adult or permanent teeth. Those puppy teeth are sharp!

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), puppies teeth begin to fall out at about three to four months. It can start to happen as early as 8 weeks.

Puppy teething timeline

Weeks 2 – 4

Your puppies will still be with their mom and their baby teeth are just starting to come in!

Weeks 5 – 6

Dogs have about 28 baby teeth total. The breeder will likely have already or will be in the process of weaning the puppies in the litter as they learn to eat soft puppy food.

Weeks 12- 16

This is when your puppy’s baby teeth start to fall out and permanent adult teeth emerge.

6 months and older

All of his puppy teeth should have fallen out by now, and his adult teeth should have grown in. Adults dogs have about 42 teeth!

Credit American Kennel Club

What about puppy teething symptoms?

You’ll be able to tell when your puppy starts teething! It hurts!

The most common symptoms are:

• Bad breath! That puppy breath no longer smells delicious but fowl
• They may drool a little
• Little spots of blood on his toys
• Increased chewing

How can I help a teething puppy?

The best advice we have is freezing toys! Even freezing a puppy Kong toy can help soothe those sore gums. Soft rubber and plastic dental rings are also safe toys for puppies to chew on.

What are the safest toys for a teething puppy?

• Frozen toys and treats: KONG’s line of puppy toys are all wonderful for your puppy
• Puppy teething sticks: Nylabone teething toys, rings and chews including Frisco teething rings
• Rope toys: KONG’s line of rope toys designed for puppies are the best choice

Avoid plush toys as these can be shred into small pieces and ingested

Our vet technicians have a list of dental chews and treats they recommend to help keep your pet’s oral health in top condition between dental cleanings. You can find our recommended list and where to purchase these treats here.

When is it necessary for you to call your vet?

In some cases the baby teeth are slow to falling out and a vet may need to be contacted. If your dog hasn’t gone through the entire teething process by eight months your vet will advise you on what should happen. Some breeds including smaller breeds and brachycephalic breeds are prone to issues.

Don’t introduce brushing at this point! You don’t want your puppy to associate brushing with the discomfort going on in their mouth

When your puppy has all his permanent teeth, it’s time to positively train them to enjoy having their teeth brushed. At home dental care will be an important part of your routine.