Puppy Teething: When Do Puppies Start Losing Their Teeth?

Every parent knows that teething is a difficult time in their child’s life – and that includes puppy parents.

Given that their anatomy is a little different to us humans, owners must understand the nuances of puppy teething to ensure they can sail smoothly through such an important development phase.

A teething puppy may be fraught with bouts of discomfort and changes in behaviour, needing a range of toys and soothing methods to get them through the transition of sprouting milk teeth, paving the way for adult teeth.

So, when does this toothy transformation occur, and what can you expect during these puppy teeth stages? Let's explore this in a bit more detail to make the process more bearable for you and your pup.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Similar to human babies, puppies aren't born with teeth. Well, that is not entirely true, they do have teeth, they just haven’t emerged through the gums! Their first set of ‘milk teeth’ or ‘baby teeth’ starts sprouting when they are around 3-4 weeks old.

By the time your puppy is about 4-5 months old, these baby teeth will start falling out, making way for their adult teeth. From 5-7 months, expect your puppy to sport a full set of adult teeth, although these ages can vary slightly depending on your puppy’s breed.

Puppy Teething Stages

0-2 Weeks: A newborn pup will only have fresh gums for the first fortnight of its life.
3-4 Weeks: From their third week of life onwards, a teething puppy will get their first incisors and canines (fangs).
8 Weeks: By the end of the second month, their puppy teeth should all be present.
4 Months: This is the age when your puppy will start losing their ‘baby teeth'.
5 Months: For several weeks after their fifth month, a teething puppy will start to grow their second set of incisors, canines, and premolars, as well as their first set of molars.
6 - 7 Months: This is the end of puppy teeth stages, as your dog should now have all 42 of their teeth.
12 Months & Beyond: Regular health checks with your vet are recommended for all dogs. As part of this your vet will check your dog’s teeth and gums and provide recommendations on how to best keep them healthy.

Understanding the puppy teeth stages can provide valuable insights into your dog's behaviour during this period. While puppy teething isn't usually painful, your puppy might experience some discomfort in their jaw, leading to an increase in chewing behaviour.

What are Puppy Teething Signs?

A teething puppy exhibits several signs indicating that their teeth are transitioning. Common signs a puppy is teething include:

Red and inflamed gums
Drooling
Increased chewing behaviour
Bleeding gums
Missing teeth
Decreased appetite
A lower mood

Some puppies may also whine and appear more irritable than usual. If you notice your puppy swallows their teeth as they fall out, don’t panic – it is perfectly safe. Still, remember to always monitor your puppy during this period. For example, if your furry friend develops a high temperature or excessive bleeding, it's time to consult your vet.

What are the Best Puppy Teething Toys?

Specially designed puppy teething toys are great to help ease the discomfort your little one may be feeling throughout the various puppy teething stages. These toys are created with soft yet durable materials that satisfy your puppy's urge to chew without causing any harm to their gums or emerging teeth. They also help to stop your puppy from biting or chewing on furniture or other household items.

There's an extensive array of options available on the market, but the best teething toys for puppies should be non-toxic and appropriately sized for your puppy. You can also find specifically flavoured items, gum-massaging features, freezable products for extra soothing, squeakers for greater engagement, and much more.

When Do Puppies Stop Teething?

Most puppies will have finished losing their baby teeth, completed the teething process, and have a full set of adult teeth by seven months. But again, this puppy teething age can vary slightly depending on the breed and individual growth rate.

How to Look After Your Dog's Adult Teeth

Maintaining your dog's oral hygiene once they have their adult teeth is just as important as your own dental hygiene. As a responsible dog owner, try to establish a teeth cleaning routine to ensure their pearly whites stay healthy and strong. Specially designed dental chews are also a great way to help keep your adult dog’s teeth and gums healthy. For example, OraVet^® Chews can be used in dogs from 6 months of age – they work by helping to clean the teeth, establish a barrier against plaque and tartar and reducing bad breath.

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly can prevent tartar build-up, gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, enrolling your dog in puppy school can help you learn more about maintaining oral health and improving their overall well-being.

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FAQs

What age do puppies lose their teeth?

Your puppy will likely start losing their milk teeth and growing their adult teeth around 4-5 months of age.
What do puppy teeth look like when they fall out?

When puppies lose their teeth, they typically resemble tiny, needle-like structures. They can range in colour from white to a slightly yellow hue.

What to do for puppies losing teeth?

As there might be some discomfort during the teething stages, the best thing you can do is provide them with safe, chewable puppy teething toys to soothe their gums. Ensure their toys are clean and inspect their mouth regularly to prevent complications.