Bringing home a puppy means lots of playtime, snuggles, and watching them grow. One key part of their development is teething. Just like humans, puppies go through this necessary phase, and it comes with its own challenges. If you’re wondering when puppies lose their baby teeth or how to help them, you’re in the right place. Let’s cut into the teething journey and look into ways to make it easier for both you and your furry friend.
Teething
Puppy teething is a natural part of their growth. Just like babies, puppies start out toothless and rely on milk for nutrition. But as they grow, teeth become essential for eating solid food and maintaining oral health. Adult teeth also play a significant role in the overall health of your dog, making teething an important stage.
Timeline
Puppies usually begin teething around 12-16 weeks of age. This is when they start losing their baby teeth, also called deciduous or milk teeth. After losing their 28 baby teeth, they will develop 42 adult teeth. By knowing the stages of teething, you can stay prepared and help your puppy through each phase.
| Stage | Age | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| No Teeth | Birth to 2 weeks | Puppies are toothless and rely on milk. |
| Incisors | 3-4 weeks | The first incisors appear—12 in total. |
| Canines | 3-4 weeks | Four canine teeth emerge for biting and tearing. |
| Premolars | 6 weeks | Premolars help with chewing food. |
| Adult Teeth | 5-7 months | All 42 adult teeth are fully in place. |
Teething Symptoms
Teething can be uncomfortable for your puppy, just like it is for babies. Expect to see a few common symptoms that can alert you to this phase:
- Chewing: Puppies instinctively chew to relieve gum irritation.
- Bad Breath: Mild gingivitis during teething can cause bad breath.
- Loss of Teeth: You may spot small teeth on the floor, usually around the size of rice grains.
- Decreased Appetite: A sore mouth might make eating less appealing.
- Drooling and Bleeding: These symptoms are mild but common as new teeth break through.
Help
Watching your puppy deal with teething symptoms isn’t easy, but there are simple ways to help. Let’s go over a few solutions to make this phase more manageable.
Puppy-Proofing
A teething puppy will try to chew anything in sight. That’s why it’s important to puppy-proof your home. Keep items like electrical cords, shoes, and trash cans out of reach to prevent accidents and destruction.
Chew Toys
Chew toys can provide much-needed relief. Teething rings and durable rubber toys designed specifically for puppies are great options. Avoid tug-of-war toys as these can aggravate their gums and cause more pain.
Home Remedies
One effective remedy is to give your puppy something cold to chew on. Frozen chew toys or chilled baby carrots can offer soothing relief for sore gums. However, avoid ice cubes, as they can be too hard and pose a choking hazard.
When Does Teething End?
Typically, teething lasts around four months. By the time your puppy is between 5 to 7 months old, all adult teeth should be in place, signaling the end of the teething phase. However, keep in mind that some puppies continue to chew out of habit. Providing safe and appropriate toys even after teething can help prevent destructive chewing behaviors.
Long-Term Care
Even though the teething phase ends, many breeds remain natural chewers well into adulthood. Maintaining good habits by offering chew toys and monitoring what they chew will benefit their overall well-being. You can also consult your veterinarian for personalized advice if needed.
Raising a puppy comes with its challenges, but the teething phase is only temporary. Soon enough, your puppy will have all its adult teeth, and this stage will be a distant memory. Stay patient and follow the tips above to make this phase easier for your puppy—and for you.
FAQs
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies start teething at 12-16 weeks of age.
How long does puppy teething last?
Teething usually lasts about four months, ending around 7 months.
Why is my puppy chewing everything?
Chewing helps relieve gum pain during teething.
Can I give my puppy ice cubes for teething?
No, ice cubes can be too hard and are a choking hazard.
How many adult teeth do puppies have?
Puppies grow 42 adult teeth by the end of teething.
