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Puppy Teething: Timeline and What to Do

Roughly when teething starts, and what's worth keeping an eye on while it's happening.

Teething Generally Runs From 3 to 7 Months

Baby teeth usually start falling out and being replaced by adult teeth around 3 to 4 months old, and by 6 to 7 months most of the 28 to 42 adult teeth have come in. Timing varies somewhat by breed and individual dog.

Signs to Watch For

Red, swollen gums, more drooling than usual, a noticeable jump in chewing behavior, and a temporary dip in appetite are all common during this stage. Finding small teeth on the floor is another common sign.

Offer the Right Chew Toys

A rubber chew toy made for teething, or a wet towel frozen solid, helps relieve gum itchiness and discomfort. Avoid anything too hard, like bones or ice, since those can damage developing teeth.

Redirect Chewing on Furniture or Hands

Chewing on hands, furniture, or slippers tends to spike during this period. Rather than scolding, gently take the item away and immediately offer a chew toy instead, praising the puppy for chewing on the right thing -- that redirection is far more effective at building the habit.

Check for Retained Baby Teeth

Sometimes an adult tooth comes in without the baby tooth falling out first. Left alone, this can crowd the bite out of alignment and trap tartar, so it's worth having a vet check whether extraction is needed.

Soften Food If Appetite Drops

If sore gums make your puppy eat less than usual, softening the kibble with a bit of water for a while can reduce the discomfort of chewing.

Get a Dental Check Around 6-7 Months

Once adult teeth have settled in, having a vet check the bite and look for any retained baby teeth helps you plan dental care going forward.

A Normal, Temporary Stage of Growth

The baby teeth a puppy is born with are naturally replaced by adult teeth over time, and the increased chewing during this window is a normal developmental stage rather than a behavior problem. That said, how you respond during teething has a real effect on whether chewing habits fade naturally afterward or stick around.

Redirecting Chewing Now Prevents a Bigger Problem Later

Left unaddressed, chewing habits that start during teething can turn into a harder-to-correct biting or mouthing problem later on. Building the habit of redirecting to an appropriate chew toy from the start pays off well beyond the teething period itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay if my puppy swallows a baby tooth?

In most cases, a small tooth passes through without any issue. If vomiting or loss of appetite follows, though, it's worth calling your vet.

How can I tell when teething is finally over?

Chewing behavior typically drops off noticeably once adult teeth have mostly settled in, around 6 to 7 months old. The most reliable way to confirm is a dental check at the vet.