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Puppy Teething: Age Chart & How To Help
By: Spot & Tango
Teething can be a tough time for puppies. Learn when it starts, what to expect, and how to soothe your pup’s sore gums.
Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful (and slightly chaotic) experience. One moment they’re snuggling on your lap, and the next they’re gnawing on your favorite shoe. If you’ve noticed your puppy chewing everything in sight — furniture, toys, fingers — chances are, they’re teething.
Puppy teething is a natural developmental stage where baby teeth fall out to make room for permanent adult teeth. But while it’s perfectly normal, it can also be uncomfortable and overwhelming for both pup and parent.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When puppies start and stop teething (with an easy-to-follow age chart)
- What signs to look for during teething
- How to soothe your puppy’s sore gums at home
- When to call the vet if something doesn’t seem right
Teething can feel like a long phase, but with the right tools and understanding, you can help your pup through it — and save your furniture in the process.
What Is Puppy Teething?
Puppy teething refers to the process of losing baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) and replacing them with permanent adult teeth. Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth and go through two major dental stages in their first year of life.
Here’s how it works:
- Around 2 to 3 weeks of age, their baby teeth begin to come in
- By 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth
- Starting at around 12 weeks, baby teeth begin to fall out
- By 6 to 8 months, most dogs will have all 42 of their adult teeth
During this time, your puppy’s gums may feel sore or inflamed, prompting them to chew — a lot. This isn’t bad behavior; it’s their way of finding relief.
Teething also impacts behavior. Puppies might:
- Chew excessively to soothe discomfort
- Be more irritable or restless
- Nip or bite during play
- Lose interest in food temporarily
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “Puppies go through teething twice — first when baby teeth erupt, then again as adult teeth replace them. Both stages involve discomfort that can cause behavioral changes.”
Understanding this natural process can help you approach teething with more patience — and prepare to help your puppy feel better along the way.
Puppy Teething Age Chart
Every puppy goes through teething at their own pace, but most follow a predictable timeline. Here's a detailed age chart that outlines what to expect during each stage of the teething process:
Puppy Age + Teething Milestone
- 2–4 weeks - Baby (deciduous) teeth begin erupting
- 5–6 weeks - Most baby teeth are in; chewing behavior starts
- 6–8 weeks - Puppies start exploring with their mouths
- 12–16 weeks - Baby teeth fall out; adult teeth begin erupting
- 4–6 months - Heavy teething phase; strong urge to chew everything
- 6–8 months - Full set of 42 adult teeth usually in place
- 8+ months - Teething ends; chewing may continue as a habit
This chart can help you track your puppy’s dental development and recognize which phase they're in. Keep in mind that breed and size can influence timing — small breeds may teethe slightly earlier, while large breeds might teethe a bit later.
Tip: If your puppy is past 8 months and still showing signs of teething or losing teeth, consult your veterinarian. Retained baby teeth can lead to dental issues down the line.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
Teething can be uncomfortable, and your puppy may not know how to express that discomfort — except through chewing, biting, and acting out of character. Here are the most common signs that your puppy is in the middle of the teething stage:
1. Increased Chewing
Chewing is your puppy’s natural way of relieving gum pain. You may notice them targeting:
- Furniture legs
- Shoes and socks
- Hands and fingers
- Anything remotely chewable
2. Drooling
Some puppies drool more than usual when teething. This is typically harmless, but excessive drooling combined with bad breath or bleeding could point to a dental issue.
3. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
It’s not unusual to see a bit of blood on toys or bones. Their gums can become inflamed as baby teeth loosen and adult teeth push through.
4. Loss of Appetite
Sore gums may make eating uncomfortable. If your puppy suddenly becomes picky or avoids crunchy kibble, teething may be the reason.
5. Whining or Restlessness
Teething pain can make even the happiest pup a little grumpy. They may become fussier or more vocal than usual.
6. Missing or Loose Teeth
You might find tiny baby teeth around the house or notice gaps in your puppy’s smile. Don’t worry — this is part of the process.
7. Nipping and Mouthing
Puppies often nip while playing, but teething can intensify this behavior. Be gentle yet consistent with redirection during this phase.
While these signs are normal, anything excessive — like persistent bleeding, refusal to eat, or signs of infection — deserves a vet check.
Puppy Teething vs. Problem Behavior
Teething can turn your sweet little pup into a determined chewing machine. But how do you know if it’s teething or a behavior issue starting to form?
Teething Behavior Is Temporary and Triggered by Discomfort
During the teething phase, most puppies:
- Chew excessively to relieve gum pain
- Nip or mouth hands while playing
- Show temporary irritability or fussiness
These behaviors typically start to fade by 6 to 8 months once all adult teeth are in. If chewing and biting decrease with the end of teething, it's a clear sign the behavior was tied to that developmental stage.
Problem Behavior Continues Past the Teething Stage
Some puppies develop habits that stick. If your dog continues:
- Aggressive biting or hard mouthing
- Destroying furniture or shoes without redirection
- Chewing out of boredom or frustration
… then it may be time to look at training and enrichment, not just teething remedies.
Tip: If chewing is directed toward approved toys and fades over time, you’re likely dealing with a teething pup. If it escalates or persists, consider working with a positive-reinforcement trainer.
Puppy Teething Treatment: How To Help Your Pup Feel Better
Fortunately, there are many safe and effective ways to ease your puppy’s teething discomfort — and save your home in the process. Here are the best vet-recommended, parent-approved treatments:
1. Offer Puppy-Safe Chew Toys
Choose toys that are:
- Soft but durable (rubber, nylon, or plush)
- Designed for teething (textured surfaces help massage sore gums)
- The right size for your puppy’s mouth
Avoid hard chews like antlers or hooves, which can crack baby or adult teeth.
2. Freeze Washcloths or Treats
Cold can soothe inflamed gums and provide relief. Try:
- Wetting and freezing a clean washcloth for supervised chewing
- Offering frozen baby carrots or ice cubes (always supervise)
- Using a puppy teething toy designed for the freezer
3. Use Vet-Approved Teething Gels (With Caution)
Some pet-safe gels may provide temporary gum relief, but never use human teething products unless instructed by your vet. Some ingredients (like xylitol) are toxic to dogs.
4. Redirect and Reinforce Good Chewing
Keep chew toys accessible in every room and reward your puppy when they choose them. Consistent redirection helps build healthy habits that stick well beyond teething.
5. Comfort and Patience
Sometimes your puppy just needs a little extra snuggle time. Gentle reassurance, cozy rest spots, and predictable routines can help them feel safe during this uncomfortable phase.
Pro tip: If your puppy’s chewing feels out of control, rotate different toy textures — soft, firm, and frozen — to see what brings them the most relief.
When Do Puppies Stop Teething?
If you’re feeling like the teething stage will never end, here’s some good news: most puppies stop teething between 6 and 8 months of age.
By that time, your dog should have:
- Lost all 28 of their baby teeth
- Grown in all 42 adult (permanent) teeth
- Settled into more manageable chewing behavior
However, the urge to chew doesn’t always disappear when teething ends. Some dogs continue chewing into adolescence and adulthood, especially out of boredom, stress, or habit.
Here’s a quick timeline recap:
- 12–16 weeks: Baby teeth start falling out
- 4–6 months: Intense teething period
- 6–8 months: Teething ends, all adult teeth are in
If your puppy is over 8 months old and still chewing destructively or showing signs of mouth discomfort, it may be time to look beyond teething and assess for behavioral habits or dental issues.
Reminder: Some puppies retain baby teeth, which can crowd adult teeth and cause long-term dental problems. Your vet may recommend extraction if this occurs.
When To See the Vet About Puppy Teething
While most teething symptoms are normal and manageable at home, there are a few signs that may indicate something more serious is going on. Here’s when you should call your vet:
1. Retained Baby Teeth
If a baby tooth isn’t falling out and the adult tooth is growing in behind it, this can cause:
- Crowding
- Misalignment
- Increased risk of tartar and decay
This is especially common in small breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas. In many cases, your vet will recommend removing the baby tooth.
2. Excessive Bleeding or Swelling
Mild gum bleeding is normal during teething, but if your puppy has:
- Bright red, inflamed gums
- Persistent bleeding
- Swelling that doesn’t improve
…it may be a sign of infection or another dental condition that requires treatment.
3. Refusing to Eat
If your puppy consistently avoids food or shows signs of pain while chewing, it could be due to:
- Oral ulcers
- Misaligned teeth
- Foreign objects stuck in the mouth
Never force your puppy to eat. Instead, offer soft food and get them checked by your vet.
4. Bad Breath
Mild “puppy breath” is normal, but a foul or rotten smell may indicate infection. Don’t ignore chronic bad breath — it’s often a sign something needs attention.
How Nutrition Impacts Teething and Oral Health
When it comes to teething, most puppy parents focus on toys, frozen washcloths, and redirection — but one of the most powerful tools you have is your pup’s diet. Proper nutrition not only supports healthy teeth and gums, but also aids in development, immune function, and inflammation control.
Here’s how a high-quality diet can help during the teething phase:
1. Supports Healthy Gum Tissue
Puppies need key vitamins and minerals — like vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids — to maintain strong, resilient gum tissue. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.
2. Promotes Strong Tooth Development
A proper balance of calcium and phosphorus is essential for growing strong adult teeth. Without it, your puppy could develop weak enamel or delayed tooth eruption.
3. Reduces Oral Sensitivity
Some low-quality commercial dog foods contain artificial preservatives, fillers, or highly processed ingredients that may irritate the mouth, especially during teething. Minimally processed, fresh ingredients are gentler on sensitive gums.
4. Encourages Chewing
Texture matters. Dry, gently dehydrated foods like Spot & Tango’s UnKibble offer a chewable consistency that encourages slow, mindful eating — which may help ease discomfort while also supporting dental health.
Fun Fact: Puppies that eat a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet often experience fewer digestive upsets and better oral hygiene, even during the most uncomfortable teething stages.
How Spot & Tango Can Support Your Puppy During Teething
At Spot & Tango, we believe that a happy, healthy puppy starts with what’s in the bowl — and during teething, what your pup eats matters more than ever.
Our Fresh and UnKibble™ recipes are designed to meet your puppy’s nutritional needs during every developmental stage, including teething.
Here’s how we help:
- Gently cooked, vet-developed recipes that are soft enough for sore gums
- No artificial additives or fillers that could cause inflammation
- Calcium and phosphorus balance for strong, healthy teeth
- Natural omega-3s and antioxidants to support gum health and immunity
- Personalized meal plans that grow with your puppy
Whether your puppy prefers the soft texture of our Fresh recipes or the crunch of UnKibble, we make it easy to feed them meals that work with their body — not against it.
Puppy Teething Doesn’t Last Forever
Teething may be one of the more challenging stages of puppyhood, but it’s also one of the most formative. Your puppy is learning, growing, and developing every day — and with the right care, this phase will pass more smoothly than you think.
A few key reminders as you guide your puppy through teething:
- Chewing is normal — give them safe outlets
- Mild discomfort is expected — but know when to call the vet
- Diet matters — support their development from the inside out
- Patience and positive reinforcement will go a long way
At Spot & Tango, we’re here to help you raise a healthy, happy pup with fresh, real-food meals tailored to every life stage — including this toothy one.
FAQs About Puppy Teething
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies usually begin teething around 2 to 3 weeks of age, when their baby teeth first erupt. Most pet parents notice more obvious teething behaviors — like chewing and drooling — between 3 and 4 months, when baby teeth start falling out.
How long does puppy teething last?
Teething typically lasts from 3 weeks of age to around 6–8 months old, depending on breed and size. Most puppies will have their full set of 42 adult teeth by the time they reach 8 months.
Is it normal for puppies to bleed when teething?
Yes — mild bleeding from the gums is common, especially during the peak teething phase. You might spot small blood spots on toys or chews. However, if the bleeding is heavy or persistent, consult your veterinarian.
Can teething make my puppy sick?
While teething may cause temporary irritability, sore gums, or a mild drop in appetite, it shouldn’t cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If your puppy seems ill or is refusing food and water, call your vet right away.
What are the best teething toys for puppies?
Look for soft rubber toys designed specifically for teething, as well as freezable toys that can soothe sore gums. Avoid hard bones or antlers, which may damage developing teeth.
Do all dogs go through the same teething process?
Not exactly. Small breeds may finish teething a little earlier, while larger breeds can take a bit longer. Individual factors like genetics and overall health can also impact timing.