What Age Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth? [guide to puppy dental issues and the teething process]

As pet parents, we want to make sure we are doing everything possible to properly care for our dogs. This includes knowing when puppies lose their teeth and how to properly care for them. 

Puppies normally lose their baby teeth in the first three to six months of their life. Permanent teeth can come in at various times but usually during the six to eight-month timeframe. Dogs typically have 42 teeth once their reach adulthood.

Keep reading to learn what you need to know to ensure you are properly caring for your dog’s teeth.

What is Puppy Teething?

Teething is when a puppy’s baby teeth begin to fall out and their permanent teeth start to come in. It is not unusual for your puppy’s mouth to be sore and tender during teething.

When Does a Puppy Begin Teething?

One of the greatest questions to ask when you get a puppy is, when is my puppy going to teeth, and how long will the process take? 

 A puppy will usually start the teething process when they are about two weeks old and it can take around eight months to complete.

That may seem like a long time but don’t panic. It will go by very quickly. The teething phase ends when their adult teeth are in place.

There is so much that goes into having a new puppy at home and knowing when they begin teething symptoms is important to be aware of. 

When Do Puppies Get Their First Teeth?

Did you know that puppies will actually teethe twice within the first eight months of their life?

Puppies will have their first set of teeth (often called milk teeth) and then shed those for their second set of teeth which will be their adult permanent teeth. 

Puppies will begin getting their first set of baby teeth around the time that they wean. 

Tooth eruption though can occur anywhere as early as two weeks of age and completely finish around eight weeks of age.

These teeth are known as their milk teeth. Your puppy will have around 28 teeth total and they are very sharp, so watch out if you let them chew on you!

Which Teeth Erupt First?

1. Incisors – Typically come in around three months of age.
2. Canines – Adult canine teeth come in around four to six months.
3. Premolars – Puppies don’t have baby premolars. Premolars come in around month four.
4. Molars – All dog molars come in during the four to seven-month age range.

Sometimes this can vary depending on what breed of dog you may own. 

When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth

The one-month mark:

Puppies have a tendency to lose their baby teeth much quicker than they can even come in. 

The puppies’ milk teeth, or the very first set of teeth, will fall out only about a month or so after eruption occurs.

The two to three-month mark:

Beginning stage of losing the milk teeth. The incisors are typically the first teeth that fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.

The fourth-month mark:

The four-month mark is typically the point when puppies experience the most teething pain. 

Their loose teeth may even cause some bad breath which can be helped by teething toys and gently brushing their gums.

The fifth and sixth-month mark:

When your puppy reaches six months, it will have just about all of its adult teeth. 

This is also a great time to take them in for a checkup to make sure their teeth and general health are in good shape.

What Age Do Puppies Get Their Permanent Teeth?

The age will depend on the breed slightly, but most puppies will get their adult dog teeth as soon as their baby teeth begin falling out. 

Dog’s adult teeth can appear as early as two months of age. Your dog will have around 42 total permanent teeth once they are done with the teething process.

How Long Does a Puppy Teethe?

The unfortunate news is that puppy teething can take some time. Usually a few months. The good news is that the whole teething phase usually ends around the eight or nine-month mark. 

You can help ease teething pain the same way you would with a human baby by providing high-quality, safe chew toys and treats. 

How to Care for a Teething Puppy

It’s important to care for your puppy while they are teething. There are multiple ways to do this. You will want to watch for their overall well-being and health. 

Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise, routine checkups, regular brushing of their teeth, and socialization and generally seems happy. 

If at any time you feel like your young pup may be having difficulties or excessive pain, it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian.

How to Choose Teething Toys

The best chew toy for a teething puppy will be soft and bendable. Something that won’t hurt their tender teeth and gums.

If you choose teethers that are potentially too firm or hard, these toys may break teeth or cause damage to your dog’s mouth. 

How to Deal With Puppies Losing Their Teeth

First, make sure to call your vet and ask for advice.

Keep in mind that you never want to attempt pulling your dog’s teeth. It is best to let them fall out on their own accord by chewing on teething toys and treats. 

If you feel that your dog has an impacted tooth, you should take them to the vet.

A dog’s tooth can have very long roots, so if your dog needs to have a tooth pulled, taking them to the vet is required. 

Attempting to pull a tooth yourself can lead to breaking a tooth or leaving a root which can cause periodontal disease, infections, and gum disease. 

Small Dog and Toy Breed Teething Concerns

Small dog breeds can have a tendency to have more problems with teething than larger dogs. It is important that you keep a very close eye on them during this process. 

When a small dog has their complete set of adult teeth come in, it may deal with an impaction problem, where its baby tooth stays in place even though the adult tooth is coming in. 

Related Questions

Do newborn puppies have teeth?

Newborn puppies do not have teeth.

Do puppies’ baby teeth just fall out?

Yes, a dog’s baby teeth will fall out naturally, often before the puppy’s permanent teeth come in. It is not unusual for puppy baby teeth to only last about one month.

What are deciduous teeth in dogs?

Making it easy, deciduous teeth are simply your dog’s baby teeth. 

Just like human babies, puppies have two sets of teeth. An initial set that they lose while still young and before reaching adulthood. 

Once they reach the age of six to eight months old they get their final set of permanent adult teeth.

What sort of periodontal diseases should I look out for?

Many times, there will not be any signs of your dog developing periodontal disease. Consistent brushing with a soft toothbrush will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. 

How do I brush my dog’s teeth?

You should brush your dog’s teeth once or twice a day with a soft toothbrush and special dog toothpaste or use a finger brush. 

Make sure you get the back of their mouth. Your dog’s teeth will benefit greatly from being brushed. 

What should I feed my teething dog who has mouth soreness?

Soft foods are always the best choice during teething times. Consult with your vet to pick a food that will provide your dog with the appropriate nutrition.

Knowing When Your Puppy Loses Its Baby Teeth Matters

The days of owning a new puppy are filled with joy, love, and happiness, but also teething. This can lead to destructive behavior and pain for your dog, sometimes even frustration for you! 

It is best to always speak with a vet if you are concerned about your dog in any way. The teething process doesn’t last forever and can even be a great bonding experience for you and your dog.