When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with questions about their growth and health. One common concern for pet parents is when do puppies lose their baby teeth? Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething process that involves losing their first set of teeth and growing permanent ones. Knowing what to expect can help you support your puppy through this sometimes uncomfortable stage.

Puppy Teeth: The Basics

Puppies are born toothless. Around 3 weeks of age, their deciduous teeth (baby teeth) begin to erupt. By 6–8 weeks, most puppies will have a full set of 28 baby teeth. These small, sharp teeth are often nicknamed “needle teeth.”

However, baby teeth don’t last long. Just like with human babies, these teeth eventually fall out to make room for adult teeth. By the end of the process, your dog will have 42 teeth, including incisors, canine teeth, premolars, and molars.

Puppy Teething Timeline

The puppy teething timeline typically starts when your puppy is between 12–16 weeks old. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect:

• Birth to 3 weeks: Puppies are born without teeth. At this stage, they’re nursing and don’t need them.
• 3–6 weeks: Baby teeth erupt. The incisors appear first, followed by canine teeth and premolars. By 8 weeks, most puppies have a complete set of 28 baby teeth.
• 3–4 months of age: The first baby teeth start falling out. Incisors, the small teeth at the front of the mouth, are usually the first to go.
• 4–6 months of age: Canine teeth and premolars are replaced with permanent teeth. You may notice more chewing and occasional drooling.
• 5–7 months of age: Molars erupt. Since puppies don’t have baby molars, these adult teeth are new arrivals.

By about 6 months of age, the process is usually complete, leaving your pup with a full mouth of 42 adult teeth.

Signs of Teething in Puppies

During this stage, you may notice several signs of teething:

• Increased chewing or mouthing
• Drooling more than usual
• Occasional spots of blood on chew toys
• Mild swelling or redness of the gums
• Finding tiny teeth on the floor (though many are swallowed harmlessly)
• Temporary changes in appetite or fussiness

These changes are all part of the natural teething process. If your puppy seems extra restless or irritable, remember it’s a temporary phase.

Helping Teething Puppies

Teething can be uncomfortable, but you can make it easier on your pup. Offer safe chew toys made for puppies to soothe sore gums and prevent destructive chewing. Frozen toys or dog-safe treats like chilled carrots or blueberries can provide extra relief.

When choosing toys, make sure they’re soft enough to indent with your fingernail. Avoid very hard items like bones, antlers, or toys labeled “indestructible,” as these can break both baby and adult teeth. Rubber toys and teething rings designed for puppies are great options.

Supervise your puppy during chewing sessions. No toy is completely safe, so rotating toys and checking for wear and tear is important.

Puppy vs. Adult Teeth

One big difference between puppies and adult dogs is the number of teeth. Puppies have 28 baby teeth, while adult dogs have 42 teeth. That’s more than humans!

• Baby Teeth: Small, sharp, and prone to falling out between 3–6 months of age.
• Adult Teeth: Larger, stronger, and designed for chewing, tearing, and grinding. These include molars, which puppies never develop as baby teeth.

Knowing this helps you understand why teething puppies can be so mouthy—their small teeth are sharp and often uncomfortable.

Dental Care During Teething

Starting early with dental care is key to your puppy’s lifelong health. Get your puppy used to having their mouth gently handled so brushing their teeth later is easier. Once the adult teeth are in, begin regular brushing with a soft brush and dog-safe toothpaste.

You can also add dental chews, water additives, and oral rinses to your puppy’s routine once they’re older. Creating these habits now reduces the risk of gum disease, tartar buildup, and tooth loss later in life.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Most puppies move through teething without complications, but there are times you should reach out to your vet:

• Baby teeth remain after adult teeth have erupted (retained deciduous teeth)
• Excessive bleeding or pain
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Swelling of the face or jaw

At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we can check your puppy’s mouth during routine wellness visits and ensure their teeth are developing properly.

Final Thoughts

So, when do puppies lose their baby teeth? The process usually begins around 3–4 months of age and is complete by about 6 months. With proper care, patience, and the right chew toys, your puppy will make a smooth transition from 28 baby teeth to a full set of 42 adult teeth.

If you have questions about your puppy’s dental health or if you notice anything unusual during the teething stage, contact Hershey Veterinary Hospital. Our team is here to help you keep your puppy happy, healthy, and smiling.