Is It Normal for Puppies to Lose Teeth?

Absolutely! Totally, completely, unequivocally normal. If you’ve got a fluffy, chaotic little land shark currently gnawing on everything within reach and you’ve stumbled across what looks suspiciously like a tiny, pearly shard on your carpet or, god forbid, felt something sharp dig into your finger during a play session, chances are you’ve just met the first casualties of the great puppy teething war. And let me tell you, it is a war. But yes, the losing of those needle-sharp baby teeth? It’s not just normal, it’s a crucial, fundamental step in their journey from adorable, bitey potato to slightly less bitey, slightly more composed dog. It’s like, the canine equivalent of losing your first wobbly front tooth and getting a visit from the tooth fairy, except the tooth fairy is more likely to be you, stepping barefoot on the tooth.

Think of it this way: just like us humans, puppies aren’t born with their adult chompers ready to go. They start life with a set of temporary teeth, officially called deciduous teeth, but let’s be real, we all know them as “puppy teeth” or, if you’ve been on the receiving end of their playful nips, “tiny daggers of doom.” These little guys start popping through the gums when the puppy is just a few weeks old, helping them transition from nursing to lapping up soft food and eventually tackling kibble. They’re sharp – oh, so sharp. Anyone who’s ever played tug-of-war with a eight-week-old knows the feeling. But they’re also small and not built for the long haul or the serious chewing a grown dog needs to do.

So, nature, in its infinite wisdom (and slight comedic timing, given the chaos it causes), decides it’s time for an upgrade. Around the four-month mark, give or take a few weeks depending on the breed and individual puppy, those permanent teeth – bigger, stronger, meant for crunching and gnawing for years – start pushing their way up from the jawbone. And what happens when something new needs the same parking spot? The old tenant gets evicted. Those little deciduous roots start to resorb, weaken, and eventually, the tooth gets wobbly. And then? Pop! Or sometimes, you don’t even notice; the puppy just swallows it while eating or chewing. Honestly, finding a puppy tooth is kinda like finding a four-leaf clover – a rare, slightly alarming, but ultimately fascinating discovery. I remember with my current terror, Winston, I found one stuck to the leg of my sweatpants. Just… there. A perfect, tiny canine incisor. Surreal.

This whole process, the shedding of the puppy teeth and the eruption of the adult ones, is collectively known as teething. And this, my friends, is where the fun really begins for you. Because as those new teeth push through sensitive gums, it hurts. It itches. It feels… weird. And what do creatures with itchy, uncomfortable mouths and an innate drive to explore the world with their face do? They chew. Oh, how they chew. Everything becomes a potential gum-soother, a satisfying pressure against aching jaws. Your favourite slippers? Prime target. The leg of the antique table? Absolutely. Your hands, your feet, the remote control? If it fits in their mouth and provides even a milligram of relief, it’s fair game. This isn’t naughtiness (mostly), it’s necessity. Their little bodies are screaming, “Mouth feels funny! Apply pressure! Apply all the pressure!”

The teething phase typically lasts from about 4 months to 6 months of age, though again, there’s wiggle room. Some start a bit earlier, some finish a bit later. During this time, they’ll lose all 28 of their deciduous teeth – 12 incisors (those tiny ones at the front), 4 canines (the sharp fangs), and 12 premolars. The adult set they gain is much larger – 42 teeth in total, including molars at the back. That’s a lot of dental traffic! You might notice a slight redness or puffiness to their gums. Sometimes, there might be a tiny spot of blood on a chew toy or even in their water bowl – usually nothing to freak out about, just a tooth finally letting go. Their breath might get a little… funky. Puppy breath transitions from that sweet, milky scent to something a bit more gamey during teething. It’s all part of the delightful package.

So, finding those tiny teeth? Totally normal. Dealing with the ensuing chewing madness? Also totally normal, if utterly exhausting. It’s a rite of passage for both puppy and owner. You learn patience. You learn to identify safe chew toys versus utterly forbidden objects (usually by sacrificing a few socks). You learn the distinct sounds of puppy jaws demolishing something they shouldn’t be. It’s a symphony of destruction, really, set against the backdrop of their undeniable cuteness which, let’s face it, is nature’s way of ensuring we don’t completely lose our minds and sell them to the circus during this phase.

Now, while the act of losing teeth is normal, there are a few things that might warrant a call to your vet. Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after a minute or two? Not typical. A sudden reluctance to eat their food, or crying out when they try to chew? Could indicate a problem. Loose adult teeth (which shouldn’t even be fully in yet at this stage) or signs of infection in the gums (like severe swelling, pus, or a truly foul smell) are definitely red flags. Sometimes, a baby tooth is stubborn and doesn’t want to fall out, even though the adult tooth is trying to erupt right next to it. This is called a persistent deciduous tooth, and it needs veterinary attention because it can cause bite problems and trap food, leading to dental issues down the line. But honestly, in the vast majority of cases, the process is smooth, messy, and proceeds exactly as nature intended.

What can you do to help your little land shark (and save your furniture)? Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys. Think variety! Hard rubber toys, Nylabones, rope toys (supervised, so they don’t ingest strands), puzzle toys that dispense treats when manipulated – anything safe they can sink their teeth into. Freezing some of these toys, or stuffing a KONG with peanut butter and freezing it, can offer extra relief because the cold helps soothe inflamed gums. Ice cubes are another popular, temporary option – just make sure they’re not too big for your pup. Gentle gum massages with a clean finger can also feel good. And most importantly, be patient and consistent with redirecting their chewing. If they go for your shoe, a firm “No!” and immediately offer them a fantastic chew toy instead. Lavish praise when they chew the right thing. It takes repetition, but they’ll get it. Eventually. Maybe.

Remember, this phase is temporary. It feels like forever when you’re living through it, constantly supervising and fishing inappropriate items out of their mouth. But just like the awkward, gappy smiles of human kids losing teeth, there’s a certain charm to a puppy with a missing incisor or two. They look even more baby-like, somehow. And before you know it, those big, white, adult teeth will all be in place. The intense need to chew everything will subside (though adolescent dogs still need plenty of appropriate outlets for their energy and chewing instincts). You’ll look back, perhaps while examining a slightly scarred coffee table leg, and chuckle. It was a wild ride, the teething phase. A true test of wills. But it’s a perfectly normal, necessary part of growing up canine. So, if you find a tooth, don’t panic. Maybe keep it. It’s proof you survived. And your puppy? They’re just doing exactly what millions of puppies before them have done. Business as usual in the chaotic, wonderful world of puppyhood. Now, where did I put those frozen carrots…? My shoe seems to be calling Winston’s name.