When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth? Full Teething Timeline

Bringing home a puppy is exciting, adorable, and sometimes a little chaotic—especially once the chewing starts. One day your puppy is happily nibbling on toys, chair legs, and shoelaces, and the next you notice a tiny tooth on the floor and wonder: when do puppies lose their baby teeth?

Puppy teething can feel alarming if you are seeing it for the first time, but in most cases it is a healthy and expected part of development. Just like human babies, puppies go through a transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Knowing the timeline helps you understand what is normal, what signs to watch for, and when it might be time to call your vet.

By the time a puppy is around 6 months old, most baby teeth are gone. By about 6 to 7 months, most puppies have their full set of permanent adult teeth.

Here is the simple version:

• 2 to 4 weeks: baby teeth begin coming in
• 6 to 8 weeks: most baby teeth are present
• 3 to 4 months: baby teeth start falling out
• 4 to 6 months: adult teeth continue coming in
• 6 to 7 months: most puppies have their full adult teeth

If you are wondering, do puppies lose teeth naturally? Yes, they absolutely do. This is a normal developmental stage. In fact, many owners never even notice all the lost teeth because puppies often swallow them while eating or chewing, and that is usually harmless.

Puppy Teething Timeline by Age

Understanding the full timeline makes it much easier to know what is happening in your puppy’s mouth. While every dog is a little different, most puppies follow a very similar pattern.

Birth to 2 Weeks: No Teeth Yet

Puppies are born without visible teeth. At this stage, they are fully dependent on their mother and are nursing only. Their gums are still developing, and there are no signs of teething yet.

This period is important because it sets the stage for the first set of teeth, known as deciduous teeth, which most people simply call baby teeth.

2 to 4 Weeks: Baby Teeth Begin to Erupt

At around 2 to 4 weeks old, the first baby teeth usually begin to come through the gums. These are often the incisors, the small front teeth. At this age, puppies are still very young, so most pet owners do not personally witness this stage unless they are raising a litter from birth.

The teeth are tiny and very sharp, which is why puppy nibbles can feel surprisingly painful later on.

4 to 8 Weeks: More Baby Teeth Come In

Between 4 and 8 weeks, more baby teeth continue erupting. This includes incisors, canines, and premolars. By the end of this stage, most puppies have nearly all of their baby teeth.

This is when mouthing and chewing behavior often starts becoming more noticeable. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and those little needle-like teeth quickly make themselves known.

By around 8 weeks old, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth.

8 to 12 Weeks: Full Baby Teeth Stage

At this point, your puppy usually has all of their baby teeth in place. They look small, bright, and extremely sharp. This is the classic stage where many new owners start asking why puppies bite so much.

The answer is partly behavioral and partly developmental. Puppies are curious, playful, and learning boundaries—but they are also getting used to a mouth full of sharp baby teeth.

12 to 16 Weeks: Puppies Start Losing Baby Teeth

This is the key stage most people are asking about when they search when do puppies lose their baby teeth.

At around 3 to 4 months old, the baby teeth begin loosening and falling out. The incisors usually go first. During this time, you may notice:

• extra chewing
• mild gum redness
• a little drooling
• missing tiny teeth
• small blood spots on toys
• increased interest in chewing soft or rubbery objects

Some puppies breeze through this stage with hardly any visible signs. Others become noticeably more chew-driven and restless. Both can be normal.

4 to 5 Months: Adult Teeth Start Replacing Baby Teeth

As the baby teeth fall out, the adult teeth begin to come in. This overlap is why your puppy may look like they are in a messy dental transition for a while.

The new permanent teeth slowly push through the gums and replace the smaller baby teeth. This stage can come with more gum sensitivity, and chewing tends to increase because it helps relieve pressure.

5 to 6 Months: Most Baby Teeth Fall Out

By 5 to 6 months, many puppies have lost most of their baby teeth. The canines and premolars are usually among the later teeth to change, and some owners notice this stage more because those teeth are larger and easier to spot.

If you are wondering when do puppies lose all their baby teeth, this is usually the main window. Some may finish a little earlier, while others may take slightly longer.

6 to 7 Months: Adult Teeth Are Usually Fully In

By around 6 to 7 months, most puppies have their full set of adult teeth. Adult dogs typically have 42 permanent teeth, compared to the 28 baby teeth they had earlier.

By this age, the intense teething phase is usually ending. Chewing may still continue as a habit or behavior, but the discomfort from active teething should be much less than before.

How Many Baby Teeth Do Puppies Have?

Puppies normally have 28 baby teeth. These include:

• incisors
• canines
• premolars

They do not have the full adult set at this stage. Once they mature, they usually end up with 42 adult teeth, which include additional molars and larger permanent versions of earlier teeth.

This difference matters because many pet owners are surprised that their puppy’s mouth changes so much in just a few months. The baby teeth are smaller, thinner, and sharper, while the adult teeth are stronger and designed for long-term chewing and function.

Which Puppy Teeth Fall Out First?

In most cases, the incisors fall out first. These are the tiny front teeth. After that, the canines and premolars follow as the adult teeth erupt underneath.

The order is usually:

1. incisors
2. canines
3. premolars

That said, it does not always happen in a perfectly neat pattern. Some puppies lose teeth without their owners seeing it happen at all. Others may seem to lose several close together.

And yes, it is very common for puppies to swallow their baby teeth. This sounds strange, but it is usually harmless and not a cause for concern.

Signs Your Puppy Is Losing Baby Teeth

Not every puppy shows the same signs, but there are a few very common teething symptoms. If your puppy is in the right age range and showing these behaviors, teething is the likely reason.

Common signs include:

Increased chewing

This is one of the biggest signs. Puppies chew to relieve gum pressure and discomfort as the baby teeth loosen and adult teeth come in.

Mild gum redness

The gums may look a little irritated where teeth are loosening or erupting, but they should not look severely swollen or infected.

Small spots of blood on toys

A little blood on a chew toy can be normal during active teething.

Drooling more than usual

Some puppies drool slightly more while teething, especially when several teeth are changing at once.

Missing tiny teeth

You might notice a gap where a tooth used to be, or occasionally find one on the floor.

Gentle fussiness or mouth sensitivity

Some puppies become a little more irritable, mouthy, or distracted during teething.

More biting and mouthing

Teething puppies often mouth hands, clothes, toys, and random household objects more often than before.

That said, mild symptoms are normal. Severe swelling, heavy bleeding, a strong bad smell, or refusal to eat are not typical and may need veterinary attention.

Is It Normal to Find Puppy Teeth on the Floor?

Yes, it is completely normal to occasionally find a tiny puppy tooth on the floor, in a blanket, or near a toy. These baby teeth are very small, so when they fall out, they can be easy to miss.

In many cases, owners never find them at all. Puppies often swallow baby teeth while eating, chewing, or grooming themselves, and this is usually harmless. So if you are asking, when do puppy teeth fall out and will I see them, the answer is: they usually fall out between 3 and 6 months, but you may only notice a few—or none.

What matters more than physically finding the teeth is noticing the pattern of normal development:

• a tooth becomes loose or disappears
• the gum looks mildly irritated
• chewing increases
• adult teeth begin coming in behind or after the baby teeth

That is all part of the normal teething process.

Do Puppies Feel Pain When Losing Baby Teeth?

Puppies usually feel mild discomfort, not severe pain, when they lose their baby teeth. Their gums can feel sore, itchy, and slightly inflamed as baby teeth loosen and adult teeth push through.

That is why teething puppies suddenly want to chew everything in sight.

Common signs of teething discomfort include:

• chewing more than usual
• rubbing their mouth with paws
• preferring chew toys
• drooling a little more
• becoming slightly more irritable or restless
• showing less interest in very hard food for a short time

Most of the time, this discomfort is manageable and temporary. A puppy should still be able to eat, drink, play, and behave fairly normally.

You should be more concerned if your puppy has:

• severe swelling in the gums or face
• ongoing bleeding
• a very strong foul smell from the mouth
• crying while eating
• refusal to eat or drink
• obvious broken teeth
• extreme sensitivity when the mouth is touched

Those symptoms may point to a dental problem rather than routine teething.

How to Help a Teething Puppy

If your puppy is actively teething, there are several simple ways to make the process easier and reduce destructive chewing around the house.

Offer Safe Chew Toys

The best thing you can do is provide appropriate chew outlets. Puppy-safe chew toys help soothe sore gums while also teaching your puppy what they are allowed to bite.

Look for toys that are:

• designed specifically for puppies
• flexible rather than rock-hard
• easy to grip
• durable but not sharp
• appropriately sized for your dog

Try Chilled Teething Toys

Many puppies love chew toys that have been chilled in the refrigerator. The cool temperature can help soothe irritated gums.

A few good options include:

• refrigerated rubber teething toys
• a clean damp washcloth chilled briefly
• puppy-safe teething rings made for dogs

Avoid giving anything frozen rock-hard, since that can be uncomfortable on sensitive gums.

Redirect Biting, Do Not Just Scold

Teething puppies often bite hands, clothes, shoelaces, and furniture—not because they are “bad,” but because chewing feels good and they are still learning boundaries.

Calm redirection works much better than harsh punishment.

When your puppy starts biting something inappropriate:

1. interrupt gently
2. remove the object if needed
3. offer a safe chew toy
4. reward them when they switch to the right item

Rotate Toys to Keep Interest High

Puppies get bored quickly. If the same toy sits in front of them all day, they may lose interest and go back to chewing shoes or furniture.

A simple trick is to rotate a small group of toys throughout the week so they stay interesting. This keeps chewing focused in the right direction and helps save your home items from damage.

Puppy-Proof the House

During teething, management is just as important as training. Keep unsafe or tempting items out of reach, including:

• shoes
• phone chargers
• children’s toys
• socks
• plastic objects
• remote controls
• bag straps

Teething puppies are curious, fast, and often determined. Prevention reduces stress for both you and your dog.

Keep Up With a Healthy Puppy Routine

A well-rested and mentally engaged puppy often handles teething better than an overstimulated one. Make sure your puppy has:

• regular play time
• naps and rest
• basic training sessions
• healthy food
• access to fresh water
• age-appropriate enrichment

What Not to Give a Teething Puppy

Helping a teething puppy is not just about what to offer—it is also about what to avoid. Some chewing items can harm teeth, irritate gums, or create choking risks.

Avoid giving your puppy:

Very Hard Bones

Hard natural or cooked bones can crack developing teeth and may splinter.

Antlers

These are often too hard for young puppy teeth and can lead to fractures.

Hard Nylon Chews

Some are marketed for aggressive chewers but may be too tough for sensitive puppy mouths.

Ice Cubes or Frozen Solid Items

These may seem soothing, but very hard frozen items can hurt already sore gums.

Household Items

Never let your puppy chew random objects like:

• slippers
• plastic packaging
• socks
• table legs
• cords
• children’s toys
• pens or markers

Anything Toxic or Easily Breakable

If it can splinter, shatter, leak chemicals, or be swallowed in chunks, it should stay out of reach.

A good rule is this: if the item is harder than your fingernail can slightly dent, it may be too hard for a teething puppy.

When Do Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth?

Puppies usually begin getting their adult teeth at around 4 months of age, right as the baby teeth start falling out. This happens in stages, with permanent teeth gradually replacing the smaller baby teeth over several weeks.

By around 6 to 7 months old, most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth.

So if someone asks both:

• when do puppies lose their baby teeth
• when do puppies get adult teeth

the answer is that these two processes overlap. Baby teeth fall out as adult teeth come in.

This transition is why your puppy may seem extra chewy, mouth-sensitive, or restless during this age window. Their mouth is actively changing, and the adult teeth are putting pressure on the gums as they erupt.

When Do Puppies Lose All Their Baby Teeth?

Most puppies lose all of their baby teeth by about 6 months of age. Some may finish slightly earlier, and some may still be completing the process closer to 6 to 7 months, especially depending on breed and individual development.

A typical pattern looks like this:

• 3 to 4 months: first baby teeth begin falling out
• 4 to 5 months: more baby teeth are replaced
• 5 to 6 months: most remaining baby teeth are lost
• 6 to 7 months: adult teeth are usually fully in

If your puppy is older than expected and still seems to have baby teeth stuck in place, it may not just be normal variation. Sometimes the baby tooth does not fall out when it should, and that can lead to crowding or alignment issues.

That brings us to one of the most important dental topics for puppy owners.

What Are Retained Baby Teeth in Puppies?

A retained baby tooth is a baby tooth that does not fall out on time, even though the adult tooth is already erupting. Instead of the old tooth making room, both teeth end up sitting in the mouth together.

This is not something to ignore.

Retained baby teeth can cause:

• crowding
• bite problems
• trapped food
• plaque buildup
• gum irritation
• increased risk of future dental disease

This issue is often seen more in small breeds and toy breeds, though it can happen in any puppy.

A common sign is when you notice an adult tooth coming in right next to a baby tooth that is still firmly in place. It may look like a double row of teeth.

If you see that, it is a good idea to contact your vet. In some cases, the retained baby tooth needs to be removed professionally so the adult tooth and jaw can develop properly.

When Should You Call a Vet?

Most puppy teething is completely normal, even if it looks a little messy. A bit of chewing, mild gum irritation, extra drooling, and the occasional lost tooth are all expected during this stage. But there are times when teething symptoms may point to a dental issue that should be checked by a veterinarian.

You should call your vet if you notice any of the following:

Baby Teeth Still Present After Adult Teeth Start Coming In

If an adult tooth is erupting while the baby tooth is still sitting firmly in place, your puppy may have a retained baby tooth. This can cause crowding, bite issues, and long-term dental problems if it is not treated.

Heavy Bleeding or Severe Gum Swelling

A tiny spot of blood on a chew toy can be normal. Ongoing bleeding, very swollen gums, or visible pus is not.

Bad Breath That Smells Strong or Infected

Mild temporary odor during teething can happen, but a strong foul smell may suggest infection or trapped debris around the teeth.

Refusing Food or Acting in Significant Pain

A teething puppy may prefer softer chewing for a short time, but they should still be eating and drinking. If your puppy cries while chewing, avoids food completely, or seems unusually miserable, that deserves attention.

Broken Teeth or Mouth Injuries

Puppies sometimes chew hard or unsafe objects. If a tooth looks cracked, broken, or discolored, your vet should examine it.

Adult Teeth Coming In Crooked or Crowded

Not every dental change is perfectly neat, but obvious crowding or unusual tooth positioning can affect long-term oral health.

Symptoms Lasting Longer Than Expected

Most puppies finish losing their baby teeth and gaining adult teeth by around 6 to 7 months. If the process seems delayed or abnormal beyond that range, it is worth checking.

Final Thoughts — What to Expect During Puppy Teething

So, when do puppies lose their baby teeth? In most cases, puppies start losing them at around 3 to 4 months old, and they usually finish the process by around 6 months, with adult teeth fully in by 6 to 7 months.

For most puppies, teething is a normal phase that includes:

• extra chewing
• mild gum soreness
• a few missing tiny teeth
• adult teeth slowly coming in
• some short-term mouth sensitivity

While the process can look a little dramatic—especially for first-time puppy owners—it is usually nothing to worry about. The biggest things you can do are offer safe chew toys, manage inappropriate chewing, watch for normal development, and keep an eye out for signs that something is not right.

If everything is progressing normally, your puppy will soon move past the sharp baby-teeth stage and into a healthier adult smile.