When Do Dogs Stop Teething? Help Your Puppy Feel Better
Puppies typically stop teething around 7 months of age, transitioning from their baby teeth to adult teeth. This process can be uncomfortable, but with proper care, you can help your teething puppy feel better while ensuring their teeth develop healthily. (1)
Key Takeaway
- Puppies finish teething by 7 months, with adult teeth replacing baby teeth.
- Provide safe chew toys and proper dental care to ease teething pain.
- Watch for unusual symptoms like excessive pain or retained baby teeth, and consult a vet if needed.
Teething Timeline
Credits: Basic Dog Trainings
There’s something endearing about watching a puppy gnaw on a toy, their tiny teeth making little squeaky noises as they go to town. But beneath the playful exterior is a biological process that’s anything but comfortable. Puppies start teething around three weeks old, and it’s a big deal for them (and their owners).
Three Weeks
At just three weeks, those baby teeth—deciduous teeth, if you’re feeling fancy—begin to poke through. You’ve got 28 sharp little “land mines” sprouting in there. By the time the pup is six weeks old, these baby teeth are all in place. That’s when the chaos begins.
Three to Seven Months
Now, the transition begins. It starts small, with incisors making their debut at three to five months old. Then, the canine teeth emerge, and by four to six months, premolars come into play. The molars save the best for last, showing up between five and seven months. By the time the pup hits seven months, they should have all 42 adult teeth.
Puppies chew like they’ve been possessed during this time. It’s their way of handling the discomfort. And as their teeth move and grow, it’s normal for owners to find tiny, discarded baby teeth on the floor or embedded in chew toys.
Signs of Puppy Teething
If you’ve ever had a restless pup with a newfound obsession for your favourite sneakers, you’ve already met the teething monster. It’s not their fault—they’re just trying to soothe the soreness in their gums.
Chewing Everything
Furniture, shoes, and even your hands become fair game. Puppies are wired to chew more during teething. It’s like scratching an itch they can’t quite reach.
Drooling and Sore Gums
You might notice more drooling than usual. Their gums can look a little swollen or red. Sometimes, there’s a spot of blood where a baby tooth fell out.
Restlessness
Teething pain can make puppies fidgety and less inclined to nap. They might pace or whimper, looking for relief.
Paying attention to these signs is crucial because it helps you intervene with the right solutions before your pup takes a chunk out of your sofa.
How to Relieve Teething Pain
When it comes to puppy teething, it’s all about providing relief and keeping your belongings intact. Think of this phase as a game of defence. (2)
Teething Toys
Invest in a variety of chew toys. Rubber toys with texture are great, and freezing them adds a cooling effect that soothes sore gums.
Chilled Relief
A wet cloth, twisted and frozen, can work wonders. Puppies love the cold, and it provides instant gum relief.
Safe Chewing Options
Stick to puppy-safe items. Bones are too hard for those growing teeth, and rawhides can be choking hazards. Instead, go for dental chews designed for puppies.
Providing these options keeps your puppy comfortable and distracted from chewing up your home.
Puppy Dental Care During Teething
Dental care might sound like a chore, but starting early makes a world of difference. A teething puppy is the perfect candidate for gentle introduction to lifelong habits.
Brushing Basics
Start slow. Use a dog-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and a soft toothbrush or finger brush. Puppies are curious, so let them sniff and lick the toothbrush first—it’s all about building trust.
Begin with short sessions, focusing on their front teeth. Gradually work your way to the molars as they grow more comfortable.
Chews with a Purpose
Dental chews aren’t just treats; they help clean teeth and massage gums. Look for ones approved by veterinarians or dental associations.
Routine Check-ups
Even during teething, it’s good to have your vet take a peek. Retained baby teeth, unusual growth, or signs of infection can pop up, and early intervention is key.
By building these habits now, you’re setting your puppy up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Understanding Puppy Tooth Loss
Tooth loss in puppies can feel a bit alarming. One day your pup is chewing a toy, and the next, there’s a tiny tooth on the floor.
Natural Process
Losing baby teeth is normal. They fall out as adult teeth grow in to replace them. Usually, this happens painlessly, though a little gum bleeding isn’t uncommon.
What to Watch For
Sometimes, baby teeth don’t fall out on their own. These are called retained teeth, and they can cause overcrowding or misalignment. If you notice a baby tooth lingering too long alongside an adult tooth, it’s time for a vet visit.
Handling Concerns
If your puppy seems in pain or has difficulty eating, don’t ignore it. Most teething discomfort is manageable, but significant issues might need professional help.
Understanding what’s normal makes the whole process less stressful—for both you and your puppy.
Preventing Destructive Chewing
It’s hard to stay mad at a teething puppy, even when they’ve just shredded your favourite cushion. But prevention is better than replacing your belongings every week.
Redirect the Behaviour
Every time your puppy goes for a shoe, swap it for a chew toy. Consistency is key here.
Puppy-Proofing
Keep tempting items—like cords, shoes, and bags—out of reach. Think of it as baby-proofing, but for a furry, energetic toddler.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward your puppy when they choose the right things to chew. Treats or praise work wonders in reinforcing good habits.
Over time, these small efforts will save your sanity and your furniture.
When to See a Vet
Teething is usually straightforward, but sometimes, things go sideways. Knowing when to seek help can save your puppy a lot of discomfort.
Persistent Baby Teeth
If a baby tooth hasn’t fallen out by the time the adult tooth is fully in place, it needs attention. Retained teeth can lead to overcrowding and even infections.
Signs of Pain
Excessive whimpering, reluctance to eat, or visible swelling aren’t normal. These could indicate an underlying issue, like an abscess or impacted tooth.
Bleeding or Infection
A bit of bleeding is fine, but heavy bleeding or pus is not. These signs need immediate veterinary care.
It’s better to err on the side of caution. A quick visit to the vet can prevent small problems from turning into big ones.
Post-Teething Care
Once teething is done, your job isn’t over—it’s just changed gears. Adult teeth need just as much attention as baby teeth did.
Brushing Routine
Keep brushing! Daily is ideal, but a few times a week works, too. Make it part of your puppy’s routine, like walks or feeding time.
Tartar Buildup
Watch for signs of plaque and tartar. Yellow or brown discoloration near the gumline is a clue that it’s time for a cleaning.
Regular Check-Ups
Dental exams during routine vet visits help catch any developing issues early. Some dogs may need professional cleanings as they age.
Good habits now will pay off for years to come, ensuring your dog’s teeth stay healthy and strong.
Conclusion
Teething is a messy, uncomfortable stage for puppies, but it doesn’t last forever. By the time they’re seven months old, most have their adult teeth—and a whole new set of chewing habits.
The key to navigating teething is balance: giving your puppy relief while setting boundaries. Safe chew toys, dental care, and a watchful eye can make all the difference. And when in doubt, your vet is always there to help.
So, hang in there. Before you know it, you’ll have a happy, healthy pup with a dazzling set of pearly whites.
FAQ
When do baby teeth fall out, and when do permanent adult teeth come in?
Baby teeth start falling out around 3 months of age. The teething process replaces these with permanent adult teeth by about 6-7 months of age. This is a completely normal part of your puppy’s teething timeline, though it can feel long for pet parents dealing with the teething phase.
How can pet parents provide relief for their puppy’s teething discomfort?
Pet parents can help relieve teething pain by offering their pup puppy-safe teething toys or soft toys. You can also use frozen foods like chilled carrots to soothe sore gums. Healthy chewing habits can be encouraged by providing safe options during this phase.
Is it normal for puppies to have razor sharp teeth during the teething phase?
Yes, it’s completely normal. Puppies teethe with razor sharp baby teeth, which help them eat puppy food and explore their environment. These teeth start falling out as adult teeth erupt, usually between 3-6 months of age, and the discomfort often leads to nipping and biting behaviors.
How can I ensure my puppy keeps their teeth healthy after the teething phase?
After the teething phase, maintaining your puppy’s dental health means promoting healthy chewing habits. Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth and offering appropriate chew toys can prevent gum disease. Regular visits to an animal hospital also help monitor their dental health.
What should pet parents do if their puppy’s baby teeth don’t fall out?
If your puppy keeps their baby teeth past 7 months, it’s a good time to book an appointment with an animal hospital. Retained teeth can crowd the mouth and affect permanent adult teeth. A vet can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment for your furry friend.
Are there certain dog breeds that teethe differently?
The teething process is similar across most dog breeds, but small breeds may take longer to lose their teeth and erupt adult teeth. If you find your puppy’s teething timeline seems off, consult a vet for advice tailored to your dog’s needs.
Why does my puppy bite or nip so much during teething?
Nipping and biting during a puppy’s teething phase is their way of dealing with discomfort. Puppies teethe by chewing on things to help soothe their gums. Pet parents should redirect this behavior by offering soft toys or edible puppy teething chews to provide relief.
Can frozen foods help with a puppy’s teething pain?
Frozen foods like chilled carrots or ice cubes can help soothe sore gums during a puppy’s teething process. Always ensure the food is puppy-safe, and supervise your furry friend to avoid choking hazards. This simple trick can be a lifesaver during their teething phase.
References
- https://www.wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2021/11/16/puppy-teething
- https://vcparker.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tips-for-teething-puppies.pdf
